Nelson21

Whats up everyone?

Just seeking some help with replacing a fuel filter, I've already depressurized the fuel lines, removed the clamp and removed the filter from the housing. But for the life of me I can not get this damn filter off... I have the 5/16 disconnect tool that I'm attempting to use but no dice. Is there a trick to it, am i doing something wrong?

vanquish

Kind of hard to explain but put the prong end of the tool into the fuel line while pushing the fuel filter towards the fuel line that has the tool in it so the retaining clips are released. It still can be a fight but you'll eventually get it.

BOSTANG

Put the disconnect tool around the the fuel filter line and push the tool into the groove all the in until it stop. Then leave the tool connect and then pull fuel line with one hand ane the fuel filter with the other. If it still will not disconnect you do not have the tool alll the way in. Hope this help you out.

Sniper6677

unless someone else raped the clips before you had the car it should come right out...

Lowtryx

There will be two small plastic clips on either end of the fuel lines, clasping the input and output sides of the Fuel filter. I don't quite remember entirely the style of the 99-04's, but I changed one at work last week on a 2000.

Be VERY careful when removing the clips, (At least with Motorcraft filters) you won't recieve any new clips with your new filter. There will be two sides to each clip; a side with two prongs and a flat side. It basically looks like a horseshoe. What you need to do is push in the pronged ends of the the clip to release the tension, then CAREFULLY push the clip up through the line. The clips are extremely fragile, unfortunately and like I said the new filter will not come with replacements. USE A RAG over the line, and gently but firmly pull the line from the Filter. I'm serious when I say use a rag, I wore a fully pressurized line of fuel in the eyes and had to drop everything and run to the eyewash last week during a fuel filter. Remove the old filter, make sure you re install the new one with the arrows pointing in the direction of the flow towards the engine. Push your lines on your new filter until you hear/feel them click into place. Push your clips back in, and tighten your band clamp. Be sure to prime your fuel system at least 3-5 times before starting, otherwise you will most likely bog and stall, giving you a troublesome DTC.