I'm at 18k miles right now, Do I need to change my fuel filter? After highway driving, I noticed that I really have to get on the gas to accelerate for a little bit.
Is this a DYI or is it better to go straight to the dealer?

 

I don't know how often Ford recommends the fuel filter to be changed, so I don't know if 18K is enough miles to think about changing it or not. As far as changing it, pretty much anyone can do it I think. This is what I remember of changing mine...It's underneath the driver's seat under the car, and has a long plastic cover bolted over it. Unbolt that cover, then there is a clamp around the filter that is bolted to the body that you can unbolt to make things easier. On both ends of the filter, there are green clamps that you have to push in to release the hose from both ends of the filter...kind of a pain, as they were pretty snug on mine. Remember to keep your face out of the way when the hose comes off because gas in the eye doesn't feel good. : ) There might be a way to depressurize the lines, and it might have to do with the button by your left shin in the interior, but I didn't bother with it. Now for whatever reason, Ford didn't make this clamp around the filter a half-clamp, so i used a hammer to lightly tap the filter out of the clamp and to tap the new filter in place. Be sure that when you install the new filter that the arrow on the filter is pointed toward the engine. Hook the lines back up, bolt the clamp, then the cover. After this I turned my key on and off a several times so that the fuel pump would pump some fuel through the lines. It will sound different the first few times since there isn't any gas in the line at first, but after several cycles it will sound more normal. Start it up and let it run and you should be good to go....at least it worked for me! Hope that helps!

 

I just changed mine at 20K miles, and it's just like I added a new tune. I could barely blow through the the old filter. The car is much more responsive now.

 

Ford recommends 15K for fuel filter, I persoanlly change mine 12K or once a year at most. our filters are somewhat restrictive even when new. and a dirty one will affect ,mileage, performance and ide...basically everything..There are several good write-ups on the filter change.

 

When you change the filter(good idea) turn the key as far as you can, but dont crank it and then let off, repeat the procress 4-5 times to pressurize the fuel line, for a better start. You will hear the fuel pump prime.

 

I just got my mustang about a week ago with 20k on it. so im going to do my fuel filter tomorrow. i found this four part pdf on how to do it. looks like it was copied out of a repair manual. great detail and easy to understand. http://www.2005stang.com/gallery/dis...=447&pos=0

on another note, what brand is the best?

 

I got a coupon from the Dealer for an oil change, tire rotation, air filter change and fuel filter change for $89.95, couldn't pass it up at that price. Mileage was 15300 and I did not notice much difference afterward.

 

I know ppl on here are going to disagree with me on this one, but when I replace my filter, oil, any fluid that is, I go with original motorcraft. Your owners guide will give you part #'s for all oem filters and fluids.

 

I just bought the motor craft fuel filter today. It will be going in tonight.

 

I did my fuel filter this morning. it was very simple. I got a napa filter since it was the only one in town. I notice a little improvement in power, it seems to have woken it up.

Jim that doesnt seem like a great deal. I see oil changes and tire rotation for $30 bucks or less at every shop. Say $10 give or take for an air filter, $15 give or take for a fuel filter, and we'll give the shop the benefit of the doubt and say $25 for oil and a filter. Now you're looking at $50 in parts. Oil change takes 10 min, air filter 5mins if the mechanic is dumb, and 20 mins for the fuel filter change. So 35min of actual work done by these guys. They charged you $90. I guess thats not too horrible for taking it to a shop, but I would still prefer to do it myself, enjoy the time working on it, and save the $40.