Changing Fuel Filters: 2011-2014 Mustangs

Replacing the fuel filter on a Ford Mustang is a vital part of the car's maintenance and can be done at home with the right tools and safety precautions. The fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles, as a clogged filter can cause driveability and fuel economy issues.

The process involves depressurising the fuel system,

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter of a Mustang, you will need to get under the car. The fuel filter is located almost directly above the rear axle or differential.

For a 2000 Mustang GT, the filter is over the rear axle. You will need to get under the car and locate the fuel filter, which is right behind the gas tank.

For a 2004 Mustang V6, the fuel filter is in front of the gas tank.

For a 2012 GT500, the fuel filter is underneath the car. You will need to lift the car via a lift or jacks and jack stands. Heading under the car, you will need to locate the filter's protective cover. This will be held in place by a few 10mm bolts and a couple of push pins. Go ahead and remove these and pull the shield out of the way. Now that you have the shield out, you can see the filter and the lines.

Prepare tools and safety gear

To prepare for changing the fuel filter on your 2011-2014 Mustang, you will need to gather the necessary tools and safety gear. Here is a list of what you will need:

Tools:

• Fuel line disconnect tools
• Push pin removal tool
• Lift or jack and jack stands
• 1/4" Socket set
• Fuse removal tool
• Screwdriver (flat head or Phillips head)
• Paper towels or rags
• Small container or drain pan to catch any spilled fuel
• New fuel filter
• Protective gloves and eye protection

Safety Gear:

• Safety glasses to protect your eyes from any fuel spills
• Gloves to protect your hands when handling fuel lines and filters
• Eye protection to shield your eyes from any debris or fuel spray
• Old clothing or coveralls to protect your body from fuel spills
• A well-ventilated work area to minimise the risk of inhaling fumes

It is important to have all the necessary tools and safety gear ready before beginning the fuel filter replacement process. Working on a fuel system can be dangerous, so taking the time to prepare and ensure your safety is crucial.

Bleed fuel pressure

Bleeding the fuel pressure is an important step in changing the fuel filter of a Mustang. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, locate the fuse panel to depressurise the fuel system. Remove the associated fuse or relay for the fuel pump, depending on your Mustang's year and model. Then, get inside the car and turn the engine over a few times to relieve any residual fuel pressure.

Next, disconnect the negative battery terminal. Locate the fuel filter and place a drain pan or bucket underneath to catch any residual fuel. Put on gloves and eye protection, as you will be dealing with a flammable liquid.

Now, we will be releasing the fuel pressure. Locate the Schrader valve, which is usually found by the throttle body at the end of the fuel rail towards the front of the car. It looks like a tire valve. Unscrew the cap of the Schrader valve and use a small screwdriver to release the fuel pressure. Wrap a shop rag or towel around the Schrader valve to catch any fuel that may spray out.

Alternatively, you can try the following method: pull the fuel pump relay and then try cranking the car over a few times to relieve the pressure. Even if the engine does not turn over, this should still bleed the pressure off.

Once the pressure is released, you can proceed with removing and replacing the fuel filter.

It is important to note that if your Mustang is a 2011-2014 Coyote V8 model, it has an internal filter located within the fuel tank, so the process of bleeding the fuel pressure may differ. Always refer to your owner's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is an important step when changing the fuel filter of a Mustang. It is recommended to disconnect the negative battery terminal first. This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical issues or accidents while working on the car.

To disconnect the battery, you will need to locate the battery in the engine bay. The battery is typically located near the front of the engine bay, on the driver's side or passenger side, depending on the specific model of Mustang. Once you have located the battery, you will need to identify the negative terminal. The negative terminal is usually marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover.

Before disconnecting the battery, ensure that you have the necessary tools, such as a wrench or socket that fits the battery terminal. You may also want to wear gloves and eye protection for added safety. Once you are ready, loosen the nut or bolt securing the negative battery cable to the terminal using the appropriate tool. Be careful not to touch any electrical components or connections other than the battery terminal you are working on.

After loosening the connection, carefully remove the cable from the battery terminal. Ensure that the cable does not touch any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit. You can place the cable aside, making sure it is away from any moving parts of the engine. With the battery disconnected, you can now proceed with the next steps of changing the fuel filter.

It is important to note that disconnecting the battery may cause the vehicle's computer to reset, resulting in the loss of certain settings, such as radio presets or clock settings. In some cases, you may need to reprogram certain features or enter a security code for the audio system. Keep this in mind before disconnecting the battery, and ensure that you have the necessary information or codes readily available to reset these settings if needed.

Remove and replace the filter

To remove and replace the fuel filter of a Mustang built between 2011 and 2014, you will need the following tools:

• Fuel line disconnect tools
• Push pin removal tool
• Lift or jack and jack stands
• A bucket or drain pan
• Gloves and eye protection

First, pop the hood of your Mustang to access the fuse panel to depressurise the fuel system. Check your model's fuse panel diagram to identify the associated fuse or relay for the fuel pump, and remove it.

Once this is done, get into the car and turn the engine over a few times to relieve any residual fuel pressure. Then, disconnect the negative battery terminal.

Next, you will need to lift the car using a jack and jack stands. Head under the car and locate the filter's protective cover, which will be held in place by 10mm bolts and push pins. Remove these and pull the shield out of the way.

Now, you should be able to see the filter and the lines. Depending on the model, you may need a set of fuel line disconnect tools. Slide a drain pan or bucket under the car to catch any residual fuel.

Starting with the end facing the rear of the vehicle, remove the line. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection, as you will be dealing with a flammable liquid. On this application, there is a quick-disconnect fitting. Push in on the green tab to release the line and pull it away from the filter.

For the front line, you will need to use the disconnect tool. Find the correct sizing and seat this into the female end of the line. Push in to release the spring tab, then pull the line away to remove it from the filter.

Allow a few minutes for any excess fuel to drain, then fully remove the fuel filter from the bracket. Check the directional arrow on your new filter, which will need to be facing the front of the vehicle. Slide the new filter through the bracket and seat the rear line until you hear an audible click. Do the same for the front side.

Finally, reinstall the protective shield, the relay or fuse, and reconnect the battery. Start the car and check for any leaks.

Frequently asked questions