Replacing The Fuel Filter In Your 1987 Ford Ranger

Changing the fuel filter on a 1987 Ford Ranger can be a tricky task. The fuel filter is located on the driver's side, close to the frame rail near the engine. Before starting, it is important to relieve the pressure in the fuel system and put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from any splashing gas. You will also need a special fuel filter tool if your truck was built before 2004. Once you have located the filter and taken the necessary safety precautions, you can disconnect the fuel pump power by opening the fuse box and pulling out the fuse for the fuel pump while the truck is running. This will cause the truck to stall out and relieve the pressure in the system. Next, remove the old filter by pushing in the connectors and pulling the hoses back. Be careful not to break the connectors. Finally, put in the new filter by clipping the hoses back into place and plugging the fuel pump fuse back in. Turn the key to Run but do not start the truck. Let it sit for a few seconds, then crank the engine.

Locating the filter

To locate the fuel filter on a 1987 Ford Ranger, look on the driver's side frame rail under the back of the cab. The fuel filter will be a metallic canister, slightly smaller than a 12-ounce beverage can. It will be inline with the fuel line, mounted to the driver's side frame rail under the back of the cab.

Before you begin any work, it is important to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Find the Fuel Inertia Switch, which is located down by the panel your passengers might put their feet against, just under the glove box. Disconnect the wire connector using a small flathead screwdriver. Then, put your key in the ignition and crank the engine for 20-30 seconds.

Now, you can raise the front of the truck to prevent fuel siphoning. The filter is under the driver’s frame rail, on the inside, about where your seat is.

It is extremely important to wear protective eyewear when attempting this, as there is still pressure in the fuel system, and it will spray out.

Disconnecting the fuel pump power

To disconnect the fuel pump power on your 1987 Ford Ranger, you'll need to open the fuse box, which is located under the hood. With the truck running, pull out the fuse for the fuel pump, and the truck will stall out. This will relieve the pressure in the system.

It is extremely important to wear eye protection during this process, as there is still pressure in the fuel system, and you may get sprayed with fuel.

Before disconnecting the fuel pump power, you will need to relieve the fuel pressure. Find the Fuel Inertia Switch, which is located down by the panel your passengers might put their feet against, just under the glove box. Disconnect the wire connector using a small flathead screwdriver. Then, put your key in the ignition and crank the engine for 20-30 seconds.

Once you have disconnected the fuel pump power and relieved the pressure in the system, you can move on to removing the old fuel filter.

Removing the old filter

To remove the old filter from your 1987 Ford Ranger, you will need to locate the filter, relieve the fuel pressure, and then disconnect the fuel lines.

Locating the Filter

The fuel filter on a 1987 Ford Ranger is located on the driver's side frame rail under the back of the cab. It will look like a metal can about the size of a pop can.

Relieving the Fuel Pressure

Before removing the old filter, it is important to relieve the fuel pressure. First, put on your safety goggles to protect your eyes from any escaping fuel. Then, find the Fuel Inertia Switch, which is located under the glove box, near the panel that passengers might put their feet against. It is about 1 inch square and has wires connected to the bottom. Use a small flathead screwdriver to disconnect the wire connector. Next, put your key in the ignition and crank the engine for 20-30 seconds. The engine will not start, but this will relieve the fuel pressure.

Disconnecting the Fuel Lines

To disconnect the fuel lines, you will need to raise the front of the truck to prevent fuel siphoning. Then, find the spring retainer clips or quick disconnect fittings that hold the fuel filter in place. Squeeze and twist them to release the tab and slot that hold them together. You may need a special tool to disconnect the fuel lines, which you can purchase at an auto parts store. Once the fuel lines are disconnected, you might lose about half a cup of gas, so be prepared to cap the lines with the caps from the new filter.

Now that you have removed the old filter, you can install the new one! Remember to face the new filter in the same direction as the old one before connecting the fuel lines.

Putting in the new filter

Next, clean the quick disconnects with a clean cloth rag to ensure there is no dirt or rust inside. Then, simply clip the hoses back into the filter. The end with two nipples, one large and one small, will correspond with the connectors. Push the hoses in and give them a tug to ensure they are firmly in place.

Finally, replace the spring retainer clips and snap the new filter back into the clip on the frame.

Starting the truck

Now that you have installed the new fuel filter, it is time to start the truck.

First, plug the fuel pump fuse back in. Hop into the driver's seat, put the key in the ignition, and turn the key to the "RUN" position. Do not start the engine yet. Let the engine sit for about 5 seconds in the "RUN" position, and then crank the engine. The truck may take a few seconds to start due to the air in the system being pushed out.

If you want, you can run some fuel injector cleaner through the system, although this is not necessary.

If you have unplugged the Fuel Inertia Switch, remember to plug it back in. You may need to push the button on top of the switch, but this is not always necessary. Put the key in the "Accessory" position and wait a minute. Then, turn the key, and the engine should start.

Congratulations! You have successfully changed the fuel filter and started your 1987 Ford Ranger.

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