Changing Fuel Filters: 2005 Mustang Guide

The 2005 Mustang fuel filter is located underneath the driver's side of the vehicle. To change it, you will need to elevate the front of the car, remove the fuel pump relay, disconnect the battery, and remove the fuel line shield. You will then need to remove the fuel filter by pushing in the green tab and pulling off the fuel lines. Be sure to have rags ready to collect any fuel that spills. Finally, slide in the new fuel filter and reinstall the fuel line shield, fuel pump relay, and negative battery terminal.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is the second step in changing the fuel filter of a 2005 Mustang. This is a crucial step and must not be skipped, as it can lead to dangerous and messy outcomes.

To disconnect the negative battery cable, you will need an 8mm wrench. Loosen the cable connection with the wrench and then pull the negative (black) terminal cable away from the battery. Ensure that you do not touch the cable to any metal parts of the car, as this could result in an electrical short.

After completing the fuel filter replacement, you will need to reconnect the negative battery cable. Simply attach the cable back to the negative terminal on the battery and tighten the connection with the wrench.

Remove the fuel pump fuse

To remove the fuel pump fuse from a 2005 Mustang, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the fuse box. This is under the hood, on the passenger side. The fuel pump relay is fuse #21, which you can also find on page 165 of your owner's manual. Remove this fuse.

Now, turn the ignition and try to start the car. The car should not start. This step uses up the gasoline that is in the fuel line. As the fuel pump fuse has been removed, no more gasoline will be introduced into the fuel line. This step ensures that when you remove the fuel filter, there will be very little gasoline left in the fuel line, making the process less messy.

Next, crank the engine over five times to clear the fuel from the lines. Then, disconnect the negative (black) terminal on your battery with an 8mm wrench.

Do not skip the next step or your results will be dangerous and messy! Remove the fuel line shield by taking out the three 10mm nuts that hold it in place. Once they are removed, pull the cover down. Set these nuts aside in a safe place so that you do not lose them.

Now, you can remove the fuel filter. First, take out the 10mm bolt clamping down the fuel filter. Then, remove the fuel lines by pushing in the green tab and pulling the lines off. Have rags ready to collect any fuel that might spill from the filter. Once these lines are removed, simply slide the old filter out.

Remove the fuel line shield

To remove the fuel line shield of your 2005 Mustang, you will need to elevate the front of the vehicle. This can be done with ramps, a jack supported by jack stands, or a lift if you have access to one.

Once the vehicle is lifted, you will see a long, plastic cover that conceals the fuel filter, fuel lines, and other components. This cover is held in place by three 10mm nuts and a retaining clip.

First, remove the retaining clip from the rear of the cover with a flathead screwdriver. Next, use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the three nuts. Set these nuts aside in a safe place so they are not lost. Once the nuts and clip are removed, simply pull the cover down. It is not necessary to remove the entire cover, just enough to access the fuel filter.

With the fuel line shield removed, you can now access the fuel filter. The next step is to remove the 10mm bolt clamping down the fuel filter. Then, the fuel filter's fuel lines can be removed by pushing in the green tab and pulling off. Be prepared for some fuel to spill, so have rags and a pan ready to collect it.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from a 2005 Mustang, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the fuel filter. It is situated under the driver's seat, beneath the car, and covered by a large black cover. This cover is held in place by push pins and several 10mm nuts.

Now, remove the cover. You can do this by removing three 10mm nuts and one push pin, allowing the cover to hang down and out of the way.

The fuel filter is secured by a black rubber mount that is held in place by a 10mm nut. Remove this nut to allow the rubber mount to be rotated, making it easier to slide out the fuel filter.

The fuel filter is attached to the fuel lines on each side by fittings with green buttons. Press the green buttons in (you can use a screwdriver tip for this) and pull the filter off the fuel line. Do this on both sides, and the filter can be slipped out of the rubber mount.

Have rags ready to collect any fuel that might spill from the filter.

Now that you have removed the old filter, you can install the new one.

Install the new fuel filter

Installing the new fuel filter is a simple process, but it must be done carefully to avoid spillages and to ensure a secure fit.

First, you will need to install the new fuel filter into the retainer strap. Make sure the black arrow on the new filter is pointing towards the engine.

Next, push the fuel lines onto the fuel filter inlet and outlet. You should hear them click into place.

Now, reinstall the fuel filter strap to the vehicle's chassis and reinstall the cover in the reverse order of removal.

Turn your ignition key twice without starting the vehicle to build up pressure. Then start the car.

Finally, check for leaks. If there are none, you're done!

Frequently asked questions