Replacing F150 Fuel Filter: Step-By-Step Guide For Diy Enthusiasts

Replacing the fuel filter in your Ford F-150 is a simple task that can be performed by a novice truck owner or tackled by a local mechanic. It is important basic maintenance that can be performed about every 10,000 miles or so. A dirty filter can wreak havoc on your injectors, forcing your vehicle to work harder than usual. Poor fuel economy or slow acceleration could be a warning sign that your fuel filter needs to be replaced.

You can get a new fuel filter for your Ford F-150 for around $80 at your local mechanic or repair it yourself for approximately $20 and 30 minutes of your time. You will need a few tools, including a flathead screwdriver, a rubber mallet, and a 5/16-line compression removal tool.

Relieve the pressure from the fuel system

The first step to removing the fuel filter of an F150 is to reduce the pressure from the fuel system. Reducing pressure from the fuel system lines will allow you to work with the system and remove the old filter efficiently.

Keep the engine running and all accessories off during this step.

Find and remove the fuse cover; it should be on the driver’s side and have a red top.

To trip the inertia fuel reset switch, gently tap on the switch with a rubber mallet. The switch should have a red rubber top.

Once the switch is off, the engine should die shortly after.

Crank the starter a few times to make sure the system has no pressure left.

Safety Tips

• Never work on a hot engine when replacing a fuel filter.
• Never smoke while working around the fuel system and filter.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Ford F-150, you will need a medium flathead screwdriver and a 5/16 line compression removal tool. You should also have some towels, a rubber mallet, a small pick, safety goggles, and a catch tray for any fuel that spills.

First, relieve the pressure from the fuel system. Remove the fuse cover located under the hood on the driver's side. It should have a red rubber top. Tap the inertia fuel reset switch in the middle with the rubber mallet to disable it. The engine should cut out. Crank the starter a few times to ensure the system has no pressure left.

Next, locate the fuel filter. It is under the driver's side door by the step rail. Note the direction the filter is facing. The flow arrow and the fuel should be going towards the front of the truck.

Unhook the metal retaining clip and swing it away. Put the line removal tool on the front of the fuel filter and apply gentle pressure to squeeze the fitting into the filter. Slide the removal tool towards the front end of the truck into the line fitting until it fits solidly. The line fitting can now be removed from the old filter. Be careful, as fuel may spray out. Wrap a rag around the line to minimize the mess. Undo the line from the c-clamp holding it.

Repeat this process for the rear of the filter. It is more delicate, so use a pick to lift the middle of the fitting. Once you have finished with the rear, use the flathead screwdriver to disconnect the old fuel filter.

Replace the filter

Now that you've relieved the pressure from the fuel system and removed the old filter, it's time to install the new one. Before you begin, remove any plastic pieces from the new filter and throw them away.

Position the new filter so that the flow arrow is pointing towards the front end of your F-150. Then, reconnect the front line and hook the retaining clip back into place. Repeat this process for the rear line.

Now, rehook the front line made of steel onto the filter. Compress the filter onto the new filter until it feels solid. If you can replace the retaining hook without any trouble, you've correctly installed the front line. Finally, install the rear line in the same way. Once it has been tightened as much as it will go, press the blue centerpiece to lock the unit.

Double-check all your lines and your work, and rehook the clamps.

Reset and test

With the new filter in place, reset the inertia switch by clicking the red button once more. Cycle the ignition a few times before checking for leakage—and remember to keep the engine running when testing out your new filter.

Restarting the engine will be a little rough at first. This will only last for several seconds, as the rough running will only occur while the fuel line clears the air out. The engine should start right up and run cleanly after that. Again, take a moment to get out of the truck and visually check the fuel line for leaks.

Reset and test

With the new filter in place, you are free to reset the inertia switch by clicking the red button once more. Cycle the ignition a few times before checking for leakage and remember to keep the engine running when testing out your new filter.

The first thing you will want to do before checking the new fuel filter is to reset the fuel pump inertia by pressing that red switch until it clicks.

Turn on the ignition, but don’t start it. Count to 10, then turn it off. Try to do this about 3 to 4 times.

Check the fuel line by starting the ignition. Turn the ignition on, but leave the engine off! Get out and check to see if there are any leaks in the line or around the filter.

If there are no leaks, that is great! After you have turned the ignition on and off a few times, you can start the engine.

The engine should start right away. It may run rough until the air clears out of the system.

While the motor is on, you can check for leaks a final time.

Safety precautions

Changing the fuel filter is a part of regular maintenance and should be done at the manufacturer's recommended interval. Here are some safety precautions to follow when changing a fuel filter:

Relieving the Pressure in the Fuel System

• Locate your vehicle's fuse box. This can usually be found in the interior of the car or under the hood. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the appropriate fuse box.
• Remove the fuse for the fuel pump. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuse. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine.
• Ensure the vehicle is not in gear. Make sure automatic vehicles are in park and vehicles with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged.
• Start the engine and let it run for a minute before shutting it off. This will relieve the pressure in the fuel lines.
• Re-insert the fuel pump fuse and place the cover back on the fuse box.

Disconnect the Battery

Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. This will prevent the engine from being started accidentally while you work.

Locate the Fuel Filter

• Refer to your vehicle's service manual to locate the fuel filter. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump.
• If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, jack up the car to access it. Place jack stands under the vehicle before working under it.

Use a Container to Catch Any Fuel Drip

Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that drips or pours out when you disconnect the fuel lines.

Wear Protective Gear

Wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from fuel splatter during the removal and installation process.

Remove and Install the Fuel Filter

• Remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place using a flat-head screwdriver.
• Remove the fuel lines from the filter, tipping them towards the container to catch any spilled gasoline.
• Slide the fuel filter out of its bracket.
• Compare the new filter to the old one to ensure they appear to be the same outside diameter and that the nozzles are the same size.
• Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket and fasten it to the fuel line.
• Make sure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles before sliding the clips into place.

Frequently asked questions