Ford Truck Fuel Filter: Diy Replacement Guide

Changing a Ford truck's fuel filter is a simple task that can be performed by a novice truck owner or tackled by a local mechanic. The fuel filter is an essential component for every vehicle, designed to keep clean fuel funneling through the system, thereby enhancing gas economy and overall performance. If the fuel filter is not doing its job, fuel cannot get to the engine in sufficient quantities to deliver the performance you expect. A dirty filter can wreak havoc on injectors, which will force the vehicle to work harder than usual. The fuel filter should be replaced every 5 years/50,000 miles, but it may need to be checked or cleaned more often depending on where you live and your driving habits.

Relieve pressure from the fuel system

To relieve pressure from the fuel system of your Ford truck, start by removing the fuse cover located under the hood on the driver's side. Then, trip the inertia fuel reset switch, which should have a red rubber top. You can disable the switch by tapping it in the middle with a rubber mallet. You will know you have been successful when the motor gives out.

There are several ways to depressurize the fuel system in a Ford truck. You can trip the inertia switch, unplug the inertia switch, unplug the fuel tank selector switch, unplug the fuel pump relay, or unhook the power feed to the fuel pump relay. Then, start the truck and let it run until it runs out of gas.

Alternatively, you can depressurize the system by pushing in the nipple on the rail where you would normally check your pressure. This will result in less fuel in the line, but it won't be pressurized.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Ford F-150, you will first need to relieve the pressure from the fuel system. Begin by removing the fuse cover located under the hood on the driver's side and tripping the inertia fuel reset switch, which should have a red rubber top. This is the only maintenance routine you should perform with your engine running. Disable the switch by tapping it in the middle with the end of a rubber mallet. You will know you have been successful when the motor gives out.

Next, locate the fuel filter. It is found in the section of your F-150 that is just under the driver's side door. To remove it, first unhook the metal retaining clip. Then, position the line compression removal tool so that it rests on the front end of the filter. Apply a small amount of pressure, sliding the tool into the line fitting until it slides off. Keep towels handy, as fuel tends to gush out during this step. Repeat this process at the rear of the filter, applying as little pressure as possible. Once both ends of the line fitting have been removed, use a flat-blade screwdriver to disconnect the dirty filter.

If your Ford F-150 has duck bill clips, no special tool is required to remove the fuel filter. Simply pry out the clips. If it has spring-type clips, you will need a release tool. There are several ways to depressurise the system:

• Trip the inertia switch
• Unplug the inertia switch
• Unplug the fuel tank selector switch
• Unplug the fuel pump relay
• Unhook the power feed to the fuel pump relay

If you do not want to depressurise the system, you can put a towel over yourself and wear safety glasses or swimming goggles to protect your eyes.

Replace the filter

Now that you have relieved the pressure from the fuel system and removed the old filter, it is time to install the new one. Take the new filter and position it carefully, ensuring that the flow arrow is pointing towards the front end of your Ford F-150. Once you are satisfied with the positioning, reconnect the front line and secure it by clipping the retaining clip back into place. Repeat this process for the rear line.

Now that the new filter is in place, reset the inertia switch by clicking the red button once more. Before taking your truck out for a spin, cycle the ignition a few times and check for any leakage. It is important to keep the engine running when testing out the new filter.

If you are replacing the fuel filter on a Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014), the process is slightly different. After draining the fuel and removing the old filter, secure the new primary fuel filter cap from the complete fuel filter kit. It should snap into place in just a few seconds. Next, remove the secondary fuel filter cap using a 24 mm socket wrench. Use a turkey baster to suck the fuel out of the assembly. Finally, replace the secondary fuel filter cap and turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the engine. Hold this position for about 30 seconds before testing out your new filter.

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.

For the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014), after the secondary fuel filter cap has been replaced, turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the engine and hold that position for about 30 seconds. Once you have waited for half a minute, you can try out your new filter on the road.

Signs of a bad fuel filter

A fuel filter is an essential component of any vehicle, designed to keep clean fuel flowing through the system and enhancing gas economy and overall performance. Here are some signs that indicate a bad or clogged fuel filter:

Engine Won't Start or is Hard to Start

If the fuel filter is clogged, it may prevent the engine from getting enough fuel, causing it to struggle to start or fail to start at all.

Engine Idling, Stalling, or Misfiring

A clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to stutter, stall, or misfire, especially when operating at low speeds. This is because a dirty filter restricts fuel flow, resulting in less fuel being supplied to the engine.

Poor Engine Performance

A clogged fuel filter can lead to decreased engine performance, including issues with speed, handling, and turning. This is particularly noticeable when driving at high speeds, going up inclines, or carrying heavy loads.

Check Engine Light is On

If the injectors don't receive enough pressurized fuel, it can trigger the "Check Engine" light. This is often due to a lean fuel-air mixture, which the engine compensates for by commanding more fuel to mix with the air. As a result, fuel consumption increases.

Loud Noises from the Fuel Pump

Unusual noises coming from the fuel pump could indicate that it is struggling to push fuel through a dirty fuel filter. This can put additional strain on the pump, potentially leading to premature failure.

Power Loss When Under Load

A clogged fuel filter may not cause issues when the engine is idling, but when accelerating or pulling a load, the increased demand for fuel can result in power loss. The restricted fuel supply prevents the fuel rail from staying full, limiting the amount of power the engine can produce.

It is important to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance recommendations and intervals. Regularly changing the fuel filter, typically every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or every 2 years, can help prevent these issues and maintain optimal vehicle performance.

Frequently asked questions