Replacing Fuel Filter: 1989 Ford Ranger Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a Ford Ranger is a straightforward task that can be completed in a few hours. It is recommended that you change the fuel filter on your Ford Ranger every 30,000 miles as part of regular maintenance. Before beginning, ensure you have relieved the fuel system pressure and are wearing protective goggles to shield your eyes from any fuel splashes. The fuel filter on a Ford Ranger is located under the frame rail, near the fuel tank, on the driver's side of the vehicle. To change the fuel filter, first, remove the fuel pump fuse and start the engine, letting it run until it dies. Then, unbolt the old filter and remove the clips holding the fuel lines to the filter. Next, disconnect the fuel lines from both ends of the filter and remove the old filter from the mounting bracket. Install the new filter, ensuring the arrow on the side of the filter case points towards the engine, and reconnect the fuel lines and clips. Finally, check for any fuel leaks and ensure the engine starts correctly.

Relieve the fuel system pressure

To relieve the fuel system pressure of your 1989 Ford Ranger, follow these steps:

Firstly, park your car in a safe place and on a level surface, ensuring you have enough room to work around the vehicle. Open the hood and disconnect the black, negative battery cable. Loosen the fuel filler cap.

Now, locate the Schrader valve. This is found along the inlet fuel line of the fuel rail inside the engine compartment. On some models, you may need to remove an accessory cover from the fuel supply manifold. The Schrader valve is located right before the first fuel injector and resembles an air valve used on bicycle tires.

Once you have located the Schrader valve, use a small screwdriver to depress the stem inside the valve. Cover the valve with a shop rag to catch any fuel that may squirt out.

Now that you have relieved the fuel system pressure, you can proceed to remove the fuel filter. It is located under the frame rail near the fuel tank on the right-hand side of the vehicle (passenger side). If needed, raise the rear of the truck using a floor jack and support it on a jack stand.

Before removing the fuel filter, ensure you clean the lines and fittings of any dirt on both ends of the filter. Now, carefully remove the clips holding the fuel line fittings to the filter and disengage the fuel lines from both ends of the filter.

After the fuel lines have been disconnected, you can proceed to remove the fuel filter from the mounting bracket. If necessary, use a wrench or ratchet and socket to remove the bracket from the rail.

Please note that relieving fuel system pressure is a crucial safety step and should always be performed before attempting to remove or work on the fuel filter. It is also important to wear safety goggles and have eye wash handy in case of any fuel splashes.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is one of the first steps to take when changing the fuel filter on your 89 Ford Ranger. This is a crucial step to ensure your safety when working on the fuel system of your car.

Park your car in a safe place on a level surface, away from appliances with open flames like water heaters and dryers. Make sure you have enough room to work around the vehicle.

Open the hood of your Ford Ranger and locate the black, negative battery cable. This cable is attached to the negative terminal of the battery, which is usually marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover. Before disconnecting the cable, make sure you have the necessary tools, such as a wrench or ratchet, and that you are wearing protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves.

Once you have located the negative battery cable, proceed to carefully loosen and detach it from the battery terminal. Be cautious as the cable may be stiff or difficult to remove. You may need to use a wrench or ratchet to loosen the clamp that holds the cable in place.

After disconnecting the cable, make sure to place it in a safe location away from the battery, to avoid any accidental contact or arcing. Ensure that the cable does not touch any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit.

With the negative battery cable disconnected, you can now safely proceed with the next steps of changing the fuel filter. Remember to always exercise caution when working on your vehicle's fuel system, as it involves flammable liquids and potentially dangerous components.

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter on a 1989 Ford Ranger, you'll need to look under the car. Specifically, the fuel filter will be in line with the fuel line, mounted to the driver's side frame rail under the back of the cab. It will be a metallic canister, slightly smaller than a 12-ounce beverage can.

If you're having trouble finding it, try locating the fuel tank first. The fuel filter will be near the fuel tank, either on the right-hand side (passenger side) or the left-hand side (driver's side), depending on the model of your Ford Ranger.

For the 2005 2.3-liter engine Ranger, the fuel filter is located under the frame rail near the fuel tank on the right-hand side of the vehicle (passenger side).

For the 1998 4-Banger model, the fuel filter is located under the driver's frame rail, on the inside, about where your seat is.

For older models of the Ford Ranger, the fuel filter is located on the driver's side frame rail under the back of the cab.

Remember to always relieve the fuel system pressure and wear protective eye equipment before attempting any work on the fuel system.

Remove the clips holding the fuel line fittings

To remove the clips holding the fuel line fittings, you will need to relieve the fuel system pressure. Open the hood and disconnect the black, negative battery cable. Loosen the fuel filler cap and locate the Schrader valve along the inlet fuel line of the fuel rail inside the engine compartment. The valve is located right before the first fuel injector and resembles an air valve used on bicycle tires. Depress the stem inside the valve using a small screwdriver. Cover the valve with a shop rag to catch the squirt of fuel.

Now, locate the fuel filter under the frame rail near the fuel tank on the driver's side of the vehicle. If necessary, raise the rear of the truck using a floor jack and safely support it on a jack stand. Clean the lines and fittings of dirt on both ends of the fuel filter.

You should now be able to see the clips holding the fuel line fittings to the filter. Remove these clips, and then you can proceed to disengage the fuel lines from both ends of the filter.

Please note that it is important to wear safety goggles and take the necessary precautions when working on the fuel system of your car to avoid accidents.

Install the new filter

Now that you have relieved the fuel pressure, located the fuel filter, and disconnected the old filter, it's time to install the new one.

First, ensure the arrow on the new filter case is pointing towards the engine. Then, slide the filter tubes into the quick disconnect fittings. Give them a firm tug to ensure they are securely in place.

Next, replace the spring retainer clips. Snap the new filter into the clip on the frame. You can now test out your new filter. Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the accessory position, and wait a minute before attempting to start the engine.

If you forgot to plug the fuel inertia switch back in, you will need to do so now. You may need to push the button on top of the switch, but this is not always necessary. Once you have reconnected the switch, put the key in the accessory position and wait a minute before turning the key to start the engine.

Your new fuel filter is now installed and your Ford Ranger is ready to hit the road!

Frequently asked questions