Replacing Fuel Filter: 2000 Ford Taurus Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a 2000 Ford Taurus is a simple task that can be completed in around 15-20 minutes. The fuel filter is located under the passenger side rear door and is attached by three hoses and a screw. The tools required for this task include a 3/8 ratchet handle, a 3/8 extension for the ratchet, a 5/16 socket, a flathead screwdriver, safety glasses, a jack, two jack stands, a cup, and replacement clips. Before beginning, it is important to relieve the fuel pressure by removing the fuel pump relay and cranking the engine several times until it dies. Once the pressure is released, the fuel filter can be located, the hoses disconnected, and the old filter replaced with a new one.

Jack up your car and locate the fuel filter

To jack up your 2000 Ford Taurus, you will need a jack and two jack stands. Park your car on a hard, level surface and block the wheels that will remain on the ground. Set the parking brake if the rear wheels are not lifted. These actions will prevent unintended vehicle movement.

Now, position your jack underneath your car. For the front of the car, you can use the front crossmember to lift the entire front. For the rear, you can jack it up by the lower control arm, as close to the tire as possible. Once the car is lifted, place jack stands at each point and slowly lower the car until it rests on the stands.

Now that your car is safely jacked up, you can locate the fuel filter. It is located under the passenger side rear door and will have three hoses going to it. It is attached by a screw.

Disconnect the pump relay with a flat-head screwdriver

Disconnecting the pump relay with a flat-head screwdriver is a crucial step in changing the fuel filter of a 2000 Ford Taurus. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, locate the kill switch for the fuel pump in your trunk. It is usually on the right side, behind the photo of the gas sign. Once you have found it, take your flat-head screwdriver and insert it behind the grey insert of the pump relay. Carefully pull up on the screwdriver to gently remove the relay. Be sure to pull out the grey part of the relay.

After successfully disconnecting the pump relay, the next step is to turn on the car until it dies. This step is important to relieve the pressure in the fuel system before proceeding with the fuel filter replacement.

It is crucial to exercise caution when working with the fuel system of your vehicle. Always refer to a qualified mechanic or a professional repair manual for specific instructions regarding your car model.

Turn on the car until it dies

To change the fuel filter on a 2000 Ford Taurus, you will need to turn on the car until it dies. This is because, before removing the fuel filter, you need to relieve the fuel pressure in the system.

• Locate the fuel pump relay in your Ford Taurus. It is usually in the engine compartment.
• Remove the fuel pump relay. This will prevent the fuel pump from working, but the engine will still be able to use the remaining fuel in the lines and the fuel filter.
• Turn on the car. With the fuel pump relay removed, the engine will eventually run out of fuel and die. This may take several seconds or a few minutes, depending on the amount of fuel remaining in the lines and the fuel filter.
• Once the engine dies, you can proceed with the next steps in changing the fuel filter.

It is important to note that running out of fuel is not good for your engine. Even before you reach zero fuel, sediment in the fuel can damage fuel lines, block the fuel filter, and harm the engine. When the engine runs out of fuel, the fuel pump will draw in air, which can cause it to overheat and wear out. Therefore, it is always best to refuel your vehicle before reaching empty.

Remove the old fuel filter

To remove the old fuel filter from your 2000 Ford Taurus, you will need a flat-head screwdriver, a 3/8" ratchet handle, a 3/8" extension for the ratchet, a 5/16" socket, safety glasses, a jack (hydraulic or OEM), two jack stands, and a cup.

First, jack up your car and put jack stands in place. Next, locate the fuel pump kill switch in the trunk, on the right side behind the photo of the gas sign. Disconnect the pump relay with your flat-head screwdriver by inserting it behind the grey insert and pulling it out carefully. Once the relay is disconnected, turn the car on until it dies.

Now, locate the fuel filter under the passenger-side rear door. It will have three hoses going to it and will be attached by a screw. Using your flat-head screwdriver, locate the three clips holding the hoses in place. Lightly push them in and then out while pushing the bottom of the clip with your other hand. Once the clips are out, use your ratchet handle with the extension and 5/16" socket to loosen the screw. Once the screw is loose, separate the hoses from the filter one by one and drain the petrol into the cup.

Now you can put in the new fuel filter.

Install the new fuel filter

To install the new fuel filter in your 2000 Ford Taurus, follow these steps:

Firstly, make sure you have purchased a suitable replacement fuel filter for your vehicle. You can check online or with a mechanic to ensure you have the correct model. Some filters come with replacement clips, so check you have these too.

Now, with your new fuel filter to hand, you can begin the installation.

Locate the fuel filter under the passenger side rear door. You should see three hoses connected to it, held in place by clips. Using your flathead screwdriver, carefully remove these clips by pushing them in and out, while pushing the bottom of the clip with your other hand. Be gentle, as these clips can be quite delicate and prone to breaking.

Once the clips are removed, use your ratchet handle with the extension and 5/16" socket to loosen the screw holding the fuel filter in place. Carefully separate the hoses from the filter one by one, allowing the petrol to drain into your cup. Be prepared for some spillage.

Now it's time to install the new fuel filter. Simply follow the previous steps in reverse. Place the new fuel filter in position and tighten the screw with your ratchet. Then, one by one, put the hoses back in place and secure them with the clips.

Finally, locate the fuel pump kill switch in the trunk and set it back in place. Turn the key in the ignition to the 'ON' position, but don't start the car. Do this 5-10 times to allow the new fuel filter to fill. You will hear the fuel pump activate. Once it's filled, start the car and you're good to go!

Remember to take appropriate safety precautions when working with fuel and ensure your work area is well-ventilated.

Frequently asked questions