Changing Fuel Filter: Ford F150 Guide

Changing the fuel filter on your Ford F-150 is a simple task that can save you money and improve your truck's performance. This basic maintenance procedure can be performed by a novice truck owner or tackled by a local mechanic. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the fuel filter on your Ford F-150, providing a step-by-step walkthrough to make the task easier. By following these instructions, you can ensure your truck runs efficiently and avoid potential issues caused by a dirty or clogged fuel filter.

Relieve the pressure from the fuel system

To relieve the pressure from the fuel system of your Ford F-150, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the fuse cover on the driver's side of the vehicle, under the hood. It should be red. Remove this fuse cover.

Now, you need to trip the inertia fuel reset switch. This has a red rubber top and can be disabled by tapping it in the middle with a rubber mallet. You will know you have been successful when the motor gives out.

Keep the engine running and all accessories off while you perform this step. Crank the starter a few times to ensure the system has no pressure left.

This is one of the few maintenance routines you should perform with your engine running.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Ford F-150, you must first relieve the pressure from the fuel system. Begin by removing the fuse cover, which is located under the hood on the driver's side and has a red rubber top. Then, trip the inertia fuel reset switch by tapping it in the middle with a rubber mallet. You will know you have been successful when the motor gives out.

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

Now, start with the front of the filter. Unhook and swing away the metal retaining clip. Place the line removal tool on the front of the fuel filter and gently apply pressure to squeeze the fitting into the fuel filter. Slide the removal tool forward, towards the front end of the truck, into the line fitting until it fits solidly. Watch out for fuel spray at this stage, and minimise any mess by wrapping a rag around the line.

Undo the line from the c-clamp holding it. Now, repeat this process for the rear of the filter, taking care as this end is more delicate. You may want to use a small pick to lift the middle of the fitting.

Once you have finished with the rear, use a flat-head screwdriver to disconnect the dirty, old fuel filter.

Replace the filter

Now that you have relieved the pressure from the fuel system and removed the old fuel filter, you can replace it with a new one.

First, take note of which way the filter is facing. The flow arrow and the fuel should be going towards the front of the truck. Next, remove any plastic pieces from the new filter and locate the flow arrows. Now, install the new filter, making sure that the arrows are pointing towards the front of the truck, just like the old one.

Rehook the front line onto the filter and compress the filter onto it until it feels solid. If you can replace the retaining hook without any trouble, you have correctly installed the front line. Finally, install the rear line the same way. Once it has been tightened as much as it will go, press the blue centerpiece to lock the unit.

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

Reset and test

Resetting and testing your new fuel filter is a straightforward process. Firstly, reset the fuel pump inertia by pressing the red switch until you hear a click. Then, cycle the ignition a few times—turn it on, count to ten, then turn it off. Repeat this process three to four times.

Now, check for leaks. Turn the ignition on, but don't start the engine. Get out of the vehicle and check the fuel line and the area around the filter for any leaks. If you don't spot any, you're good to go. Start the engine. It may run a little rough at first as the fuel line clears the air out, but this shouldn't last more than a few seconds. Once the engine is running, check for leaks one final time.

Safety precautions

Changing the fuel filter on your Ford F-150 is a simple task that can be performed by a novice truck owner or tackled by a local mechanic. However, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. Here are some detailed safety instructions to follow when changing the fuel filter on your Ford F150:

Park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake:

Before starting any work on your Ford F150, it is crucial to ensure that the vehicle is securely parked on a flat surface. This will prevent the truck from accidentally rolling while you are working underneath it. Engaging the parking brake adds an extra layer of security.

Turn off the engine and disconnect the battery:

Always turn off the engine and disconnect the battery before performing any maintenance or repair work on your vehicle. This will prevent any accidental sparks that could cause an explosion, especially when working with flammable liquids such as fuel.

Use wheel chocks to block the wheels:

For added safety, use wheel chocks to block the wheels of your Ford F150. This will provide additional security and prevent the vehicle from rolling, even on a flat surface.

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE):

When working with fuel, it is essential to wear the appropriate PPE to protect yourself from fuel splashes, dirt, and chemicals. This includes safety gloves, safety goggles, and a long-sleeve shirt. Gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges and fuel, safety goggles will shield your eyes from fuel splashes and debris, and a long-sleeve shirt will prevent skin contact with fuel.

Release the fuel pressure:

Before removing the fuel filter, it is crucial to release the fuel pressure in the fuel line. If you skip this step, fuel will spray everywhere when you disconnect the fuel lines. On the passenger side fuel rail (on the engine), there is a Schrader valve that you can depress to de-pressurize the lines.

Use the correct tools:

Using the correct tools will make the job easier and safer. For this task, you will need a socket wrench, a screwdriver (flathead or Phillips), a fuel line disconnect tool, jack, and jack stands. The fuel line disconnect tool is essential for safely disconnecting the fuel lines from the filter.

Have the necessary materials ready:

In addition to the tools, make sure you have the necessary materials on hand. This includes a new fuel filter, shop towels, and a container for catching any old fuel from the filter. Keep the shop towels handy as fuel tends to gush out when disconnecting the fuel lines.

Do not smoke:

This cannot be emphasized enough – do not smoke while performing maintenance on a fuel system! Smoking near flammable liquids is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Always use eye protection:

Always wear safety goggles or eye protection when working on your Ford F150, especially when working with fuel. Fuel splashes and debris can cause serious eye injuries.

Never work on a hot engine:

Allow the engine to cool down completely before starting any maintenance or repair work. Working on a hot engine can lead to burns and other injuries.

By following these safety precautions, you can help ensure that you avoid accidents and injuries while changing the fuel filter on your Ford F150.

Frequently asked questions