Replacing The Inline Fuel Filter In A 2003 Ford Expedition

Changing the inline fuel filter on a 2003 Ford Expedition is a maintenance task that can be performed by vehicle owners. The fuel filter is located near the fuel tank, and the process involves disconnecting and reconnecting fuel lines, and possibly dealing with retaining clips. It is important to be careful when handling these clips to avoid breakage. There are various aftermarket parts available for this task, including fuel filters and retaining clips, which can be purchased from automotive retailers.

Fuel filter location

The fuel filter on a 2003 Ford Expedition is located right above the front edge of the fuel tank.

The fuel filter retaining clip is made of plastic and can be disconnected from the fuel line without warning. The retaining clip can be replaced with a zip tie to connect the fuel line to the fuel filter. Alternatively, you can purchase a new fuel rail that comes with a new plastic retaining clip.

You can also purchase new Bundy fittings (fuel line quick connects) which are affordable and come with the little retaining clips.

Fuel filter retaining clips

The fuel filter retaining clips on a 2003 Ford Expedition are small plastic clips that attach the fuel line (fuel rail) to the fuel filter. Over time, these clips can wear out and fail to hold the fuel filter securely in place, leading to a sudden disconnection.

When replacing the fuel filter retaining clips, it is important to be careful when removing the old clips to avoid breaking them. The center of the clip needs to be pulled out, and then the outer part of the clip can be pushed in and pulled off. These clips are not sold separately, so if they are damaged or broken, new Bundy fittings (fuel line quick connects) will need to be purchased. Specifically, two 3/8" female connectors and one 5/16" female connector are required for the filter. These fittings are available on Amazon and at local auto parts stores.

It is worth noting that some dealerships may suggest that the entire fuel rail needs to be replaced to obtain new clips, but this is not necessary. Additionally, while some Ford F-150 owners have reported being able to replace just the plastic clip, the design of the Expedition may differ, and the clips are not sold separately for this model.

When working with fuel filters and retaining clips, it is important to prioritize safety and follow proper procedures to relieve fuel pressure before beginning any work.

Fuel filter disconnecting from fuel line

To disconnect the fuel filter from the fuel line of a 2003 Ford Expedition, you will need to remove the retaining clips that hold the filter in place. These clips are typically made of plastic and can become worn over time, so it is important to handle them with care to avoid breakage.

The process of removing the retaining clips involves first pulling out the centre of the clip and then pushing in the outer part before gently pulling the clip away. It is recommended to be cautious during this process to prevent any accidental breakage.

If the retaining clips are damaged or broken, they may need to be replaced. In some cases, it might be necessary to purchase an entirely new fuel line to obtain the required clips, as they may not be sold separately. Alternatively, you can try sourcing the clips from a local "U Pull it lot" or a parts store, as they are standard fuel line retainers.

It is worth noting that there are different types of clips involved in the fuel filter assembly. The secondary clips, which are black and white, are readily available at local parts stores. However, the primary clips, which are red and blue, might be more challenging to source individually and may require purchasing the entire fuel line assembly.

Fuel filter replacement parts

To replace the inline fuel filter on your 2003 Ford Expedition, you will need to purchase a replacement fuel filter. Several options are available, including:

• Motorcraft Fuel Filter FG-1063, which comes with a 2-year limited warranty and has a height of 7-11/16 inches, an outside diameter of 3-11/16 inches, an inlet size of 5/16 inch, and an outlet size of 5/16 inch.
• MicroGard Fuel Filter 33749, which comes with a 1-year limited warranty and has a height of 7-11/16 inches, an outside diameter of 2 inches, an inlet size of 5/16 inch, and an outlet size of 3/8 inch.
• WIX Fuel Filter 33749, which is a fuel water separator filter with a 1-year limited warranty and has a height of 7-11/16 inches, an outside diameter of 2-1/4 inches, an inlet size of 5/16 inch, and an outlet size of 3/8 inch.

In addition to the fuel filter itself, you may also need to purchase new fuel line quick connects, such as the Bundy Fuel Line Quick Connects, which include two 3/8" female connectors and one 5/16" female connector. These may be necessary if the plastic retaining clip on the end of the fuel line that attaches to the fuel filter is worn or damaged.

Please note that it is important to verify the compatibility of the replacement parts with your specific vehicle before purchasing and performing any repairs or maintenance.

Fuel filter removal tools

There are a variety of tools available for fuel filter removal. Some of these are model-specific, such as the K-D 3321, which costs around $12 and is suitable for a Ford F-150.

There are also various tools that are compatible with Ford, Chevy, GM, and other makes. These include:

• Quick disconnect tool sets, which often include multiple pieces and are designed for use with fuel, transmission, and A/C systems.
• Fuel line disconnect tools, which are available in various sizes and are designed for quick disconnection of fuel lines.
• Fuel filter removal tools, which are designed to remove and replace fuel filters and often include multiple pieces.
• Fuel line repair tools, which are used to repair damaged fuel lines rather than replacing the entire assembly.
• Fuel filter wrenches, which are designed to remove and replace fuel filters and often have a unique shape to fit specific filters.

Frequently asked questions