Ford Ranger Fuel Filter: Location Guide For 86 Models

where are the 86 ford ranger fuel filter locations

The 1986 Ford Ranger has two fuel filters. The primary filter is located inside the left frame rail, near the area between the cab and the bed. It is behind a metal shield. The secondary filter is located in the engine compartment. It can be found by tracing the fuel line from the left frame rail up into the compartment.

Characteristics Values
Number of fuel filters Two
Location of primary filter Inside the left frame rail, near the area between the cab and the bed
How to access the primary filter Take out one of the two bolts to swing the metal shield away
Shape of primary filter Fist-sized cylinder
Location of secondary filter Engine compartment
How to find the secondary filter Trace the fuel line from the left frame rail
Shape of secondary filter Traditional filter, like a doll's goblet with nipples
Other locations Under the driver's frame rail, near the seat; under the truck; in line with the middle of the driver's door; under the hood
Tools for replacement Metal Quick Disconnect tool; safety goggles; screwdriver; pliers; hammer; vice grips; plastic things; flathead screwdriver

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The primary filter is inside the left frame rail

The 1986 Ford Ranger has two fuel filters. The primary filter is located inside the left frame rail, near the area between the cab and the bed. It is positioned behind a metal shield. To access the primary filter, remove one of the two bolts holding the shield in place. You should then be able to swing the shield away and remove or replace the filter.

The primary filter is fist-sized and cylinder-shaped. It is located in the frame, approximately in line with the middle of the driver's door. Some early 1986 models did not have the inline filter after the high-pressure pump. Instead, they had a cartridge filter body mounted into the frame.

To replace the primary fuel filter, it is important to relieve the pressure in the fuel system first. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any splashing fuel. Disconnect the fuel shut-off relay, which is usually found behind the passenger kick panel, and crank the engine a few times.

The secondary filter is located in the engine compartment. You can trace the fuel line from the left frame rail up into the compartment to locate it. It is shaped like a traditional filter and resembles a doll's goblet with nipples.

When replacing the fuel filter, it is recommended to cycle the ignition several times (around 4) with it in the "on" position for a few seconds. This will help build up pressure and ensure the engine starts after the fuel filter change.

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The secondary filter is in the engine compartment

The 1986 Ford Ranger has two fuel filters. The secondary filter is located in the engine compartment. This can be found by tracing the fuel line from the left frame rail up into the compartment. It should be near the left rear and looks like a traditional filter, resembling a doll's goblet with nipples.

To replace the secondary fuel filter, safety goggles must be worn. The fuel system pressure must be relieved first. The Fuel Inertia Switch is located under the glove box, where passengers place their feet. It is about 1 inch square with a small recessed button and some wires connected to the bottom. A small flathead screwdriver can be used to disconnect the wire connector.

The old filter can then be removed. It is important to note the direction the existing filter is facing to ensure the new one is installed the same way. The new filter can then be installed.

The fuel filter change may also require cycling the ignition several times with it in the "on" position for a few seconds. This will ensure the fuel pump is built up to full pressure.

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The importance of safety goggles

The 1986 Ford Ranger has two fuel filters. The primary filter is located inside the left frame rail, near the area between the cab and the bed. It is behind a metal shield. The secondary filter is located in the engine compartment. Now, onto the importance of safety goggles.

Safety goggles are a critical piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that plays a vital role in safeguarding individuals, especially employees in various industries, from eye injuries. The eyes are incredibly sensitive, and safety goggles provide a higher level of protection than safety glasses by forming a seal around the eyes with a hard plastic barrier. This design prevents foreign objects, chemicals, and airborne particles from reaching and damaging the eyes.

In certain industries, such as agriculture, science and technology, industrial work, and food service, the use of chemicals is common, and safety goggles are essential to protect against chemical burns and irritation from fumes and splashes. Even in low-risk applications, safety goggles are important to shield against potential hazards like dirt, dust, pollen, and debris, which can cause eye irritation and long-lasting damage.

Additionally, safety goggles are crucial when working with bright light sources, such as those used in welding or with lasers, to protect against harmful effects on vision. They are also useful in situations where head-to-toe protection is required, such as when employees work with chemicals that pose risks of burns to the entire body.

The type of safety goggles required depends on the level of exposure to chemicals and fumes. Indirect-vented goggles, for example, are ideal for long-term eye protection and comfort, while non-vented goggles provide complete protection from toxic fumes and airborne dust but may fog up more quickly.

By prioritizing the use of safety goggles, employers can also benefit by avoiding workers' compensation claims and reducing days off work due to eye injuries. It is important to note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to mandate the use of safety glasses or goggles in specific settings. Therefore, providing proper eye protection and educating employees about the importance of safety goggles are crucial steps in ensuring workplace safety.

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Disconnecting the Fuel Inertia Switch

To disconnect the Fuel Inertia Switch on your 1986 Ford Ranger, follow these steps:

First, locate the Fuel Inertia Switch. It is typically found down by the panel where your passengers place their feet, just under the glove box. It may not be labelled, but you can identify it by the small, recessed button on top of the assembly. It is approximately 1 inch square and has wires connected to its bottom.

Once you have located the Fuel Inertia Switch, use a small flathead screwdriver to disconnect the wire connector. Then, insert your key into the ignition and crank the engine for 20-30 seconds. You will know you have successfully disconnected the switch when the engine does not turn over.

At this point, you can proceed to remove the old fuel filter. It is important to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any splashing fuel. Note the orientation of the existing filter so that you can install the new one in the same way.

Before installing the new fuel filter, ensure you have relieved the pressure in the fuel system. You can do this by cycling the ignition several times (around 4) with the key in the "on" position for a few seconds. Alternatively, you can disconnect the fuel shut-off relay, which is typically located behind the passenger kick panel.

Now, you can install the new fuel filter, following the manufacturer's instructions and ensuring it is oriented in the same direction as the old one. Finally, reconnect the wire connector to the Fuel Inertia Switch using your small flathead screwdriver.

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The evolution of the filtering system

The 1986 Ford Ranger is equipped with two fuel filters. The primary filter is located inside the left frame rail, near the area between the cab and the bed. It sits behind a metal shield and is shaped like a cylinder. The secondary filter can be found in the engine compartment, near the left rear. This filter resembles a traditional filter shape, akin to a doll's goblet with nipples.

Over the years, the fuel filtering system in the Ford Ranger has evolved. The 2019 and 2020 models feature a fuel filter integrated into the fuel tank, designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle with no replacement needed. This differs from earlier models, such as the 1986 Ford Ranger, which had separate primary and secondary fuel filters that required maintenance and occasional replacement.

The integration of the fuel filter into the fuel tank in the newer models is a significant change, likely influenced by advancements in fuel filtration technology and the desire for enhanced convenience and reduced maintenance requirements. This evolution suggests that Ford aimed to streamline the fuel system, potentially improving fuel efficiency and vehicle performance while reducing the need for routine filter replacements.

While the integrated fuel filter in the 2019 and 2020 Ford Rangers is designed to be a lifetime unit, some owners of these models have expressed doubts about the absence of a traditional fuel filter. There have been discussions about the possibility of a cut-and-paste error in the 2019 manual, and some owners have turned to online forums for clarification.

Despite the integrated fuel filter, the 2019 and 2020 Ford Rangers still offer additional filtration options. Ford provides a Secondary Fuel Manager Fuel Filter Kit for these models, which is designed to be installed after the factory-installed filter. This secondary filter further enhances fuel filtration, reducing the chance of contamination reaching the injection system. It effectively removes smaller abrasive particles and any water that may have passed through the initial filter.

In summary, the evolution of the filtering system in the Ford Ranger has progressed from separate primary and secondary fuel filters in earlier models to an integrated fuel filter in the fuel tank in the 2019 and 2020 models. This integration is complemented by the option of an additional secondary fuel filter for enhanced filtration. The changes reflect Ford's ongoing efforts to improve the vehicle's performance, convenience, and maintenance requirements.

Frequently asked questions

The primary fuel filter is located inside the left frame rail, near the area between the cab and the bed. It is behind a metal shield.

The secondary filter is located in the engine compartment. Trace the fuel line from the left frame rail up into the compartment. You should find it near the left rear.

The primary filter is fist-sized and shaped like a cylinder, while the secondary filter looks like a traditional filter or a doll's goblet with nipples.

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