How to Install a Ford Escape Fuel Filter

by Dan Ferrell

The fuel filter on your Ford Escape model does a good job of trapping dirt and debris that try to make their way into the fuel system. However, if you neglect the system, the filter will begin to clog, restricting fuel flow and power to the engine. Eventually, you may even have a hard time starting the vehicle. Before that happens, follow this guide to replace the fuel filter and keep full power coming out of your Ford engine.

Relieve Fuel System Pressure

Step 1

Unplug the fuel pump relay located in a relay assembly inside the engine compartment.

Step 2

Start the engine and let it idle. Once it stalls, crank the engine for about five seconds to relieve the residual pressure in the system.

Step 3

Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position.

Step 4

Disconnect the black, negative battery cable using a wrench.

Remove the Fuel Filter

Step 1

Raise the rear of your Ford Escape using a floor jack and support it on two jack stands.

Step 2

Locate the filter along the underside of the vehicle, near the fuel tank.

Step 3

Remove the locking tabs that hold the fuel lines to the filter on each side. Press the tab legs on each side of the fitting with your fingers while pulling the back tab with a small screwdriver. Once released, pull the tab from the line fitting and remove the other tab.

Step 4

Cover the fittings with a shop rag as you pull the lines off the filter to catch any fuel remaining in the line.

Step 5

Loosen the clamp holding the filter to the vehicle chassis using a screwdriver or ratchet and socket.

Step 6

Remove the fuel filter from the vehicle.

Install the New Fuel Filter

Step 1

Set the new filter in place and make sure the arrow on the filter points towards the front of the vehicle.

Step 2

Tighten the fuel filter clamp using the screwdriver or ratchet and socket.

Step 3

Attach the fuel lines to the fuel filter fittings.

Step 4

Install new lock tabs to the fittings to secure the fuel lines to the filter.

Step 5

Lower the vehicle.

Step 6

Plug the fuel pump relay.

Step 7

Connect the black, negative battery cable using the wrench.

Step 8

Turn the ignition key to "On" but do not start the vehicle. Make sure there are no leaks at the filter connections.

Step 9

Start the engine and let it idle. Double-check for leaks.

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