How to Install a Ford Escape Fuel Filter
by Dan FerrellThe 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.
References
- Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute 2001 thru 2007 Haynes Repair Manual; John H. Haynes and Mike Stubblefield; 2008
- Modern Automotive Technology; James. E. Duffy; 2003
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Floor jack
- 2 jack stands
- Small standard screwdriver
- Shop rag
- Standard screwdriver or ratchet and socket
- 2 new lock tabs
Warnings
- When servicing the fuel system on your Ford Escape, park away from appliances with open flames like dryers and water heaters to avoid a serious accident.
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
