How to Change a Fuel Filter on a 2002 Ford F-150

The fuel filter on the 2002 Ford F-150 is easy to change once you have the proper tools. The fuel filter is a very important component in the fuel cleaning process. The fuel leaves the gas tank and enters the fuel filter on the inlet tube. The filter then traps the sediments inside of the filter. Then the fuel leaves the filter on the outlet port side of the fuel filter and goes back into the fuel line. From the fuel line, the fuel goes to the engine. You can change the fuel filter yourself in a bout a half an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Flat head screwdriver
• 5/16-inch fuel line disconnect tool
• Small catch pan
• New fuel filter

Instructions

1. Unscrew the gas cap from the gas tank to release the pressure from the fuel filter.

2. Crawl under the truck and locate the fuel filter under the driver's side of the cab. The fuel filter on the 2002 Ford F-150 is almost directly under the driver's side seat under the truck. The fuel filter will be inside a bracket that is on the frame rail.

3. Put the catch pan or bucket under the fuel filter to catch the excess fuel.

4. Remove safety clips on both sides of the fuel filter. The safety clips hold the fuel line to the fuel filter on both sides. You can do this by sliding a flat head screwdriver under the clips and prying them off. They will just pop off when you pry them up.

5. Remove the fuel filter by sliding the 5/16-inch quick disconnect tool into the front of the fuel line. Slide the tool into the fuel line until you feel it unlock from the fuel filter port. Gently pull back on the fuel line as you are pushing the tool into the fuel line and the lines will come off. Do this on both sides of the fuel filter. Let the excess fuel run into the catch pan. There will only be a little bit of excess fuel because when you unscrewed the gas cap from the gas tank, you released the fuel pressure from the fuel filter.

6. Hold the flexible bracket down and remove the fuel filter.

7. Hold the flexible bracket down and put the new fuel filter in and let the flexible bracket close back over the fuel filter to hold it in place. Be sure to put the fuel filter in the bracket with the flow arrow pointing towards the engine.

8. Slide the fuel lines onto the fuel filter ports until you feel the lines lock onto the ports. Then gently pull back on the fuel lines to make sure that they are locked onto the fuel filter.

9. Put the safety clips back on both sides of the fuel filter. Press one end of the safety clip on the fuel filter port and the other end to the fuel line. Do this on both sides of the fuel filter.

10. Screw the gas cap back on the gas tank. Turn the ignition on and off three times to prime the fuel filter. Then crank the engine.

11. Inspect the fuel filter and fuel lines for leaks while the engine is running. Turn the engine off.

Tips & Warnings

• The fuel line quick disconnect tool part number is K-D 3321. You can get this tool at most any auto parts store.

• Unscrewing the gas cap from the gas tank releases the fuel pressure from the fuel filter. This means that only the fuel that is in the lines and the filter will run out into the catch pan. There is no need to drain the fuel from the fuel tank.

• Always wear safety glasses when working around fuel.

References

• Ford F-150: Fuel Filter Change