How to Install a Fuel Filter on a Mustang
As of 2010, the Mustang nameplate has been part of Ford Motor Company's stable for over 45 years. The car may have changed over time, but the formula is still the same: affordable, sporty and stylish. The fuel filter on early Mustangs was mounted under the car above the rear axle housing, but the location on 2005 and later cars is under the driver's seating area on the frame rail. According to Ford, the Mustang's fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles for the best fuel economy and performance.
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Things You'll Need
- Car ramps (2)
- Wheel chocks (2)
- Fuse puller
- Work light (optional)
- 5/16-inch spring lock tool
- Replacement fuel filter
Instructions
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For 2004 or Older Mustangs
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1
Back the car onto a set of car ramps and set the parking brake. Chock the front wheels.
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2
Remove the cover from the fuse box located on the driver's side kick panel inside the car. Locate the fuel pump fuse by using the guide on the inside of the cover. Start your Mustang's engine and let it run. Remove the fuel pump fuse with a fuse puller and set it aside. Let the car continue to run until it quits, which will release the pressure in the fuel system.
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3
Crawl under the rear of the car and locate the fuel filter which is mounted over the rear differential. Use a work light in low-light situations to help you see what you are doing.
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4
Slide a 5/16-inch spring lock tool (available at most auto parts stores) over the fuel line on one side of the fuel filter. Slide the tool towards the filter until it comes in contact with the spring lock that holds the line to the filter. Pull the fuel line off of the filter while applying pressure to the spring lock with the tool. Repeat this procedure for the fuel line on the other side of the filter.
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5
Pull the filter straight down from the bracket by hand and discard it. Push a new filter into the bracket until it snaps into place. Make sure the flow arrow on the filter points towards the front of the car.
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6
Push the fuel lines back into the fuel filter until they snap into place. Push the fuel pump fuse back into the fuse box and replace the cover. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position for 20 seconds to pressurize the fuel system. Start the car. Remove the wheel chocks and carefully drive off of the ramps.
2005 or Newer Mustangs
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7
Drive your car head-first onto a set of car ramps, set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Crawl under the car and locate the fuel filter which is mounted to the frame rail beneath the driver's seat.
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8
Crawl under the car and locate the fuel filter which is mounted to the frame rail beneath the driver's seat.
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9
Slide a 5/16-inch spring lock tool (available at most auto parts stores) over the fuel line on one side of the fuel filter. Slide the tool towards the filter until it comes in contact with the spring lock that holds the line to the filter. Pull the fuel line off of the filter while applying pressure to the spring lock with the tool. Repeat this procedure for the fuel line on the other side of the filter.
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10
Pull the filter straight down from the bracket by hand and discard it. Push a new filter into the bracket until it snaps into place. Make sure the flow arrow on the filter points towards the front of the car.
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11
Push the fuel lines back into the fuel filter until they snap into place. Push the fuel pump fuse back into the fuse box and replace the cover. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position for 20 seconds to pressurize the fuel system. Start the car. Remove the wheel chocks and carefully drive off of the ramps.
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