How to Change the Fuel Filter on a 1998 Ford Ranger Truck With a 4.0 Motor
If you've never changed your Ranger's fuel filter, your Ranger's engine might not be running as well as it should be -- particularly if it's a high-mileage Ranger. Symptoms of a faulty fuel filter include decreased engine performance, diminished gas mileage and engine power loss. Should any of these issues affect your Ranger, you might want to consider replacing your Ranger's fuel filter. A fuel filter is inexpensive, and the procedure to change the fuel filter on a 1998 Ford Ranger is simple. All you need are a few basic tools. Replacing the fuel filter on a 1998 Ranger with a 4.0-liter engine is the same as replacing a filter on a Ranger with any other size of engine.
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Things You'll Need
- New fuel filter
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Car jack
- Jack stands
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
Instructions
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1
Park your 1998 Ford Ranger on even ground in a safe location. Make sure the area is well ventilated if not outdoors. Engage the parking brake to make sure your vehicle doesn't roll while you change the fuel filter. Unscrew the gas filler cap from the fuel tank to relieve fuel pressure. Open the hood and disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
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Use a car jack to raise the front of the Ranger. Place jack stands under the front frame rails and lower the Ranger onto the jack stands. Make sure the truck is placed securely on the jack stands.
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3
Crawl underneath the vehicle from the driver's side of the vehicle. Look for the fuel filter near the fuel tank just below the driver's seating area. Identify the fuel filter as a silver or black metal cylinder mounted to the frame line.
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4
Notice that the fuel filter is partially covered by a protective shield. Remove the nuts that secure this shield in place, using an adjustable wrench. Remove the fuel filter shield and set it aside along with the nuts that you remove. Loosen the retaining clips that cover the area where the fuel filter connects with the fuel line. You may be able to do this with just your hands; however, if the retaining clips are stubborn, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the retaining clips apart.
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Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel filter by disengaging the push-connect fittings that secure the fuel line. Simply apply pressure to the push-connect fittings and gently pull the fuel lines away from the fuel filter.
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Inspect the fuel filter and notice that it is secured to the vehicle frame by a clamp. Use your hands and loosen this clamp enough so that that fuel filter can slide through the clamp. Remove the fuel filter and discard it.
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Slide the new filter into the mounting bracket and tighten the filter clamp over it. Align the fuel line with the fuel filter and push the fuel line onto the fuel filter until you hear and audible click. Secure the retaining clips over the area where the fuel line meets the fuel filter. Attach the fuel filter shield over the fuel filter using a wrench and a set of nuts.
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Crawl from under the vehicle. Raise the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle so that all wheels on on the ground. Screw the gas filler cap back to the fuel tank. Go around to the hood area and reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
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Tips & Warnings
For a 1998 Ford Ranger, try using an AutoZone brand fuel filter with the part number FF686.
For your safety, always wear gloves and protective eye wear when changing your fuel filter.
Keep open flames and lit tobacco away when changing your fuel filter.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
