How To Replace Your Fuel Filter

On a 1998 Mustang GT

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Learn about the fuel filter

About the process

How to install the fuel filterPress the Home icon to return to the beginning.When the Shift Handle icon appears, you have reached the end of that section. Press the Shift Handle icon to return to the menu.

What is a fuel filter?A fuel filter is a filter that traps dirt,

particles, and other contaminants

found in your gasoline. Without the

fuel filter these impurities can

potentially clog your fuel injectors or

damage your engine.

How do I know when it needs to be replaced?

If your fuel filter needs to be replaced, your car will have

some of the following symptoms:

ORough idle

OHesitation when starting

OSlow acceleration

OEngine stall

OCar won’t start

*Important: Your car’s fuel filter should be replaced every

30,000-40,000 miles

Where can I buy a fuel filter?

What if I take it to my dealer?

If you are thinking about going to your local dealer or

mechanic, consider this first:

O A dealership or mechanic shop will charge you by the

hour for labor. (Usually between $69-$99 per hour)

O If labor is less than an hour you will still be charged a

minimum rate. (Usually a 30 minute to 1 hour minimum)

O They can charge a higher price for the part and add fees

for parts delivery. (The fuel filter for this demo was

bought at AutoZone for only $10!)

What do I need?• 2 ton Jack

• Two 2 ton jack stands

• Flat head screwdriver

• Mechanics gloves (optional)

• Safety Goggles

• New fuel filter

• Old rags or towels

• Fuel line disconnect tool

How long will it take? Generally, the process takes about 20

minutes or less. But if your Mustang’s

filter has never been replaced and still

has the original fuel filter then it may

take longer because of the dirt and

contaminants that cause the filter

ends and fuel lines to stick.

Unplug inertia switch…1. Open your trunk.

2. Pull back your carpet.

3. Locate the Inertia switch on the left side of the trunk behind the tail light.

4. Use your flat head screw-

driver to carefully pry the

clip that is on the plug.

5. Pull down while prying to

disconnect the switch.

Jack up the car…1. Make sure you are parked

on flat, even ground.

2. Pull your emergency brake. If your Mustang has a manual transmission put it in gear as well.

3. Use the 2 ton jack to lift your car. A good lifting point is right underneath the differential.

4. Lift high enough to put a jack stand on each side.

5. Place the jack stands on the frame of the car. Lower the jack so now your car rests only on the stands.

Release fuel pressure…1. Unscrew the fuel cap to

the gas tank.

This will release the fuel pressure and keep you from getting sprayed with gas when you disconnect the fuel lines.

Disconnect fuel lines…1. Crawl under the car with

your fuel line disconnect tool, safety goggles, old rags, and gloves (optional).

2. Right behind the gas tank you will see the fuel filter clamped down and connected to two fuel lines. (Right side is already disconnected in picture.)

3. Place the snouted end of the disconnect tool inside the open end of where the fuel line and fuel filter meet.

Disconnect fuel lines…4. Make sure you are

wearing your goggles and have your old rags ready to catch any gas that may spill. The goggles will protect you from any gas and dirt that will fall from the lines as you disconnect them.

5. Now you are ready to pull the disconnect tool in the direction of the ends. For example, if you start with the fuel line on the left, insert the tool and push left while pulling the filter right.

Unscrew the clamp…1. Use your flat head screw-

driver to unscrew the adjustable clamp that holds in the fuel filter.

2. Make sure you are wearing your goggles to protect your eyes from dirt and contaminants.

Remove the old filter…1. Once you loosen the

adjustable clamp, slowly push the filter up.

2. Keep in mind, dirt and gas are still inside the filter so take caution and use your rags to catch any spills if necessary.

Place new filter in clamp…1. Crawl under the car

with your new filter, goggles, and gloves (optional).

2. You are simply going to reverse the steps completed to remove the old filter.

3. But before you do, find the printed arrow on the filter. This helps you know which way it needs to be installed. The arrow is pointing right, indicating to connect that end to the fuel line on the right.

Reconnect the fuel lines…1. Connect both ends of

the fuel filter to their corresponding fuel line. You will hear a clicking sound once they are securely connected.

2. Lower the car.

3. Reconnect the inertia switch.

4. Put the gas cap back on to regain fuel pressure.

Turn on fuel pump…1. Insert the key into the

ignition in the “ON” position but DO NOT START THE CAR.

2. Without removing the key, turn the key towards you. Now turn it back to the “ON” position and hold for about 10 seconds. Do this 3 times.

3. Now start the car and check the idle. Make sure it is in normal range.

4. With car running, look under car and check for any gas leaks.