I feel a little dumb. I've had my 2000 Explorer for about 6 monthes and been having some periodic starting problems. So I'm looking at all the easy stuff first and noticed that I probably have the original fuel filter on it (70K). So I went to Auto Zone picked up a new one and now I can't get the old off.

Is there a trick or a special tool to remove the old filter? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

yes there is a trick to it it pushes in and snaps out. Go and tell them ytou need the little tool to get the fuel filter off and they'll know which one. Though it's time for the fuel filter I'll tell you now that's not what the problem is. You're in the same boat as I was when trying to figure out why every once in a while i tried to start my explorer and the thing would fall dead. I figured the fuel filter was blocked up but that wasn't it. It was the idle air control motor that sits on top of the engine. Take the little engine cover off and it sits on top of the engine. and has a electrical connector on it. remove this (two screws) put a new one on and reuse the gasket. People say yo ucan clean it but I say just get a new one that way you know it's not goign to fail you again on the other side of town.

It's called the idle air control motor and there is a thread stuck about this one that shows pictures step by step. The part cost about 100 bucks I believe and i got mine from ford.

 

I have cleaned my IAC motor along with the throttle body (directly behind the air intake hose) Pay special attention around the butterfly valve. This is a common occurance. Carbon will build up in these areas. Use an old toothbrush and dip in intake cleaner and scrub away at the inside of the throttle body. Will the problem come back? Maybe, but it would happen again eventually with a new motor too. So why spend more money than is needed. If you ever bring it in for a fuel injection cleaning, the techniction will perform this as part of that service. This is not a very difficult routine to get into and should become part of regular maintenance.