I've searched the threads for some info on this but I still have a few questions:

Can someone walk me through the process to replace my fuel filter on my '97 2.3- step by step please.

Where in the heck is the switch to relieve the fuel pressure?

And what is the name of the tool i need for the switch?

Thanks in advance.

 

OK, this is out of my Haynes manual, I just did mine not too long ago and it wasn't that big of a deal.

Fuel system pressure relief:
1.Unplug the inertia switch electrical connector. (The inertia switch is on the passenger side of the tranny hump, partially under the carpet)

2.Crank the engine for 15-20 seconds (Mine actually started and ran for a few seconds, yours may or may not.)

3.When you're done changing the filter, reconnect the inertia switch, and press the reset (red) button on it just to make sure it's reset.

Fuel filter change:
1.Make really really sure you have the right filter (crawl under the truck and check if you have to, it's on the inside of the driver's side frame rail, just behind the cab)

2.There are two types of fuel filter connects that I know of. One is the spring loop type (Your 97 probably has these, and they require a special tool to disconnect, but it's cheap and available at about any auto parts store. Bonus, it does A/C lines, too) The second type uses a plastic clip, and only requires a flat head screwdriver and about 5 seconds to remove. Don't forget not to lay right underneath the filter when you break the connections, as it really sucks to get doused with gas.

3.The fuel filter is also bolted to the frame rail, so make sure you get the one bolt (It's sticks through to the outer side of the frame rail)

That's really all there is. Once you get the new filter in, reconnect the inertia switch as described above, start the truck and let it idle a few minutes, then shut it off and go check the fuel filter fittings for leaks. Good luck to you!

 

Rancha9--You are the man (or woman)! Thanks for the detailed response. One question: Is the switch near the shifting boot--I looked, but so far nothing... Thanks again.

 

That would be man, but thanks for the PC answer... Can't discount all the gearhead girls!!! It should actually be on the firewall, right next to the tranny hump... Sorry I didn't clarify before.

 

Great--Thanks again!

 

Always remember DON'T SMOKE!! Safety first.

ha ha just being a smaht a&&.

Good detail I need to go through with this too.

 

When I was doing mine, I had a gas soaked rag and was wearing a gas soaked T-shirt, and unbeknownst to me, my wife came and stuck her head under the truck with a cigarette in her mouth. I just about flew to the other side of the truck!!!

 

Just a side question for ya Rancha. My father-in-law to be and I were trying to change the fuel filter on my 98 Ranger. We bled off the pressure in the lines first. It has what I would call the little plastic clips, kinda silver looking right? Well we popped those loose (they didn't come completely off) and tried to get the fuel lines off using the screwdriver but it didn't seem to want to cooperate. We used some force but were concerned too much might endanger the lines. Is it something that you have to really fight with to get off? Thanks!

 

Mine came completely off, they have little tabs at the end that catch. Only after they were completely off did the lines separate. Once the clips come off, the lines come right off. No fighting here!!

 

Thanks Rancha9. My Haynes manual was a little more than vague on it. But I checked out the Chilton's and it was much more detailed. Guess I'll have to have both for a more comprehensive library, altough I've heard bad things about Chilton's.

 

This is a sign that you have too much life insurance.

-Jim

 

I just did this yesterday infact!

1) I put the front on ramps (jacks would work) so the engine was higher than the fuel tank.

2) I opened, and left open, the gas cap

3) Removed two 1/2" nuts holding bracket in place and loosened the hose clamp. Pushed them away a few inches along the fuel line.

4) I removed the tank-side fuel line (pryed the old tab off with a screwdriver) and held it pointed up so it wouldnt spill, as my friend placed the endcap from the new filter on the old one (kept gas from running out the filter).

5) Repeated step three, but for other side of filter. By this time, I was underneath with a fuel line in each hand and my shoulders getting tired.

6) Put new filter on the lines, and reattached clamps.

It took less than 5 minutes, and we spilled NO fuel. Not a drop. Nada. Nothing It actually takes longer temove the bracket than it does to change the filter. Easy as cake (because cake it even easier than pie!)

Now I notice a definate increase in fuel mileage. Will wait to fill up up to see if I numerically get more than the 19mpg I got before!

 

Yeah, next thing I know, there's gonna be a toaster "conveiniently" located next to the bath tub...

 

Hey Gents, I ran into some problems trying to replace my fuel filter:

I removed the tank side fuel line with no problems. However, for the life of me i could not remove the engine side fuel line from the filter. There was no plastic clip like on the tank side fuel line, just the stem of the fuel filter going into the fuel line. I bought the 3/8 metal tool to complete this side, but i could not get the tool between the base of the fuel filter stem and the "flange" of the fuel line. What am I missing?

Thanks

 

There's a rather robust spring in there... You may have to wrestle that tool in there to unseat that spring... But, at the same time, be careful... Those metal fuel lines don't take well to being bent!