Sorry if this has been gone over before, I did a search and couldn't find anything. I have a 2000 Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4L 4X4 and I want to change the fuel filter. Can someone tell me where it is and is it easy to change? Will gas come flying out and is it pressure system? Also, are you supposed to ever change the fluid in the rear. Thanks, Brian

 

happycamper116

I have this same vehicle.

Fuel filter is in line along the driver's side frame rail. I recommend the following:

(1) disconnect the negative battery cable. When you're messing with raw fuel, you don't want any surprises. Plus, if you have LLS, then disconnecting the battery will take care of disabling it.

(2) lift the vehicle to give you some work room. Use jack stands or ramps--don't rely on the jack.

(3) remove the transfer case skid plate. It's only four bolts, and will give you some much needed work room to disconnect the filter.

(4) you will need a special tool for disconnecting the fuel lines from the filter. KD tools makes a nice one, or there are others.

(5) the fuel line connectors will have a safety retainer to hold them in place. Push up on the retainer to release it from around the connector and slide back on the fuel line out of the way. Place the removal tool around the fuel line, and slide into the fuel line connector. Hold the connector with one hand, while continuing to slide the tool in. You should hear a click to let you know the tool has snapped the connector retainers loose.

(6) hold the fuel filter in one hand while pulling in opposite direction on the fuel line connector. It will take some pressure to pull it off. Be sure to wear safety glasses to avoid fuel in your eyes, and have some rags handy for overspills.

(7) when you get the fuel connector/line removed on one side of the filter, slide a golf tee or equivalent into the exposed stub on the filter. This will keep fuel from spilling everywhere later when you actually remove the filter.

(8) use steps (5)-(7) to remove the other fuel connector from the filter.

(9) the filter has a clamp to hold it in place. Some are held in place with a bolt; others are spring loaded. For this vehicle, I seem to remember it is spring loaded, so you can just push up on the clamp to release.

(10) now, you can remove the old filter. Again, be careful since the filter is stll pretty filled with fuel. I usually invert the filter into my gas can for awhile to let the remaining fuel drain.

(11) position the new filter in the clamp. Be sure to notice the fuel flow arrow on the new filter, and be sure the direction is pointing towards the front of the vehicle.

(12) remaining steps are reverse of above. To re-connect the fuel lines, just push the connector towards the filter until you hear a click, then re-position the safety retainer.

Hope this helps you plan. Don't be discouraged the first time you do this job. Sometimes the fuel connectors are difficult to get to release, even using the special tool. Pushing in on the tool while pushing the connector in the opposite direction against the tool usually will make the connector release.

 

Gibsonj got you on the fuel filter.

As far as the rear is concerned, you can change the fluid in it. There is not set time frame for it (even though I think 100k would be about the life of it). You SHOULD change it if you get it submerged in water or other muck. You SHOULD change it if you have Limited Slip and start to experience "chatter" from the rear when turning.

 

Hey guys, thanks for the help, I sure appreciate it. I think I can do it, just need to get ahold of one of those tools, probably can borrow one from someone here at work. Anyway, thanks again for your time, Brian

 

In a pinch, Advance Auto and AutoZone both carry Ford fuel line specialty tools. Not overly expensive, and a good addition to your toolbox.

 

Okay... I have lookied all over for the fuel filter. Is there a difference between the 2000 & the 2004 filter location?

 

Good question, I need to replace mine in my 03 as well.....

 

03+ fuel filters are located behind a plastic cover on the left (drivers) side of the gas tank. Look closely because it looks like part of the tank.

You find two release clips.. just squeeze up and pull the cover off.

The fuel filter lines are held on with toolless quick disconnects.. just press in the little square (blue in color i think) with your fingers and pull the line off.. be careful, as fuel will spray out if you don't relieve the pressure before hand.

The lines just snap back in place on the new filter... then reinstall the cover.

5 minute job (although it took me 45 minutes to find the dang thing first time i ran into one!!! haha)

Good luck!

 

How do you release the pressure before hand on the '03 and newer?

 

Thanks for the information mazdaRangerGuy!! I will give that a try!! I guess you can release the pressure by removing the gas cap??

 

Not completely sure for the '03, but take a look on the fuel rail for a Schrader fitting. On my 2K 5.4 Triton, its on the passenger side fuel rail. You can remove the plastic cap and use a tire valve tool or equivalent to release the pressure. Probably want to put a rag around/under the fuel rail to soak up the small amount of fuel that sprays out.

 

nonoon i'm talking fuel system pressure.. not tank pressure..

In all honesty I just look away while undoing the line.. it'll spray all over the place but no more than a couple ounces total.. and should be ok as long as you have no ignition source (NO SMOKING!) Just don't go yelling at me if you get gasoline on your clothes

If you're real worried about it, either trip the inertia switch and run it until it dies, or unplug the fuel pump and do the same thing. Don't restart it after it dies, until after you reconnect everything, or it may set a code.