So I'm reading the manual on how to bleed pressue from the fuel line so that I can replace the filter. It mentions unplugging the inertial switch, then goes on to describe it as behind the passenger side kick panel.

Wha???

I poked around under there and found a yellow connector tucked up in there by the passenger wheel well under the glove box - is that what I'm looking for?

Is there perhaps a better explanation for how to change the fuel filter for a 2000 Ranger 3.0 EFI?

 

You look under the carpet at the very front of the passenger side footwell, there will be a black box with a red button on top. That's the inertia switch. It shuts off fuel if there's a wreck (or someone kicks it).

Disconnect the plug at the bottom of it, then crank the engine for 10 seconds. Viola, no fuel pressure. Replace filter. Reconnect inertia switch, turn key to pressurize fuel system, turn key off, turn key to re-pressurize fuel system, crank engine.

 

I do the inertia switch when I want to disable the fuel pump. But, another option would be to pull the fuel pump fuse if your fuse box has it labeled or it's location is shown in the owner's manual. Just make sure you try to start the engine for about 10 seconds as RangerPilot suggests to bleed off the residual pressure in the injection system. Otherwise, you'll get sprayed with fuel.

Make sure you wear goggles or at least safety glasses. It ain't pleasant getting sprayed in the eyes with gas. I speak from experience.

 

Yeah I can imagine. Last fuel filter I worked on leaked all over me and my jacket. I smelled like gas for a month. I can only imagine how it will be when the fuel line is under high pressure.

By the way, what is the most effective way to clamp off the lines? I was going to use a pencil or something to do it, but is there a better way?

 

[QUOTE=RangerPilot]You look under the carpet at the very front of the passenger side footwell, there will be a black box with a red button on top. That's the inertia switch.QUOTE]

Well since I don't have a carpeted interior I'll figure something out. Oh yeah I was going to take a snapshot of the rubber interior for the Ranger for you wasn't I? I'll do both at the same time.

 

Sure that sounds good.

 

Pulling the fuel pump fuse, fuel pump relay, or disconnecting the ineria switch, located in the passenger side foot well, about where your right foot would rest & cranking the engine for about 10 seconds will depressureize the system, as has been suggested.

I also like to remove the gas cap, so the tank won't build pressure while I have the system open.

You'll also need a special tool, available at your autoparts store, to release the filters pressure fittings. It can be a pain to get off sometimes, if the release tool isn't made correctly. I had to try 3, before I found one that worked well.

The filter is located, on the drivers side frame rail, about where your feet hit the ground, when you get out.

If your skin is sensitive to fuel, use some plastic gloves from the autoparts store, when messing with the old filter.

Make sure the flow arrow on the filter is pointing toward the front of the truck, when you mount the new filter.

Of course it goes without saying, keep smokers away, as well as hot trouble lights & I too use safety glasses when I do my filter changes.

Just some more thoughts.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Pawpaw, always thinking outside the box.

 

You can also release the fuel pressure by opening the schrader valve on the fuel rail.

 

So I took a long gander at the existing fuel filter and found out I got the wrong one. So while I'm exchanging it I'll post up some pics, because I still can't find the inertial switch, I must be blind or something.

I also have a photo of the rubber interior, also of the pitfalls of not having a floormat for the rubber interior - notice the tear by the accelerator



So here is a shot of the passenger side, I can't see the inertial switch anywhere, but I don't know what I'm looking for so it's probably right there under my nose


Another shot under the plastic kick-guard for the wheel well wiring and glovebox wiring

 

One other thing, assuming I do push the inertial switch, how do I re-activate it? Is it reset automatically when you turn the car back on or is there something else involved?

 

It is less of a hassle to use the schrader valve on the fuel rail on the engine.
also you might want to buy a couple of extra fuel line clips. keep them just in case.

 

You push the button on the inertia switch to reset it, which is not what you want to do. The only thing you can do with the inertia switch is unplug the connector. Use the schrader valve as suggested, just put some wrags around it to catch the gas that it will release.....

 

That black thing with the red button right there, that's it. The plug is on the bottom.

Hmm they moved it, it's smack dab in the center of my '94's passenger footwell.

 

Thanks everyone, I found the shrader valve and now that I know what the inertial switch looks like I can try there as well.