I am attempting to change the fuel filter in my 2001 F-150 4.6 V-8.

In my Haynes Manual it says to releive the pressure on the fuel line by disconnecting the inertia switch which is located behind the passenger side kick panel.

Okay, maybe Im an idiot, I cant find the dang thing.

I am very much a rookie when it comes to vehicle maintenance, so forgive my ignorance. Im trying to learn.

 

Look on the fuel rail to the injectors and you will see a schrader valve.You can relieve the pressure there.I,myself,don't even bother relieving the pressure.It takes too much time.I can have a new filter installed in 5 minutes or less.

 

When mine was changed my buddy didn't relieve the pressure either. He paid for that by getting gas in his mouth..ewww. I would recommend relieving the pressure, but like BlueOvalFitter, if you can change it quickly then no need.

 

Dittos on the schrader valve. That's what I did and very little leakage when I removed the filter. And you do have the little filter removal tool hopefully. You know the thing that slides on the line to deccouple the clamps on the inside of the fuel filter.

 

Let me quote my initial post........


What the crap is a schrader valve? Im not a mechanic, just learning to work on my truck to save money paying a proffesional.

I feel like blonde girl asking about blinker fluid.

 

Look in the owners manual and find the injector fuse under thw hood. Remove the fuse and start the engine, it will run out of fuel quick and releive the pressure.

 

To go back to your original question re: Inertia switch.
Remove the plastic cover on the kick panel, located just inside the passenger side door, between the door and up under the glove box.
Look for a device (the inertia switch) about the size of a matchbox.
It will have an electrical connector plugged into it.
Also, you should notice a reset button. I believe the reset button is orange in color.
The reset button will let you know you are looking at the right item.

Pry the plastic retaining clip away and disconnect the plug from the switch.
(it can be a tight fit in there - not a lot of room to work)
After that, start the engine and let it runs until it dies - about 3 or 4 seconds.

Proceed to replace the fuel filter.

After that, reconnect the inertia switch and replace the plastic kick panel cover.

As mentioned, you have to have the special tool for removing the old fuel fitler.
About $5 at local autoparts store.

Best of luck and check back if you have more questions.
Glad to try and help.

 

Thanks Brian!

Now thats the laymans terms I was needing. I appreciate the help.

And yeah, I bought the tool.

 

Here is what he is talking about 9H321 is the valve. middle of page.

Ed

 

I have a quick question on removing the filter. I have the tool to release the clips from the filter to remove it, but for the life of me it won't budge. I even took it to a mechanic and they couldn't even get it off. What has me stumped is that I replaced the filter a year ago and all was fine then. Could the clips be stuck somehow? Would spraying them with penetrating lube help to get them off?

 

wrong filter was used, now it is stuck. I seen it before where the filter had longer tips the what should have been used. this could be the problem.

what is the part number on the filter that is stuck?


Ed

 

I am not sure of the part mumber on the filter, it has a lot of corrosion on it. When the filter was replaced last year, it was done at a small independent repair shop where my dad use to work.

 

take it back to that shop, and let them do it, hope you have your receipt still.

truck takes F89Z-9155-A or FG-896-B


Ed

 

shove the plastic hose in hard aginst the filter while removing the clip with the other hand. that normally gets a little clearance around the clip.

 

Every 3k miles when I do an oil change I also spray Deep Creep into the fuel filter connections to keep corrosion and any debris out of them.I also change my fuel filter every 3rd oil change.The price of a fuel filter don't bother me as much as clogged injectors,hesitation,etc;it's cheap insurance!