Replacing Fuel Filter - EL fairmont - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

AussieFX · 09-02-2002, 05:45

Hello.
Could someone point me to the relay that de-activates the fuel pump. Im wanting to remove the fuel filter without getting fuel sprayed all over the place.

Im assuming that removing the fuel relay and then running the engine for a short moment will remove the fuel pressure to allow for the fuel filter to be replaced.
Is this correct?
Thanks again.

botch · 09-02-2002, 07:12

i find that the easiest way is to remove the black cover ontop of the fuel tank sender unit (in the boot under the carpet) there is about 8 phillips screws and some serios sticky goo holding the cover on.

then with the engine idling unplug the fuel pump at the top of the sender unit (dont take sender unit out...only the black steel cover in the boot) until the engine stops. This will depressurise the efi system.

Tickford6 · 09-02-2002, 18:58

It doesn't spray all that much does it? I think fuel pump relay is either near the battery or airbox.
I have a question though, does cutting the fuel supply when the engine's running stuff up the EFI a bit? Isn't this the reason you aren't meant to run the tank empty?

cheers

james

tickford5400i · 09-02-2002, 19:34

Guys, dont be silly, playing with electricals and so forth.

Jack the car, stands, safe etc, keep the fuel cap on, open end ring spanner's, undo, you'll get a few dodgy spills (100-200ml), collect the spill with a dirty rag or container, then change.

Be careful not to round the nuts, if you do this, then you'll have trouble.

Always, fill your tank up to FULL level, then drain it, then fill. None of this $5 here, $10 there business. I do 2 tanks of regular unleaded, then every third tank is Caltex Vortex.

Ive always used aftermarket parts on my cars (plugs, air filters, oils, leads, rotor caps + buttons, pads, bulbs etc) but always use the original FORD Fuel filter. Lasts longer.

Good luck.......

botch · 09-03-2002, 18:18

your not meant to runk the car with the tank low on fuel cos it sucks up all the shit in the bottom of the tank, which can block filters and injectors.

AussieFX · 09-04-2002, 05:40

Appreciate the replies.
I have replaced my fuel filter on the probe and this involved removing the relay with the engine running.
This is the SAFEST method that Im aware of with this car anyway.

I am aware of the the bank of four relays located next the air filter assembly. Could someone point me to the fuel pump relay.
This would be the easiest and cleanest method I think still.

ebxr8240 · 09-04-2002, 06:00

On E.B's its behind the steel bracket behind battery.
I thought in the manual it says to pull the F/P fuse &
start motor.Just as easy to push the valve or Fuel presure test valve on fuel rail just under front of inlet to relieve press.With rag to catch fuel..Key off!!!

Tickford6 · 09-04-2002, 20:57

The two times I have replaced a fuel filter, I have just taken the filter off directly the fuel line and put another one in. It doesn't spit much. Never had any problems later either. I still think pulling the relay out is like running the tank dry (except for the gunk that the latter causes) and not good for the car.

09-05-2002, 04:10

Its the green relay you are looking for which is the fuel pump relay pull it out and all will be ok

ebxr8240 · 09-05-2002, 06:17

Quote:

Originally posted by Tickford6
The two times I have replaced a fuel filter, I have just taken the filter off directly the fuel line and put another one in. It doesn't spit much. Never had any problems later either. I still think pulling the relay out is like running the tank dry (except for the gunk that the latter causes) and not good for the car.

NO it's not it's only relieving the pressure in the line.
Thats what the valve on the fuel rail is for to relieve air from system..
Pulling fuel relay good anti theft device as well..