Ford Focus Fuel Filter Replacement

Okay, just changed the fuel filter. Apologies for the lack of progress photos this time but working on the fuel system is just nasty and I wanted to get the job done as quickly and as safely as possible.

I have taken a photo of the new filter in place but the photos really don't give you a proper idea of how awkward the placement of this filter is. It is situated underneath the car not far from the rear drivers wheel. There are a number of fuel pipes running around the area and access is terrible.

The first thing to do as with any time you work on the fuel system, is to remove the fuel pump fuse then crank the engine for 10 seconds which will relieve the excess pressure in the system. Then the negative terminal must be removed from the battery and kept away from the terminal. As you remove the connections, have a glass jar ready to collect the fuel that pours out. Once the worst of it is done, carefully withdraw the old filter keeping it level because there will still be a lot of fuel inside it.

Fitting the new one is essentially the opposite of removal but due care must be paid to ensuring the pipes are connected properly. Once complete, put the fuel pump fuse back in, reconnect the battery and then turn the key back and forth without starting the engine. Listen out for the fuel pump as it primes the system. Before starting, check for any leaks.

Once you are satisfied, drop the car back down and start the engine. Check underneath again for leaks. Luckily this went okay for me but I'm glad it only has to be done every 60,000 miles.