How much does it cost to replace a fuel filter on a Ford?

Fuel Filter Replacement

How are fuel filter issues diagnosed?

Changing the fuel filter normally does not require a diagnosis. They are most often replaced as scheduled maintenance, or as part of a repair necessitating early replacement of the fuel filter. If the fuel system is being diagnosed, the fuel filter may be replaced as a step in the diagnosis. If the fuel filter has been run past the replacement interval, or if it was noted that the fuel tank had contaminants in it, the filter will immediately be suspected of failure in the case of any fueling issue.

How is a fuel filter replaced?

For an in-line filter, there are two lines on either end of the filter that need to be released. Some GM vehicles require special tools to release the lines, while some European vehicles will require at least one line wrench to break the metal line fittings loose. The sealing washers will need to be replaced as well to prevent leaks from the new filter. If any debris or dirt are noted from the filter inlet line, the fuel tank will be inspected for corrosion and contaminants.

RepairPal Recommendations for fuel filter issues

We recommend using OEM quality or better when selecting a new fuel filter. Inferior fuel filters will allow contaminants pass through, and reach the fuel system more often.

What to look out for when dealing with fuel filter issues

Some older vehicles may locate the fuel filter on the firewall. When servicing this placement of filter, it is important to keep rags handy to catch fuel spilling from the filter. Removing a dripping fuel filter in a hot engine bay is a potential fire hazard.

Can I replace the fuel filter myself?

Depending on location of the filter, fuel filter replacement can be done at home by an intermediate DIYer. Most require lifting and safely supporting the vehicle in order to access the filter, and some will require removal of under-body paneling. Fuel filters are more easily replaced with a set of fuel line release tools. These are available from many auto parts stores, or online. They allow the technician, or DIYer to remove the fuel lines without breaking any of the fragile plastic clips. Care should be taken to catch fuel that falls from the filter or line during this service. Any time the fuel system is opened there is risk of fire.

Symptoms of a bad Fuel Filter

Check engine warning light

You were hoping I wouldn’t mention this one, weren’t you? It can’t be that serious if it’s just a little light, right? Wrong. The check engine warning light exists to...well, warn you about something going on with your car. While it can illuminate due to a myriad of different issues. Many of those issues are fuel-related, which can ultimately be the result of a fuel filter that needs replacing.

Performance-related issues

This one is pretty straightforward. Your car needs fuel to operate. When the fuel filter is clogged, damaged, or otherwise compromised, your engine may not be able to get the proper amount of fuel. The result can be a variety of issues that you’ll feel in your right foot. The car might misfire, which happens due to incomplete combustion. You also might notice a lack of power, as your car won’t quite do what your foot is asking it to do. This may be a lot more noticeable at slow speeds, because the engine isn’t working as hard. At faster speeds, with the engine working a bit harder, the higher pressure can help the fuel make it past a clogged filter, which it may not be able to do at lower speeds. There also may be hesitation when you start, or when you accelerate, which is a weird sensation.

Car will stall

If your car is stalling like you did when you were first learning how to drive a stick shift, then it very well may be an issue with the fuel filter. If a clogged up fuel filter is keeping the adequate amount of gasoline from making it to the combustion chamber, then the car may not be able to idle, which will lead to stalling when you come to a stop. And yes, it's a bit embarrassing.

Difficulty starting or inability to start

Similarly, if your car can’t get enough gasoline because of a clogged fuel filter, then it may have a hard time starting. This may play out with a case of hard starting, where the engine is reluctant to get going, and it takes a few tries to get the car to turn on. Or it may go a step further and result in an engine that simply won’t turn over, and a car that, in turn, won’t start. Here’s your first lesson in Cars 101 class: If your car won’t turn on, it’s kind of useless.

Scheduled maintenance

Look, I know it's easy to "forget" (or ignore) scheduled maintenance, but if you have an external fuel filter, it should be replaced per the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance. Not sure how to tell when your car's due for scheduled maintenance? Check out that manual that came with your car. Hint: It's probably sitting in your glove box.