They must have been popping stupid pills the day they decided to put the fuel filter in this position. Probably the same day they decided to sans the transmission dipstick. If you are planning this job, don't think you are finishing in 15 minutes. In fact don't have a deadline at all. If you are real lucky your disconnect tool will do the trick with minimal frustration. I broke 2 plastic ones, and one metal one. It's impossinble to get leverage under there with one arm snaked around the frame. Why put one of these connections down there in the first place? Here's hoping you have much better luck than I did.
not stupid at all on fords part! it actually makes perfect sense! the average owner of a ford explorer will NOT get under the car and change the fuel filter.. so the stick it in a totally inaccessible area, knowing that u will give up and take it to the dealer. then the dealer will bill you the 3+ hours it takes to install a 15$ filter! they gotta make money somehow, cause it is not with SELLING cars
I just changed mine on 2002 xlt. It has three lines, one is a return line. Excellent article and pictures. Nick
#7 remove filter from bracket
Don't try pulling it out - that sucker is really in there. I used a rubber mallet to tap the filter out.
REMEMBER THIS IS A GAS FILTER - DON'T USE A REGULAR HAMMER!!! Use a block of wood if you have to.