The particular car make and model that I will show how to change a fuel filter using detailed photographs is Ford Mondeo 2005, TDCI, 2 Litre Diesel, MK3. This demonstration is a part of an annual 10,000 miles full service of this car.
Tools required for this job: A small flat head screwdriver to unlock the fuel pipe plastic locks. A spanner set if you would like to remove the wheel spring mount incase you can’t reach/access the fuel filter easily.
First thing is to locate the fuel filter in the engine bay. It is tucked underneath the wheel spring mount on the left side when facing the engine bay.
I decided to remove the wheel spring mount to gain easier access to the fuel filter however you can skip the following steps if you are comfortable reaching the 3 pipes connected to the filter.
Using a small flathead screwdriver push the plastic locks of the fuel pipes connected to the fuel filter inlets and outlets as shown below:
Now replace the old fuel filter with a new one and connect the inlet fuel pipes and leave the outlet fuel pipe disconnected.
The new fuel filter MUST BE PRIMED WITH THE FUEL. If you do not prime the filter, it is impossible to start the car due to air lock in the filter and the fuel pipes. Therefore, you will need a fuel hand pump (squeezy rubber one, looks like the older blood pressure measurement device) which is used particularly to prime fuel filters.
Alternatively, you will need a plastic pipe that snug fits the fuel filter outlet such that you can suck the air and hence bring the fuel through the filter like so:
Please do not worry, as long as the pipe is long enough, the fuel will not end up in your mouth. All that is required is to bring the fuel just outside as visible in the pipe connected to the outlet of the filter, like so:
Once the fuel is visible from the filter outlet, disconnect the priming pipe and reconnect the black car’s fuel pipe. Now, when you start the car, the car should start in 2 or 3 shelf starts.
Now, install the spring mount back.
