How do you get to the fuel filter on a 2003 mercury mountaineer

SOURCE: Where is a fuel filter located on a 2002 mercury

Here's a step by step, with photos, on how to replace an Explorer fuel filter. The Mountaineer should be exactly the same. The problem you describe can be attributed to the fuel filter. Good luck.

SOURCE: Need to change fuel filter on 98' Mercury

The fuel filter will be located under the driver side door tucked inside the frame rail. The filter should have 2 or 3 plastic clips you can pinch the end of the clips together and pull the clips right out.

I suggest replacing the clips because they get brittle and break easy. after you remove the clips you pull the fuel lines off. there will be pressure on these lines you can release the pressure by pushing the fuel valve stem located on your fuel injection rails underneath the hood either way you will have gas all over so dont do it while your engine is hot or near any flames, sparks or anything that will ignite the gas. (If you do not release the pressure be careful not to get gas in your eyes as it will spray for a secound or two).
After you remove the lines there may be a bolt on the outside of the frame rail you have to remove to remove the filter if not it will have a clamp around it and you just loosen it and slide it out. However on some models like mine there are not any plastic clips there are metal ones on the outside that clip onto the filter and the fuel line.

With ones like this there are metal retaining clips on the inside of the line as well it will take alot of force to pull them off and you will notice how there are two or three little metal pieces sticking out of the line, with a small screwdriver try to bend them back in if you cannot you will have to buy new ones from a autoparts store (orliley autoparts or advanced auto parts have them, the dorman part number is 800-017), they are called retaining clips, without them the lines will leak like crazy and you will not be able to drive, if you give up the new lines are available at the dealer for about 100 apiece and are about 6 hours of dealer labor to put in, so be carefull

Bobby Memory

• 258 Answers
• Posted on Oct 19, 2009

SOURCE: Where is the fuel filter located at on a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer

it should be on the inside of the frame rail

SOURCE: where is 2005 mercury mountaineer fuel filter

Fuel filters can usually be found on the drivers side under carriage about middle of the vehicle. There should be a canister type filter with 2 metal lines connected to it. One on both sides of the canister. you will need to disconnect both lines and the bracket that holds the filter in place and install the new filter. I do suggest that you remove the fuel cap to try and relieve some of the fuel pressure built up in the lines before disconnecting the filter so you won't be sprayed too much with fuel. If you have any other questions please do not hestitate to ask.

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SOURCE: how do you change the spark plugs on a 2003

1. Most of the 4.6 Litre engines have some form of plastic cover, mine was held in place with two 11mm nuts at the front and press-fit connection at the back. Remove this cover to gain access to the spark plugs. You may need to disconnect the air hose going to the throttle body and some additional vacuum hose connections. Mark them with masking tape and numbers if you have any question about re-attaching them correctly. Along each side of the intake manifold you will see 4 round coils held in place with a 7mm bolt on each one. Remove the 7mm bolts from each coil. Each of these coils has a connector that will be disconnected by pinching the connector to release the catch and pulling gently. Do not worry about marking them unless the wire harness has been modified. The factory wire harness keeps the connectors next to the correct coil.
   
2. Remove each coil and plug connector by gently turning the unit to break the rubber loose from the manifold, then pulling up on the coil/plug connector as a unit. Do not be alarmed if the rubber boot cover comes off, you can easily reattach it to the coil. Once the coils and rubber boots are removed, use your compressed air source or vacuum to remove as much debris from around the spark plugs as possible. Warning: Wear Eye Protection when using compressed air.
   
3. Remove the spark plugs using the 5/8" spark plug socket, swivel, extension and ratchet. Some engine installations may require additional extensions or swivels to get the back plugs removed. It normally takes just an 1/8 turn to break the plugs loose and then about 4-6 full turns to fully remove the spark plugs. If the plug does not come out with the socket, use the magnetic pickup tool to pull the plug out. You will not be able to reach it with your fingers.
   
4. Using the feeler gauges gap your new spark plugs to the correct gap for your vehicle. A typical spark plug gap for this engine is .054 inch. With the plugs gapped, fit the rubber fuel line to the top of a spark plug and then apply a small dab of anti-seize compound to the plug threads. Work the anti-seize into the threads a little bit and then insert the plug into the engine. The rubber fuel line will prevent you from cross-threading the spark plug and you should be able to turn the plug in about 3/4 turn or more easily. If not, remove the plug and make sure that it has not picked up any debris in the threads. If so, clear it out and try again. Once you have all of the plugs started, use the 5/8" socket to tighten them just 1/8 turn past their stopping point. Do not over tighten as this is the leading cause for plug-blowout with this engine series.
   
5. With all of the spark plugs back in, you can then proceed to replace the coil/plug connectors. Replace the 7mm bolts for each coil and tighten them snugly but do not over tighten. With the bolts tight, the coil/plug connector should still rotate slightly. Reconnect the electrical connectors for each coil by gently pushing them in place until they click. They are indexed and will fit only in one direction.
   Reconnect the air hose to the throttle body and any vacuum lines that were removed. Replace the plastic engine cover and fasten it in place. That's it, your done.