Where Is The Fuel Filter Located On A 2003 Ford Explorer V8 And How Do You Change It?

It is located on the inside of the frame rail just about where the drivers seat is located, u will need a Ford fuel line release tool to change it, the filter is held in a metal braket with one 8mm bolt to remove it, keep rags around the line with u take it off, there will be pressure present in the line, the little tools u need are avail from NAPA or Carquest or Autozone, about $5

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
4. Remove the bolts and the fuel filter heat shield.
5. Remove the nuts and the fuel filter shield.
6. Disconnect the quick release and spring lock couplings and remove the fuel filter.
   

1. Remove any fuel line caps.
2. Install the new fuel filter, connecting the quick-release and spring-lock couplings.
3. Install the fuel filter shield.
4. Install the fuel filter heat shield. Torque the bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm).
5. Reconnect the battery ground cable.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Start the vehicle, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

Fuel filter is under vehicle in the fuel line.

Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, please familiarize yourself with safety procedures.
2. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Bolts from fuel filter shield and remove shield (if equipped) Fuel lines Fuel filter from the support
   
   
   
   
   Fig. Fuel filter
   
   

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Fuel filter to the support Fuel lines Fuel filter shield (if equipped) and tighten bolts to 15 ft. lbs (20 Nm) Negative battery cable
   
2. Start the vehicle, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Fuel lines Fuel filter from the support
   

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Fuel filter to the support Fuel lines Negative battery cable
   
2. Start the vehicle, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the -Precautions- section.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
3. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure.
4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
5. Remove the bolts and the fuel filter heat shield.
6. Remove the nuts and the fuel filter shield.
7. Disconnect the quick release and spring lock couplings and remove the fuel filter.
   
   
   
   
   
Fig. Removing the fuel filter heat shield-4.0L & 4.6L engines (except 2005 Sport-Trac)

1. Remove any fuel line caps.
2. Install the new fuel filter, connecting the quick-release and spring-lock couplings.
3. Install the fuel filter shield.
4. Install the fuel filter heat shield. Torque the bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm).
5. Reconnect the battery ground cable.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Start the vehicle, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the -Precautions- section.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
3. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure.
4. Disconnect the fuel tube from the front and rear of the fuel filter.
5. Remove the fuel filter.
   
   
   
6. Fig. Removing the fuel filter-2005 Sport-Trac 4.0L SOHC engine
   
7. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.