The fuel filter for the 2004 Ford Focus is responsible for keeping sediment-free gas flowing to the fuel injectors and the engine. As the gas flows through the fuel filter, the sediments get caught inside of the inner filter. The fresh gas then flows to the injectors where it is disbursed into the engine. Replace the fuel filter between 50,000 and 60,000 miles.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
things you'll need:
- Jack
- Safety stand
- Drip pan
- Fuel line quick disconnect tool
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- New fuel filter
-
- 1 Park the 2004 Ford Focus in a well-ventilated location and on a level surface. Set the parking brake.
- 2 Remove the gas cap from the fill neck of the gas tank. This releases the pressure off of the fuel filter and prevents gas from spraying everywhere.
- 3 Slide the jack under the rear of the Focus and jack it up from a safe jacking point. Then, position the safety stand under the rear passenger side frame rail. Lower the jack until the Focus is sitting on top of the safety stand. Leave the jack in the up position.
- 4 Slide under the rear passenger side of the 2004 Ford Focus near the rear passenger wheel and locate the fuel filter. It is mounted to the inside of the passenger-side frame rail in front of the rear passenger-side wheel.
- 5 Slide the drip pan under the Focus and position it under the area of the fuel filter. Then, slide the end of the fuel line quick disconnect tool into the end of one of the fuel lines. Press the tool into the fuel line and pull out on the fuel line at the same time. The tool releases the fuel line from the fuel filter pipe. Do this to both fuel lines.
- 6 Unscrew the band clamp that is holding the fuel filter in place with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Then, pull the fuel filter out and place it in the drip pan.
- 7 Slide the new fuel filter into the band clamp with the arrow that is stamped on the side of the filter pointing toward the engine. Tighten the band clamp with the screwdriver. Then, push both fuel lines straight onto the fuel filter pipes until they lock in place. Carefully pull out on both fuel lines to ensure that they are secured to the fuel filter pipes.
- 8 Slide the drip pan out, then jack the rear of the 2004 Ford Focus back up and remove the safety stand. Lower the Focus to the ground and remove the jack.
- 9 Screw the gas cap back onto the fill neck of the gas tank until it clicks. This ensures that the cap is completely secured to the fill neck.
- 10 Turn the ignition key to the accessory position and back off again three different times. This process primes the new fuel filter with gas and removes any air from the fuel filter and fuel lines. Crank the engine on the fourth turn of the ignition. Inspect the new filter for gas leaks and then turn the engine off.
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