How to Remove the Fuel Filter from a '99 Ford Escort SE
- 1). Open the under-hood relay and fuse block on the driver's side of the engine, near the battery. Remove the fuel pump fuse, the 20-amp fuse on the right side of the fuse block.
- 2). Start the Escort and let it run until it stalls. Crank the vehicle for about 15 seconds to purge out any remaining pressure in the fuel lines.
- 3). Loosen the negative battery cable using a combination wrench, and pull the cable from the battery.
- 4). Locate the fuel filter next the master cylinder attached to the Escort's firewall. Position a drain pan under the fuel filter. Pull the plastic retaining clip away from the upper fuel hose on the fuel filter with your fingers. Remove the hose from the top of the fuel filter.
- 5). Raise the front of the Escort using a floor jack, and position jack stands under the vehicle's subframe. Lower the Escort onto the jack stands.
- 6). Crawl under the Escort and locate the bottom part of the fuel filter. Pull the plastic retaining clip from the fuel line plugging into the bottom of the fuel filter. Pull the fuel line away from the bottom of the fuel filter.
- 7). Crawl from under the Escort and loosen the fuel filter bracket, using a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the fuel filter from the Escort's engine compartment.
- 8). Insert a new fuel filter into the bracket with the flat side facing upward. Tighten the fuel filter bracket with a flat-head screwdriver.
- 9). Crawl under the Escort and press the fuel line onto the inlet on the base of the fuel filter. Insert the plastic retaining clips to secure the line on the filter.
- 10
Raise the Escort off the jack stands using a floor jack, and remove the stands from under the vehicle. Lower the Escort to the ground. - 11
Press the upper fuel line onto the outlet of the fuel filter. Press the plastic retaining clip through the line to secure the line on the filter. - 12
Reinstall the fuel pump fuse in the under-hood relay and fuse block, and close the block's lid. Reinstall the negative battery cable onto the battery and tighten it with a combination wrench. - 13
Turn the Escort's ignition to the "On" position and check for leaks from the fuel filter. - 14
Take the old fuel and old fuel filter to an automotive fluid recycling center. Many auto parts stores take old fuel filters free of charge.
Source...