Hi,

I have a 2002 Cougar, but no manuals exist for the 2002. (For what it's worth, it's still running well with 40k miles, but after reading some posts, I'm a little nervous.) I'm changing the fuel filter, and have run into 2 snags:

1) Depressurizing the fuel lines

How do I deactivate the fuel pump? I've tried removing the "Ignition" fuse to no avail. There are no other fuses labeled "Fuel [anything.]"

I'm considering disconnecting the fuel pump with the Fuel Pump Cut-off Switch, which is located down a hole behind a kick-plate that I'm pretty sure I don't want to break. The kick-plate also houses the hood lever and an electronic trunk button. Both switches (fuel pump and trunk) wires go up into a hydra of wires, never to be seen again. Is there a correct way to access and unplug the Fuel Pump Cut-off Switch?

Or another way to depressurize the fuel lines? I've heard about opening the gas tank and the depressurizing the line from the fuel pressure-release valve, but I haven't found a valve yet, if the 2002 even has 1.

2) Disconnecting the filter

If anyone knows the type of fuel filter connectors that are on a 2002 Mercury Cougar, please let me know if I need a special tool for them, or if I should start removing (and/or breaking) them by hand.

Thanks for your help!
Park

To de-pressurize the fuel lines just remove the fuel cap. The new fuel filter will come with the correct plastic clips to use. Loosen the clamp, remove the two clips with a flat head and yank the old one. Install in reverse - done!