2002 Explorer Fuel Filter

I have an '02 Explorer XLT 4.6L V8. Yesterday morning I went out to start it up and had a problem getting it to turn over. I had electric, but it took about 10-15 seconds of cranking for it to turnover. Once it started and the RPMs dropped to 500 the engine stopped. I would recrank and then I would keep the accelerator down to keep fuel flowing. I did this for a minute or two, let off the gas and again, once it hit 500 RPMs the engine stopped and all I had was electric. I let it sit for almost an hour, went out and started up no problem, let it idle for 5 minutes and the engine never stopped. I had no problem last night with it or this morning. In speaking to my brother-in-law about what went on he suggested it might be a clogged fuel filter. I haven't had any problems with acceleration or pickup after getting it starting with no trouble last night or today. Could it be a clogged fuel filter? I have just over 47,000 miles on this, and don't believe the filter has beeen changed at all. If it is a clogged filter, where is it located and what do I need in order to change it? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

I would recommend changing the filter, since the vehicle has over 30K on it, but I doubt that was the cause of your trouble. Intermittent probs like this one can be real hair-pullers. Also, you may want to leave the fuel filter replacement for the dealer - they're a royal pain on the new Explorers!

When you say "royal pain", how much of a royal pain? Are the along the fuel line system? I would hope it isn't inside the tank.

It's not inside the tank, but it's tucked up over top of it, with very little slack in the lines to move it to where you can release the fittings. there is also a heat shield that must be removed to gain access. I wouldn't even attempt to change it without a lift.

When you say "royal pain", how much of a royal pain? Are the along the fuel line system? I would hope it isn't inside the tank.

I just had the fuel filter on my Explorer 2002 changes by a mechanic. I could not locate the filter. It is tucked under a heat shield near the catalytic converter. Remove the catalytic heat shield and then remove another shoeld protecting the fuel filter. You will see it there. I considered changing it my self but then thought bettr to pay someone $40 (parts & labor) to change it. The mechanic struggled for 30min.

Reading your problem statement I can't be sure but if what you are saying is as long as your foot was on the gas pedal it kept running and as soon as you let off (dropped below 500 rpms) it stalled. If it stalled when you let off the gas pedal then I will tell you your IAC valve was probably stuck shut. If the IAC valve is the problem you can keep the vehicle running by keeping your foot into the gas. May have to shift to neutral at stop lights, but it won't strand you. A clogged fuel filter on the other hand would cause all sorts of problems while driving? IAC is an easy $40.00-$60.00 replacement or even cheaper yet, a free cleaning.