fuel filter

[Tarzan]

anyone know where the fuel filter is located on a 96 windstar.. I looked but couldn't find it.. thanks

[Siterlet]

....Drivers side about a foot in front of rear tire, about a foot in. But before you get to deep in there, you'll need a special tool (cheap plastic dohickey, you can get when you pick up the filter), which I'm pretty sure you can't do the change without. Figured that out by being stuck under there trying everything from paper clips to screw drivers, till I just broke down and bought the silly thing......

[SebringYves]

Before you change the fuel filter I believe its better to disconnect the auto-shut off switch in the right sight storage box in the trunk. Just disconnect the connector from the switch. This should release the pressure in the fuel system. I did not need any special tool.

[wiswind]

You will want to release the fuel system pressure....it holds pressure for some time after the car is OFF. There is a fuel pressure check / release point at the center of the front fuel rail.....which is the crome pipe that goes to the fuel injectors. If you look at the fuel rail....you will see it at the center. It is just like a tire air pressure valve.

You don't want to have a spray of gasoline in the face when you release the first line from the filter.

The special tool is a plastic fuel connector release tool.....also used for air conditioning connectors, and the automatic transmission cooler connectors on the radiator. They are available in a set of various sizes for 5-10 dollars.
My set had a note to use the 3/8" size for FORD 5/16" fuel system connections. Which is the size on the '96 windstar fuel filter. You only need this tool for one end. The end that has the metal "redundant" clip. The other end of the fuel filter is held by a plastic clip. Many, but not all, fuel filters come with replacement plastic clips. You can use a pair of needle nose pliers to release the plastic clip.

On the stainless steel side of the fuel filter, with the metal "redundant" clip. You will release the redundant clip. Then slide the plastic neck of the fuel system release tool up inside the stainless steel sleeve that is over the end of the fuel filter. Force it up in there to release the clips that are on the inside of the stainless sleeve....and pull the sleeve off/filter out.

Remember to install the new filter with the flow direction arrow pointing to the front of the car.

The stainless sleeve should slide over the neck of the new filter without the use of the tool. Make sure that it is firmly in place....as in...will not slide right back off.....and reinstall the metal "redundant" clip. And install the fuel line and plastic clip on the other end.