96 ranger - please help

[smydbiatch]

there's a few things wrong with my baby. only one is super bad though...
1) engine light is always on (has been for years, no problems though)
2) gas gauge is broken (i fill her up every 200 miles)
3) i lent her to a friend, i suspect that they didn't fill her up and one day while they were driving her, she stalled and hasn't started up since. i don't know much about this stuff. can you please help me?

i reset the computer - no dice.
i put in a gallon of gas - no dice.
i disconnected the rear side of the fuel filter to see if it was getting pressure or if the pump was somehow effected - no dice, it sprayed gas.
i couldn't seem to find out how to take the front side of the fuel filter off so that i could remove it. i figure, since the rear side of the filter is getting gas sprayed into it, the next thing would be to check the other side to see if the filter itself isn't clogged or something.

what would you suggest i do?? please help me. i can't afford to bring her to a mechanic.
thanks,
george.

[2000mudder]

i would definatly replace fuel filter first since it prob has every little piece of dirt at bottom of tank in it. it prob is gonna take more than 1 gallon, also when you turn on key, have someone listen by tank for the fuel pump noise to make sure it is still working.

[smydbiatch]

how do i take out the fuel filter? i tried to take it out but couldn't disconnect the front part of the hose. i was able to take off that little clip but the hose itself wouldn't disconnect from the filter. the back part i was able to get off but not the front part. what do you suggest? i would love to get her running again. thanks for your help. i really appreciate it.

[splashiod]

It takes a special tool to disconnect the filter, you can get it at any parts store for less than $5.00. It slides around the hose & pushes in a release spring. Also(when it's running again) go to AutoZone, if in your area ,they read CEL codes for free. Good Luck!

[roadhogg]

check for fuel press at the schrader valve ,you will have to cycle the pump a few times or use the test connector to build up the pressure, should start then