Ford Fusion 2 (2005) fuel filter swap

I've not done this job before so thought I'd post a summary- it turned out to be really straightforward, the only problem being fuel pressurisation.

The fuel filter is positioned just in front of the passenger side rear wheel in front of the tank and is held in by 2 clips. The fuel system is pressurised, and unlike my classics this is more like 20psi than the 2-3psi! The usual way to deal with this is to remove the fuse for the fuel pump and start the car. The motor will then run until it has used up the fuel in the line and stops, obviously relieving pressure in the process.

Fuel pump fuse located behind the glove compartment, indicated by a petrol pump symbol- here is 2 across from the left and 2 down.

Fuse removed.

 Problem with this was that once the fuse was removed the motor wouldn't start- I cranked it to try and remove most pressure but was not completely successful- you will need a big spill/drip tray!

Filter is held by two clips (one at each end) that clip onto the filter pipe tails- it simply pulls forward out of the clips and down. Note the Ford quick release hose fastenings on each side of the filter. although...

 Ford uses quick connect clips to attach the pump, you simply squeeze the clips and pull the pipe off the filter tails. Pressure was NOT completely relieved but was handle-able. Haynes also suggests that you plug the pipes to prevent fuel loss- I didn't find that a problem but do be prepared to cope with a fuel spill.

Some fuel did spray out, and of course the filter removed is full.

... the handbrake cable which is clipped into cable clips beside it may need to be unclipped too.

Fuel filters are directional so it was installed such that fuel would flow in the direction of the arrow. I used a Crossland filter which has the same ridges on its tails and these clipped simply and easily onto the fuel pipes. I had to remove the handbrake cable to get the new filter back into the retaining clips on the body.

Crossland filter

This new filter has a larger ridge around the outlet side and the  handbrake cable needed to be unclipped to get it in.

New filter clipped into retaining clips on body- push it backwards to click the filter hose tails into the two clips.

All that's now left is the return the handbrake cable and start up the car in order to check for leaks- and jobs a good'un.