1999 Ford Taurus Remove a Gas Filter

Since its debut in 1985 the Ford Taurus has always used a fuel injection system to provide gasoline to the engine. By 1999, the Taurus was in the last year of its third generation and while many things had changed, the front-wheel-drive sedan still employed an electronic fuel injection system. To prevent damage to the fuel injectors and engine, the system relies on an in-line fuel filter to trap sediment and debris, preventing it from reaching the injectors.

Tools Used

Tools
Drain pan
Fuel line disconnect tool

Remove a Gas Filter

• Start the Taurus. Open the trunk. Open the fuel shut-off switch compartment, located on the right side of the trunk.

• Disconnect the wiring harness from the fuel shut-off switch; wait for the Taurus to stall and then remove the key from the ignition. Lift the passenger rear corner of the Taurus with a floor jack and support it on a jack stand.

• Slide a drain pan under the fuel filter; located on the frame near the right-rear wheel.

• Pull the fuel line retaining clips on the fuel line connections up with the fuel line disconnect tool. You can also use a pocket screwdriver, but exercise caution as the clips break easily with uneven pressure; breaking the clips means you have to replace the entire fuel line.

• Pull the fuel lines off the fuel filter. Slide the filter out of the retaining band and place it in the drain pan. Slide the new filter into the band, with the flow arrow pointing toward the engine.

• Slide the fuel lines onto the new filter. Push the retaining clips down into the fuel line connectors.

• Plug the wiring harness into the fuel shut-off switch. Close that fuel shut-off switch compartment and trunk.

• Lower the Taurus off the jack stand with the floor jack. Turn the ignition key to the run position and wait 10 seconds before starting the Taurus.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a jack and jack stand handy, drive the passenger side wheels onto a curb which should allow you enough space to get under the car.