So I need to replace the fuel filter on my 2003 ford ranger 2.3 4cyl. I'm experiencing a slight hesitation when giving the engine a lot of gas, however not when I accellerate slowly. I believe the fuel filter is pretty well clogged, as it hasnt been replaced in a very long time.

Anyways, I was going to remove the fuel lines from the filter (after relieving the fuel pressure via the inertia switch) and came across a connection that I don't know what to do with. It isnt a quick-release, as I already tried the tools for that, and it doesn't have any tabs to depress with pliers, as the haynes manual states that I should do.





Above are a few pictures, first of the actual fitting itself, and then of the entire filter to get perspective. Just a note, all three fittings are the same, just different colors for whatever reason.

Anyways, I'd appreciate any help as I would like to try and get this usually simple task out of the way over the long weekend.

Cheers, and happy 4th!

__________________
2003 2.3L Ford Ranger
112,000mi

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...ht=fuel+filter<===CLICK

The green tabs and orange tab compress easy with your fingers

__________________

mines the same. i used a flathead screwdriver and pushed in on the colored part, then pulled off. it was pretty tight so i had to wiggle a good bit.

__________________
2007 FORD RANGER XLT EXTENDED CAB - 4.0, 4x4, 5sp
Ultragauge, 10" L7 W/ 2200W PA Amp, CB W/4' Fiberglass whip, PA system, LEER shell w/led 3rd brake and custom remover, LED taillights in mudflaps, 5K 55W HIDs, Aux reverse lights, DIY bed liner, Hellas, Bed mat (cut up livestock mat).

Becareful to to break it or u gotta replace the whole line. They are not cheap either.

__________________

Good write up!

__________________
2007 FORD RANGER XLT EXTENDED CAB - 4.0, 4x4, 5sp
Ultragauge, 10" L7 W/ 2200W PA Amp, CB W/4' Fiberglass whip, PA system, LEER shell w/led 3rd brake and custom remover, LED taillights in mudflaps, 5K 55W HIDs, Aux reverse lights, DIY bed liner, Hellas, Bed mat (cut up livestock mat).

not to thread jack but how many miles should i go before i need to change my fuel filter

__________________
2003 ford ranger xl single cab, 5 speed 2.3l, k&n 57 series CAI, hurst equipped, 60/40 seat mod, full length exploder console, flowmaster super 10 ran out the back with 2.5 inch piping, 15x7 Cragar soft 8's,general grabber at2, kenwood kdc-x794 excelon series headunit with amped infinity kappa 6x8's with a 10 inch kicker solo classic run by a 750 watt mono block kicker amp with 2 gauge wire in a sealed box with 2.0 farad capacitor, ultra gauge and 2 kc daylighters 130 watt.

I think Ford recommends 15K miles

__________________

Well, now that I feel like a total idiot... appreciate the help all. Just got it replaced this morning and the studdering is 100% gone. I let the old filter drain out, and it was definately overloaded. The remaining gas was comming out a pretty dark shade of brown, so I can safely say that was the problem.

@2003fordranger1: Ford recomends 15k, my haynes manual suggests 30k, and I've also heard as high as 60k for other models. From now on, I'm planning on replaceing mine at ~25k or as needed. The filter that I just took off, as far as I know, has been on there for about 113k and I just started seeing the effects, so obviously there is some leway. I assume that was a motocraft filter, and IMHO, motocraft makes relatively good stuff. I now have a WIX filter on there, so we'll see how well it holds up. Even if I only get the 15k out of it, it was only $8...

Cheers!

__________________
2003 2.3L Ford Ranger
112,000mi

you need a special tool that the automotive shops carry to remove your fuel filter,
I just replaced mine and had to take it to brake max to remove filter,

You can use a flat blade screwdriver to push those tabs in or a stout thumbnail... but FYI, I found this during my frustration, before I figured out that your don't have to dig those "clips" out of the fuel lines!!