How do you replace the fuel filter on a Mercury Sable?

Answer 1

It is in front of the rear wheel well passenger side, about an inch in. There are two plastic tabs that hold the fuel lines to the filter. Just pop them out (don't use tools). You may need to push them through with something small like a screwdriver, just don't use the tool on the fuel line fittings and be careful with those lines with anything sharp.

Before you disconnect the lines from the filter, you must relieve the fuel system pressure by removing the two fuel pump relay fuses in the fuse box under the hood. After they are removed, start the car and wait until the engine dies. Just be sure to wear safety goggles and be ready for some gas to spurt. This is normal. The clamp holding the filter is just one screw (like regular hose clamps). Wiggle the filter backward. Put your new one in (make sure the flow arrow is pointing toward the engine). Reattach the fuel lines to the filter, pop in new tabs (always). Replace the fuses in the fuse box. Turn the key to the position just before the engine starts to allow the fuel pump to prime, do this 2-3 times, then you are ready to start the car. Job time is about 30 minutes including jacking the car up. AnswerYou will need to jack up the RR (right rear) corner of the vehicle to reach it. The fuel filter is fastened with a big clamp to the right side frame rail, close to the fuel tank, just ahead of the RR wheel.

Disconnect fuel lines:

• On 1986-1999 models, use a small flat screwdriver to remove the two plastic clips from the lines attached to the filter.
• On 2000+ models use a different type of 'snap' connector. There is a specialized fuel-line disconnect tool- a small round plastic device that slips onto the fuel line and presses into the clip to release. Rather inexpensive.

  It is very likely you can simply squeeze the connectors with small pliers while pulling the line out.

• Be careful! The lines may be under pressure, and fuel may spray out as you unplug the first line from the filter.

Use a flat screwdriver, or 5/16 nut-driver to loosen the clamp from the body of the filter to remove old filter

Install

• Mount the new filter into clamp & tighten (not too much - just snug)

  Be sure the 'flow' arrow is pointing towards the engine

• for early model years, insert the new plastic line clips that are in the box with the filter into the lines and then plug the lines onto the filter until you hear them click in place.
• For 2000+ models, push line onto filter end until you hear them click in

NOTES:

• watch out for dripping gas - be prepared with rags & small container.
• Chilton's recommends 30,000 mile replacement - 15K under severe conditions
• Cost is about $10-15
• Test: blow into it - the more back-pressure, the more plugged up it is
• ** used mouthwash before kissing loved ones or smoking after conducting fuel filter test

Releasing Fuel Pressure

• Release the fuel pressure using a fuel pressure gauge or disconnecting power to inertia switch located in the jack compartment at the right rear of the van.
• If inertia switch disconnect method is used, start the car and let it run until it dies on its own. This will burn most of the fuel in fuel line.

AnswerDon't know about a 1990, but on my 1997 its located on the underside of the car on the passenger side right in front of the rear wheel.

The fuel filter is located in longside the gas tank - in front of the right rear wheel.

• Lift up the white colored plastic clips holding the fuel lines to the filter. THERE WILL BE FUEL DRAINAGE! Have a small cup to catch it and no smoking!
• Unclamp the filter from the bracket - 5/16ths nutdriver

You actually would have to work real hard to put the filter in backwards, but just to be sure, note the arrow on the side indicating the fuel flow direction.

Of course, reverse the steps to install.