Fuel Filters

[mdmarble]

I'm tired of getting the kind of mileage I'm getting now. I love my truck, but 15 mpg just sucks. I've got 41,000 miles now, and as far as I know, the fuel filter has never been changed. I'm assuming that this will increase my mpg if its dirty.

I have an '02 3.0L 2WD Ranger XLT, does anyone know how I go about changing my fuel filter. Where is it, and how do I take it out and replace it. Is it a cartridge or can, what ever you call it, like an oil filter, or is it like an air filter, you just pull it out and replace it.

Besides fuel filter and oil, what else it it time for to replace. When do I need to replace my transmission fluid, and the fluid in my differential?

-Mike

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

its been a while since ive done a newer ranger fuel filter...but the filter will either have little plastic clips that can be (gently) removed with a screw driver or by hand...or it will have metal clips that require a special fuel line quick disconnect tool.

the filter is located on the inside of the drivers side frame rail, almost directly under the drivers door.

its a canister style filter....like an oil filter, but with nipples that extend off the ends to which the fuel lines clip.

under normal conditions...axle and manual transmission fluid dont require changing for 100,000+ miles.

at only 41k miles, there isnt really much that needs to be done. 15 MPG isnt that bad if your a spirited driver and do mostly in-town driving.

 

[snake]

The sludgeman is right, and you will need a plastic tool from vatozone or a parts store (the set is like 2 bucks) to get the line loose. It can be tricky, and there is gas pressure in there so be careful with the droplight. You can release the pressure by pulling the fuelpump relay, cranking it and running it out of gas, or let pressure off at the scrader valve. I just let the gas fly on mine but with no drop light around to ignite it.

There is one bolt, I think its 10mm and three lines.

I doubt it will change your fuel mileage though, but does need to be changed.

If you have an auto transmission I'd want to change the fluid and filter now, even if it is before it is recommended. The first change is the most critical on an auto tranny, get the debris and chunks they throw out of it after break-in. If its a manual switch to synthetic.

The rear end doesn't really need changing but you might try synthetic fluid in there if you do, could help (but I doubt it).

I've got a 2002 just like yours except with a 4.0 auto and 61K miles. I do drive conservatively, but it gets 20 to 22 on EVERY tank. Maybe I got lucky, but I knew the two V6's did close to the same MPG so I went for power. I did buy a programmer and I have it jacked up as high as it will go, maybe that made some difference...

Keep an eye on tire pressure (I'm running 35 lbs) and drive like you have an egg between your foot and the gas pedal- that should help. I also run some injector cleaner (44K) through the system every 10K miles.

 

[JohnnyO]

The manual calls for replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles.

 

[exbass94]

If you have an automatic trans, I recommend you change the fluid at least every 30k. I also recommend a full flush instead of pan drop/refill.