The fuel filter on your Mercury Tracer is responsible for removing excess dirt and debris from the fuel coming from the gas tank before it reaches the engine. Over time, the fuel filter eventually becomes clogged. When this happens, fuel no longer passes through it. As a result, the engine will not start. Early signs of a problem with the filter often include engine sputter, stalling and backfiring. You can locate the Tracer’s fuel filter within five minutes. If you end up having to replace it, the job should take less than 40 minutes.
Raise and support the hood. Stand on the driver side of the engine compartment.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir. It is a small, oval-shaped container with a black cap on it. The reservoir sits in the upper right-hand corner of the engine compartment.
Peer down into the engine compartment on the left side of the brake fluid reservoir. You should see a round metal can that has a black rubber hose connected to the top of it. This is the fuel filter. To remove it, you must first remove the hose that you see connected to it. The filter also has a hose connected to the bottom of it. Before you attempt to remove either hose, you must first relieve the fuel pressure.
Locate the power distribution center. The pdc houses the engine's main fuses and relays. The pdc mounts on the lower right side of the engine compartment. Observe the writing that you see on top of the black plastic cover. Identify the fuel pump fuse by locating where it says “Fuel Pump 20A” on top of the cover. This fuse powers the fuel pump.
Remove the pdc cover. It is secured in place by plastic tabs along the edges. Lift the tabs upward to displace the cover. Identify the corresponding fuse associated with the diagram on the cover. Remove the fuel pump fuse by pulling it vertically from its location with a pair of needlenose pliers. Start the engine and allow it to idle until it stalls out. Try to start the engine three more times. The engine failing to start again signifies that the fuel pressure has discharged.
