The fuel system on the 2001 Ford F-150 comes equipped with a quick-connect type fuel filter. The fuel filter is made up of two parts. The outer part of the fuel filter makes up the housing. The inner part of the fuel filter makes up the elongated fibers that trap any sediments or debris from the fuel. Once the gas leaves the fuel tank, the gas travels through the fuel lines and into the fuel filter. Once the gas flows through the fuel filter, the sediments or debris from the gas is trapped inside of the fibers.
Park the 2001 Ford F-150 in a safe, ventilated location. Apply the emergency brake.
Remove the fuel cap completely from the fuel tank. Removing the fuel cap will release the pressure from the fuel filter and the fuel lines.
Slide under the driver side of the truck near the driver side door and locate the fuel filter canister that is secured to the driver side frame rail. Position the fuel catch pan underneath the fuel filter.
Insert the 5/16-inch end of the fuel line quick-disconnect tool inside the end of one of the fuel lines. Press the tool inward inside of the fuel line until the fuel line unlocks from the fuel filter port. Pull the fuel line straight off of the fuel filter port. Move the tool to the other side of the fuel filter and repeat the process.
Unscrew the bolt from the fuel filter bracket with the adjustable wrench. Pull the fuel filter out of the bracket and put it into the fuel catch pan.
Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket, with the flow arrow that is marked on the side of the fuel filter pointing toward the motor. Tighten the bolt on the fuel filter bracket with the adjustable wrench until the bracket is completely tightened to the fuel filter.
Push both fuel lines straight onto the both fuel filter ports until each line locks in place. Pull out on the fuel lines to make sure that they are properly secured to each port. Pull the catch pan out from under the F-150 and screw the fuel cap completely onto the fuel tank.
Turn the ignition key to the accessory position for 10 seconds. Turn the key off and repeat the process two more times to completely prime the new fuel filter with fresh gas. Crank the motor and look over the new fuel filter for any leaks. Turn the motor off.
