The Ford Transit model vehicles come equipped with diesel engines. The diesel engines have a fuel filter that is responsible for keeping the diesel clean. When the Ford Transit is running, the diesel is pumped out of the fuel tank and into the fuel lines. The fuel lines then carry the diesel to the fuel filter. The diesel flows through the fuel filter and the fibered filter inside of the fuel filter catches and traps any sediments from the fuel. The clean diesel then flows to the fuel injectors.
Park the Ford Transit in a ventilated area. Apply the parking brake and open the hood.
Locate the fuel filter assembly inside the engine compartment. Then, position the drip pan under the van near the general area of the fuel filter assembly.
Locate the two fuel line connectors on the top of the fuel filter assembly. Use a clean rag and push in on the small plastic clips on the end of the fuel lines. Once the clips are compressed, the fuel lines will unlock from the fuel filter pipes. Pull out on the fuel lines at the same time as you are squeezing the ends of the fuel lines.
Locate the main coupling connector on top of the fuel filter. The main coupling connector is directly in front of the fuel line pipes on the fuel filter. Remove the small metal clip from the coupling by prying out on the clip with a flat-head screwdriver. Then, pull the main coupling off the top of the fuel filter.
Locate the spring-loaded tab on the side of the main fuel filter bracket. The fuel filter is attached to a bracket that is inside of the bigger bracket. Slide the tab upward and pull up on the fuel filter at the same time. The fuel filter with the bracket will release from the main bracket.
Unscrew the Torx-head bolt from the band clamp that is around the fuel filter until the clamp is loose. Slide the band clamp off the old fuel filter and onto the new fuel filter. Fill the new diesel fuel canister up with fresh diesel fuel.
Slide the new fuel filter with the band clamp back over the main bracket until the clamp locks in place.
Push the main coupling back onto the coupling pipe on the new fuel filter. Then, push the small metal clip back into the groove. Carefully pull up on the main coupling to ensure that the clip has secured the coupling to the coupling pipe.
Push both fuel lines onto the fuel filter pipes until you feel each fuel line lock onto the fuel filter pipes. Then, carefully pull out on the fuel lines to ensure the lines are secured to the pipes.
Slide the drip pan out from under the Ford Transit. Turn the ignition to the accessory position for 15 seconds. This will completely fill the fuel filter up with diesel and remove all of the air from the fuel system. After 15 seconds, crank the engine. Let the engine run for about 30 seconds and then turn the engine off. Inspect the fuel filter for leaks and close the hood.
