The Ford Windstar minivan replaced the popular Aerostar model in the 1998 model-year after both were available to Ford customers from 1995 to 1997. The 1999 model Windstar was the first year of the second generation Windstar. While the minivan enjoyed a complete redesign, the fuel filtration system remained essentially the same as the first generation models. Anyone with basic automotive repair skills can replace the fuel filter on a Windstar in less than 30 minutes.
Drive the Windstar up onto ramps. Shift it into park, set the parking brake and put the wheel chock behind either of the rear wheels to prevent the van from rolling.
Slide under the driver’s side of the Windstar with a drain pan, fuel line tool and the new filter.
Look on the inboard side of the driver’s side frame for the fuel filter. You can follow the fuel lines forward from the fuel tank to pinpoint it. Place the drain pan directly underneath the filter.
Pull up the fuel line retaining clip in the forward fuel line connector on the filter with the fuel line tool. Repeat this on the rear line. Pull both lines off by hand.
Pull the filter out of the retaining band by hand and place it in the drain pan. Insert the new filter, making sure the flow arrow points towards the front of the Windstar.
Reinstall the fuel lines to the front and rear of the new filter in reverse of removal. Carefully push the fuel line retaining clips back into place. The clips break easily so use caution.
Climb out and move the drain pan, old filter and tool from under the Windstar. Move the wheel chock out from behind the rear wheel.
Turn the ignition key to the "Run" position and wait for the fuel pump to cycle. This should take about 10 seconds. Turn the key off and then back to "Run" once more and wait for the pump to cycle again. Start the Windstar and drive it off the ramps.
