The fuel filter is the most important part of the fuel-cleaning process. It keeps debris and sediments from entering the engine. The fuel filter is separate from the fuel pump, which moves gas from the tank to the engine. The fuel filter cleans the fuel before it reaches the engine. Once the fuel filter in your 2002 Ford Ranger gets clogged with debris and sediments, you will need to replace it.
Park the 2002 Ford Ranger on level ground and set the emergency brake; shut off the engine.
Unscrew the gas cap to relieve the pressure from the fuel lines so that gas will not spray out on you when you release the lines.
Put on safety glasses for protection from any fuel spray. Crawl under the driver's side of the Ranger and locate the fuel filter, which is mounted inside the frame rail (what the truck body sits on) under the driver's cab. The fuel filter is a round silver canister that's attached to a round metal bracket. There are two inlet ports leading to the filter, and one outlet port leading from it. All ports on the fuel filter are marked.
Slide the fluid catch pan under the fuel filter. Using a flat-head screwdriver, remove the two inlet fuel lines. Locate the plastic clip at the front of the fuel line. Slide the screwdriver under the plastic clip and pry upward until the clip comes off. Hang the fuel line down towards the pan to catch any excess fuel from the lines.
Push gently on the first inlet fuel line so that it unlocks from the filter port. Once that line unlocks from the port, the line will come off when you pull back on it. You may have to wiggle and rotate the line to make removing it easier. Repeat for the other inlet port.
Repeat Step 5 to remove the outlet fuel line from the filter.
Slide the fuel filter out of the metal bracket and place it into the catch pan. Slide the new filter into the bracket with the flow arrow facing the engine. Also make sure that the two inlet ports are facing the gas tank.
Slide the two inlet lines into position on the inlet port. Slide the new plastic clips into place at the front of the fuel line until you feel the clips lock in place.
Slide the outlet fuel line into position on the outlet port and slide the new plastic clip into place at the front of the fuel line until you feel it lock in place. Gently pull back on all three fuel lines to make sure they're locked on to the fuel filter ports. Slide the catch pan out from under the Ranger.
Screw the gas cap back on and start the engine, then inspect the fuel filter and the fuel lines while the engine is running to check for any leaks.
