I got around to changing my 2004 Focus Fuel filter. ~$15-17
The new filter did not come with the correct clips, but a HELP packet at Advance Auto Parts had 3 clips of 2 sizes (Dealer clips are ~$7 each).... the white ones (3/8's) were the closest and they fit.... should have got 2 packs because I broke 1 of the 3 in the packet...
Look in your manual to locate the fuse for the fuel pump... pull that fuse and start the car, which will get most of the fuel out of the line.... a rag will catch any left in the filter or line.
Here's what the old crusty filter looked like.

Yep it was due... I removed the bolt that held the assembly to the floor (vertically) to allow some slack.
I was able to pop the clip out of short hose on the engine side of the filter.

The clips directly on either side of the filter ended up breaking, but like I said the new ones worked fine.

Not much room to work if you can't use a lift, but doable if you lift the rear of the Focus up.
[wave]
DG
The new filter did not come with the correct clips, but a HELP packet at Advance Auto Parts had 3 clips of 2 sizes (Dealer clips are ~$7 each).... the white ones (3/8's) were the closest and they fit.... should have got 2 packs because I broke 1 of the 3 in the packet...
Look in your manual to locate the fuse for the fuel pump... pull that fuse and start the car, which will get most of the fuel out of the line.... a rag will catch any left in the filter or line.
Here's what the old crusty filter looked like.

Yep it was due... I removed the bolt that held the assembly to the floor (vertically) to allow some slack.
I was able to pop the clip out of short hose on the engine side of the filter.

The clips directly on either side of the filter ended up breaking, but like I said the new ones worked fine.

Not much room to work if you can't use a lift, but doable if you lift the rear of the Focus up.
[wave]
DG