do you mean a message on your answering machine from the dealer? i dont think fuel filters need to be replaced that often, so im assuming that the dealer just wants to extract more money from you.
maybe someone else can give a more difinative answer

 

12k is a good time to change the filter..its cheap, less than $15. Changing it often is a good safeguard against contaminants that can cause engine damage and burn out the fuel pump.

 

Thanks! I thought it was wierd that I got that message. It was actually more like an automated call to my cell phone and I couldn't find my scheduled maintainance manual to look it up.

 

I agree with hotfocus that replacing the filter sooner than recommended is good preventative maintenance....
My '04 Owner's Manual shows 30,000 miles as the scheduled service interval for replacing the fuel filter.
However, under "Special Operating Conditions", the fuel filter replacement interval is 15,000 miles.
That would include:
1) Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances (delivery vehicles)
2) Dusty conditions.

 

only $15? Any particular brand I should look for?

 

only $15? Any particular brand I should look for?

You can get an OEM one for that price and online for even cheaper.

 

I was told it needed to be replaced every 15k

 

DAMN!! I'm way overdue. I need to get this done. Does it involved tons of labor cost?

 

Think about the failure mode of a fuel filter as it gets old. It does *not* start to allow contaminants past. What it does is clog with contaminants (doing it's job in other words) to the point where fuel flow is restricted. The real reason to replace a fuel filter is to make sure you don't get stranded somewhere with a poorly running engine due to restricted fuel flow. I personally think 15K is way too soon, unless you are really using some crappy fuel.

 

12k miles or once a year. You can get one at Autozone for like 12 dollars and they are a easy way to help maintain your vehicle as well as keeping that fuel pump from stressing itself.

 

12K miles? C'mon. Some people just look for things to do.

Replace at 30K_ if needed_, when you replace, cut the old filter open with a hacksaw and look to see if it had any particulates in it. I replaced one at 45K and it looked new. Replace with a clear body filter so you can see if it may need changing later on.

Fuel is filtered going into the tank from the pump, unless you get a bad tank from an old station, or your tank is corroding. I doubt a dirty filter will stress the pump, the fuel just won't flow.

 

Is this a hard thing to Replace?

If not how, what is the "Wrenchtime" for a novice to do it. Because I am at 27k

 

i'm at 68k maybe i should replace it =\

 

i'm at 68k maybe i should replace it =\

I haven't replaced a fuel filter in a long, long time. In fact I can't even remember when. My Focus only has 21K on it, so it's not even on the horizon yet. My F-250 has 65K on its original fuel filter and believe me, with the way it drinks gas, that would be over 150,000 miles on a Focus. Also, I tend to purchase fuel at reputable name-brand dealers, not discount convenience stores or small out-of-the-way stations. I think the chances of "bad" fuel are much higher in the latter places.

 

the "wrenchtime" as you put it, should be under an hour.

http://www.myfordfocus.com/how-to/fuelfilter.htm

 

20-30K. Certainly no sooner. And use motorcraft, they are very good qaulity.

 

I will be replacing my filter tommorow driving up to fresno 3hr drive so i need to make sure my baby will bring me back home.

 

i worked for a ford dealership up here in canada...im pretty sure they recommened 50k km,thats 30k miles i believe.but in my opinion change it at 40k km. motorcraft filter are ok and it only takes 5 min to change a fuel filter.

 

Don't forget, there's also people who change their oil every 2000 miles and folks who change thier spark plugs about as often as I refill the ice cube tray in the freezer.

I guess too much is better than not enough, but just right is best.

 

Where exactly is the fuel filter? What side of the car? Near the rear/front? That link doesn't really show where the filter is located...

 

It's slightly forward of the rear passenger tire.

 

I replace it every 2 oil changes. Of course when you're force inducted a clogged filter = exploded engine.

 

I replace it every 2 oil changes. Of course when you're force inducted a clogged filter = exploded engine.

Which means you're paranoid about service or have nothing to do on a Saturday. Which means that you change your oil at 3K, which then means that you change your filter every 6K. That's gross overkill.

 

I do mine every 30K.

The focus fuel filter is more difficult to change than the one on the Ranger I used to own, but it's still pretty easy. You might want to plan to do it on the same day that you change your oil since you're gonna get dirty anyways and you'll already have the thing up on ramps.

Make sure that you depressurize your fuel system before attempting to change the filter. You can do that by disconnecting the line that goes into your fuel shutoff switch (located under the kick panel on your passenger's side front), then starting the car and letting it run till it stalls out on you and won't turn over.

Expect to get gas all over your hands and the ground... i'd place a bucket or oil pan underneath the fuel line to be safe, and wear splash goggles.

Oh, and make sure that you have extension bars for your socket set. You have to remove the mounting bracket and it's seated a good ways up in the undercarriage... you won't be able to reach it with a normal socket.

I'd plan on a half hour to an hour your first time. Once you know what you're doing it should only take ten minutes or so.

 

Where exactly is the fuel filter? What side of the car? Near the rear/front? That link doesn't really show where the filter is located...

Once your car is on ramps and you're underneath it, find your fuel tank and then follow the fuel tank line up toward the engine until you see it go into and come out of a cylinder about the size of a red bull can with pipes on both ends.

I forgot to add that you don't need any special disconnect tools for the focus filter, it's held on by reusable clips.