How to Locate the Fuel Filter on a 1998 Taurus SE

The third generation of the Ford Taurus only lasted four years, from 1996 to 1999. The 1998 SE employed a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that was reliant on the electronic fuel injection system to provide clean fuel to power the sedan. The fuel injection system itself relied on a fuel filter to remove contaminants from the gasoline before it entered the fuel rail on top of the engine. Ford recommends replacing the fuel filter every 15,000 miles to prevent issues associated with a clogged filter, such as poor performance and stalling.

Instructions

1

Start the Taurus. Open the trunk. Remove the access cover on the right side of the trunk to expose the fuel pump cut-off switch.

2

Pull the wiring connector off the fuel pump cut-off switch. Wait for the engine to stall. Remove the key from the ignition.

3

Open the Taurus's hood. Look down under the cowl, near the center of the firewall, to locate the fuel lines as they rise into the engine bay. The fuel filter is in the lines at that location.

4

Slide the drain pan under the Taurus until it's directly below the filter. Lift the fuel line retaining clips in the fuel line ends - where they connect with the fuel filter -- using a fuel line disconnect tool.

5

Pull the fuel lines off the filter. Pull the old filter out of the holder and set it down in the drain pan.

6

Slide the new fuel filter into the filter holder, with the flow arrow aiming toward the engine. Slide the fuel lines onto the new filter. Push the fuel line retaining clips back down into the fuel line ends carefully.

7

Plug the wiring connector back into the fuel pump cut-off switch. Turn the ignition key to the run position and count to 10 before starting the engine.