Replacing Fuel Filter; Relieve Pressure

[kdegiuli]

I need to replace the fuel filter on my 2003 Ford Galaxy. I understand that the fuel pump relay is buried in the level 2 fuse box under the instrument panel, but I'm having a terrible time getting at it. Some models apparently have a fuel system shutoff switch under the passenger seat, but I can't find one on mine. So,

 

1) Anywhere else I should look for a fuel system shutoff switch?

2) Any tips for getting at the level 2 fuse box?

3) Are there other ways to relieve the pressure before I swap in the new filter? I've heard some people say that if you leave it alone overnight the pressure is gone by the morning. Any truth to that?

 

Any other suggestions would be welcome! Thanks,

[gregers]

cant you just clamp the pipe,so you can remove it?

[sepulchrave]

I need to replace the fuel filter on my 2003 Ford Galaxy. I understand that the fuel pump relay is buried in the level 2 fuse box under the instrument panel, but I'm having a terrible time getting at it. Some models apparently have a fuel system shutoff switch under the passenger seat, but I can't find one on mine. So,

 

1) Anywhere else I should look for a fuel system shutoff switch?

2) Any tips for getting at the level 2 fuse box?

3) Are there other ways to relieve the pressure before I swap in the new filter? I've heard some people say that if you leave it alone overnight the pressure is gone by the morning. Any truth to that?

 

Any other suggestions would be welcome! Thanks,

 

1. The fuel shutoff switch is designed to operate in the event of a collision, you can't use it to isolate the fuel pump.

2. What for? If the battery is disconnected then the fuel pump cannot run.

3. Is this a petrol or a diesel car? If petrol the simply remove the filter and pop a bolt in to plug the pipe while you fit the new one. Some slight spillage is inevitable.

 

I think you're over-egging this a bit, just swap the filter!

[kdegiuli]

A clamp will work fine - I should have thought of that. I had heard that trying to change the filter without relieving the pressure could cause damage - but I guess that's overkill? Either way, I should be good to go. Thanks,

[turk90210]

clamping the pipe would work but could be fiddly as it depends on what the pipe is made out off (rubber = ok hard plastic = no = risk of damage to pipe)

If the system has pressure in it you won't cause any damage by disconnecting the pipes (unless you break the pipes themselves) you might just get your arms full of petrol so DONT SMOKE or ALLOW ANYONE NEAR YOU THAT ARE SMOKING

 

1- The fuel cut off switch Could be used as in most cases it cuts the power to the fuel pump but you need to find it - trip it out which is usually done by a sharp tap and then try to start the engine untill it cuts out (wont run as no fuel pressure)

 

or as has been said leave over night and simply swop, if you want to confirm there is no pressure in the fuel pipe a simple check is follow the fuel pipes to the front of the car and you should find a schrader valve ( looks like a tyre valve) on the fuel pipe maybe under a black screw on cover which is basically a large dust cap. Press the valve with a cloth over the top to stop any petrol squirting over you ( just like you would to let the air out of a tyre) and presto no fuel pressure so swop away

The cover/valve I am reffering to is the access point where you can fit a fuel pressure gauge to see if the fuel pump is working correctly and supplying the correct pressure

 

or how about pulling the fuse for the fuel pump ( sorry not sure if it has one as I have a diesel) and start the engine till it cuts out

[seatkid]

As sepulchrave says just make sure the engine is off and swap the filter.

 

 

 

Ford Technician != Rocket scientist :wacko: