Hi, Can anyone advise me on changing the fuel filter on a 3.00 auto 2001 x. Depressurising the system and do I need to bleed it afterwards? Thanks

 

this what i did.

1.I disconnected the battery to reduce the pressure off the fuel pump.
2.Waited for about 30 min. for the pressure on the fuel system to lose psi's
3.Then changed the filter

 

why would disconnecting the battery reduce pressure? why would waiting 30 mins reduce pressure? This does not make sense to me.

 

What would you recommend ?

 

Unless the fuel injector rail on your X has been replaced with the newer style it will have a schrader valve on the rail. Just remove the cap and depress the valve(just like a tire valve) to release the pressure. Of course you will want a rag covering the valve while you do this to prevent fuel from spraying all over the engine. After the new filter is installed just cycle the key on and off 5 or 6 times waiting 10 seconds between cycles to refill the fuel rail then start the car and run for 5 seconds, shut off and restart after 10 seconds and you should have no problems.

 

OK, thanks for that i will give it a try at the week end. Thanks again.

 

Not sure if it works on the X, but on my other cars I just pull the fuse for the fuel pump and crank it, let it stall out, then change the filter.

 

All good advice....disconnecting the battery, especially if you're a newbee, could prevent a small fire if your not careful.

But, for the more experienced DIY'er, probably don't need to disconnect the battery.

 

Chris X, you can pull the fuse for the ECM, which will remove power to the fuel pump. But, this will also prevent the pressure from being relieved as the fuel injectors are powered from the ECM also. So, if the fuel injectors are not opening, no place for the fuel to go as it is locked into the system. So, the only real way to relieve the pressure is to use the Schrader valve and bleed it off that way.

 

Thermo showed me how to do this today and all we did was to release the pressure from the valve (located near the PS fluid tank) and changed the filter with ease. I placed the key on "run" position then off then "run" again to reload the pressure.. it started without issues. (Thanks Thermo!!)

Btw, the fuel filter for 02xtype is near the tank... (I would have been looking under the engine.. lol)

 

I understand your point. In the past I have let the car run until it burns the fuel in the lines and stalls, thereby relieving most of the pressure. However if there is a schrader handy, it would be easier.