There is a special tool to remove the fuel line from the filter on Rangers/Explores. I bought mine at Autozone for around $10.
To use a channellock pliers, you can remove your oil filter on your truck.
No,you don't have to remove the gas tank. Use a flash light and look under the car.The filter is in front of the tank. You can buy the filter removal tool at any parts store.
Use a fuel/AC quick disconnect tool to remove fuel lines from filter. Plug fuel lines as they removed to reduce amount of fuel spilt. Remove 1/2" nut, located on outside of frame, that holds filter retaining clip inplace. Exchange filters and reattach retaining clip. Use quick disconnect tool to reattach fuel lines.
You can use a very small flat blade screwdriver if you know what you are doing.
On 2001 ..... remove metal clips, use disconnect tool by clipping tool around fuel filter posts at connection point and pull away from hose. Repeat on other side of fuel filter. Replace filter and put metal clips back on and done.
A filter wrench. The kind which uses a strap and attaches to a ratchet would probably suit you best.
I have the exact same problem. Bought two different fuel filter tools, one specifically designed for the GM 5.3L and I still cannot get the filter to disconnect from the fuel line. The little tool will slide into the line but it is not enough to disengage. Is there a specific tool that I need? I have a 2003 GMC Yulon with a 5.3L "Z" Flex-Fuel (can run on standard gas or E85) engine (this problem is particular to the Flex Fuel model, the non-Flex Fuel model uses a different fuel filter). I too had this problem where the clearance between where the fuel line attaches to the fuel filter is too close to the body of the fuel filter to insert the fuel line removal tool. There are 2 ways around this problem. The first method (which is how I used to do this) is to remove the fuel line at the "downstream" end (closer to the engine) so that you can remove the fuel filter with the attached fuel line to your workbench/vice. The fuel line tool you currently have will work at that end of the fuel line. Next, cut the fuel line stub (the metal protruding from the fuel filter which the fuel line attaches to) from the body of the fuel filter using a hack saw. Then you will be able to insert the fuel line tool you currently have and remove the stub. Be sure to flush the fuel line with brake cleaner and use compressed air to be sure that any debris created by using the hacksaw has been removed from the fuel line prior to reinstalling the fuel line back into the vehicle. The second method (which is how I now do this) is to go to the following Kent-Moore Tools link: https://gmspecialservicetools.spx.com/SearchTools.aspx and in the "search" box on the right side of the page, enter "J-46363" which is the part number for the proper fuel line removal tool (about $15.00 for the tool). I still remove the fuel filter with the attached line from the vehicle (because even with the tool it is still not easy to remove the fuel line from the fuel filter) and insert the tool into the body of the fuel line connector and I can then remove the fuel filter from the fuel line. You will sometimes have to turn the tool or move the fuel line toward the filter body and away from the filter body to get the internal clip in the fuel line to release from the fuel filter. This is why I still remove the fuel filter with the line attached from the vehicle because this is no fun to do laying on your back and getting gasoline in your face while trying to get the line free.
Use a similar tool made of flexible nylon. Most auto parts stores will sell this tool at very little cost. Do not be afraid to bend the tool during insertion.
The fuel filter is located under the car on the frame on the driver's side and just forward of the gas tank. You will have to releave the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. Then the car will have to be jacked up. Do NOT use cinder blocks. It will require a special tool to remove the fuel line from the filter. Remove the filter from the holder and install the new filter. You will need to cycle the key several times to pressure up the system. jd
You'll nee to get a special tool from an auto parts shop. It's pretty cheap. The fuel filter is behind the gas tank. Use the special tool to unhook the fuel lines.
Answer Remove the screw from the metal bracket that is holding the fuel filter. It is located right below the battery to the right. Remove battery for ease of access to fuel filter which is located on the left side of car ( this would be located on the passenger side of your vehicle).To get the quick connect fuel line fittings off... you need a DISCONNECT TOOL. I got a pack of 6 at Advance Auto for $12. The small gray one fits the 2001 Sportage. Put the plastic tool under the fuel line fitting and squeeze together. The fuel line will pop off the old filter. To remove the rear fuel line, I had to go under the vehicle and use the tool on the fuel line. There is a rubber hose with 2 quick connect fittings. One end attaches to the filter and the other end attaches to a metal fuel line under vehicle. Remove the fitting that attaches to the metal line since there is no room on the back of filter for the tool to fit. Once you get the whole assembly out of the car.... you can work on getting the fitting off the rear of the old filter. Be very careful not to damage the plastic quick connect fittings!
It probably has a filter in the fuel bowel as well as an in line filter To change the one in the fuel bowel you have to remove the fuel line and then remove the fitting from the carb. The filter is inside the bowel Its real easy to strip these parts so you should use caution