I just did it two weeks ago for the second time. Stick with the fuel pump fuse_it's labeled in your owner's manual, and there's also a key on the inside of the fuse box cover (near where the little pincher-tool is stuck).

Just make sure you run the engine until it totally doesn't start--don't be scared of damaging anything, just keep cranking until you know there's no more chugging or anything.


A little gas spilling out is inevitable; just be careful and put a pan or something under the car, and look away when your tugging out the lines from the filter.

Oh, and by the way, BE CAREFUL with the fuel line connectors (not the disposable plastic clamps, the connectors actually attached to the lines). My fuel filter currently resembles a large gob of duct tape right now, because the connector is only sold attached to the $200 fuel line.

The lines can be a bear to get off the filter; just be VERY PATIENT. What ended up working for me was gently (very gently) grasping the elbow of the fuel line connectors with pliers and pulling with a back-and-forth twisting motion. Don't pull the filter or try to wedge a screwdriver between the filter and the connector to leverage it out(what I did, breaking the connector.)

It's a very, very easy job, but as with most jobs, there's potential there for real screwups.


Old car: '98 SVT T-Red K&N air filter; Ford Focus RS shift knob. Off to be auctioned off somewhere. New car: 2003 Honda Accord DX Sedan, 5-speed.