Fuel Filter Change - TDCI

Mondeo Mk3 TDCI Fuel Filter Change

Introduction

This guide explains how to change the fuel filter on a Mk3 Mondeo TDCI. The particular car used for this guide is a 115bhp, 2006 model. Also as a "disclaimer", this guide is how I did it, and it worked for me. I cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to your vehicle by following this guide.

Preparation

For this job you will need:

• New fuel filter
• Some diesel
• A suitable container (used to soak the filter in Diesel)
• Spanners / socket set
• Plenty of rags

Priming the New Filter (The Night Before)

It is absolutely essential that you prime the new filter or you will really struggle to get the car started when you've finished the job. It can also cause damage to the fuel pump by running it dry. I have read elsewhere on the Internet that you can suck the diesel through, or use a vacuum pump to pull it through. However, if like me you don't like the taste of diesel, or do not have access to such tools then this method worked fine for me.

The night before I put the filter in a clean empty lemonade bottle with the top cut off, although I'm sure a bucket or similar would work just as well. I then filled the bottle with clean diesel. Don't use the diesel from the old filter as you risk introducing dirt to the new filter or worse to the injectors. I left it in overnight to give the filter plenty of time to fill up with diesel.

Let's Get Started

Open the bonnet and remove the engine cover. This is done by removing the oil dipstick, then the cover simply pulls off. Replace the dipstick afterwards to stop any dirt getting in there. The filter is located in the back left hand corner of the engine bay as you look from the front (just in front of where the driver sits) - Highlighted in the picture below.

The engine cover has already been removed in this photo.

Remove the suspension strut thingy.

Removal of Old Filter

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Fitting the New Filter

Remove the filter from the lemonade bottle or bucket, and give it a good clean on the outside ensuring you don't let too much diesel spill out the filter.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Finishing Off

It is now worth starting the engine before refitting the suspension strut thingy and the engine cover. The engine should start fine so long as the filter has been primed correctly. I started the engine and gave it a few revs just in case there were a few air pockets in the fuel lines. When it is running have a good check round the new filter for leaks etc. I then refitted the suspension strut thingy and took the car for a short drive to check there were no problems with performance etc.

When you return have another check round the new filter for leaks then refit the engine cover (oil dipstick has to be removed to put the cover back on)

You're Done!

That's it - job done. I continued to check the fuel filter every day for a couple of weeks for leaks.