Anyone know where the fuel filter is on 99 Contour, so I can replace it. Henry

Henry, The fuel filter is under the right side of the car, in front of the right rear wheel (near the gas tank). Be sure to relieve fuel line pressure before you remove the old filter. [Fuel pressure can be relieved by first removing the fuel pump fuse, and then starting the engine and letting it run until it stalls.] When you buy the new fuel filter, make sure it has replacement clips with it. The old ones on the car usually break when you remove them. Hope this helps. Mike

DON'T BUY THE BOSCH PLAT. + 4'S I PUT THEM IN MY 96 SE. DID NOT MAKE MUCH DIFFERENCE..... THEN I PUT NGK'S IN AND THEN I COULD FEEL THE DIFFERENCE. ERIC 96 PSE GREEN WITH YELLOW STRIPE KILLER SYSTEM EXHAUST SYSTEM CUSTOM INTAKE

Ya Don't use the Bosche Plue 4's, they worked very poorly in my Probe 4 cyl. Peace Dan

I've never done one, but since I had the Haynes manual sitting in front of me... Ford says the filter should last the life of the vehicle, and should only be replaced if it becomes clogged. With that out of the way, I assume you're talking about the clips on the fuel lines? They look a bit screwy from the picture. They use 2 different fittings: 3/8 and 5/16 inch fittings have "hairpin clips" and 1/4 inch fittings have "duck bill" clips. Remove the hairpin clip by bending the shipping tab down until it clears the body. then, using nothing but your hands, spread each leg about 1/8 inch to disengage the body and push the legs through the fitting. Remember, no tools here. Finally, pull lightly on the triangular end of the clip and work it clear of the line and fitting. Then, grasp the fitting and the hose and pull it off the line. The duck bill clip consists of a body, spacers, O rings and the retaining clip. The preferred method of removal uses a special tool, available from most auto parts stores. Align the slot in the push-connect disassembly tool with either tab on the clip (90 degrees from the slots on the side of the fitting) and insert the tool. If you don't have the tool, use a pair of small adjustable pliers. They must have a jaw width of 3/16 inch or less. Align the jaws of the pliers with the openings in the side of the fitting and compress the portion of the retaining clip that engages the body. This disengages the retaining clip from the body. Often one side will disengage before the other--both sides must be disengaged. That help? Keep in mind I've never done this, or even looked at the fittings on the truck. This is just the basic instructions, nearly verbatim from the manual. Andy

Sorry for the delayed reply. Go to AutoZone (or your local parts store) and tell them what you have to change They will give you a plastic o-ring removal kit. The kit has several loops of different sizes. I think the blue one is the one I used. (and get a new filter if you haven't already)   To remove the fuel filter, first get a CLEAN bucket for gas to drain in. (Your shirt sleeve is unacceptable) There is a clip on either side of the fuel filter. (BTY the filter is under the driver door, under the car) Remove those clips with a simple screw driver. Never pull on the hoses, especially away from the filter. There is a barbed ring inside the end of the hose that holds the fuel filter. That is what the o-ring removal tools are for. Place one of the o-ring removers around the neck of the fuel filter. Push it into the end of the hose while pushing the hose towards the fuel filter. You may want to turn the tool a little to make sure a barb isn't in the slit. Try to pull the hose off now with a little force. Curse, bang your hand, curse some more. You may have to play with it a little to get the hose off. I really don't know the secret. I've done it a million times. It is a new battle each time. I don't think the tool should go all the way into it. This is one of those situations I recommend taking it to someone else!   Chris Robertson

You need a spiecal type tool to change the fuel filter. I bought mine from Auto Zone. I needed the tool to disconect the fuel line from the fuel filter to drop the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump which is in the fuel tank. The tool is a plastic disk type and there a about four in the kit. The tool kit is less that $30.00. Best investment that I have made. All this was done on my 1993 Explorer Sport 4X4 5 speed manual with the part time transfer case and manual lock out hubs in the middle of winter. The fuel filter is a simple task..... Good Luck.. Art

You're the second person who said this was an easy task.   EGADS!  You guys amaze me!  I would never even attempt it!  I get a kick out of reading about how you guys do it -- gives me more appreciation for my Superlube (no relation, LOL) guy!  

Art

Well what happens if your Superlube guy brakes something when he does your LOF ???? He will make you pay for it even if superlube guy brakes it........

What's an LOF?    I don't think the Superlube guy goes anywhere around my brakes.  I'm confused! Besides, I have a warranty on my brakes, having just spent $560 to fix them.  

Art

Make sure that you've release the pressure in the line. Pull the fuel pump fuse and run the engine until it dies. You won't be able to remove it if it's pressuized. Wear eye