Car won't start after fuel filter replaced [Ford Focus mk1[51 plate] petrol 1.6L]

forgotmyname

Filling the filter is not required on petrol cars with electric pumps. Just diesels that need the fuel lines bleeding.

arcon5

Okay - I guess since you guys took the time to offer suggestions i'll bit the bullet and tell you the outcome, however embarrassing.

I went back to it this morning to go through the fuel system and find out what was going on.... turned out the fuse was put in the wrong slot in the fuse box. Well I double checked the fuse last night, just not the placement of it, guess it was getting late and i'd be under the car for a while at this point doing various jobs :rotfl:.

Car started after that (well, after using the key to electronically prime the system).

marlot

Oops - we've all made similar mistakes at some time or other!

forgotmyname

Why did you remove the fuse in the first place?

molerat

forgotmyname wrote: »

Why did you remove the fuse in the first place?

Because Haynes says to do so in the interests of safety - turning the ignition on could not then squirt fuel in all directions with the filter removed. Personally I don't remove it but there is no one else around when I do the job.

forgotmyname

Surely not switching the engine on after removing the filter is a more sensible option?

Do you remove the battery when filling up with fuel or chaning a bulb or fuse?

Never seen an instruction to remove a fuse when changing a filter.

arcon5

It depressurises the line.
Fuse out, turn engine over a couple of cranks.
Its recommended but to be fair not everybody does it.

forgotmyname

I dont know anyone that would..

If i were undoing high pressure diesel pipes at 000's of psi then yes i would be wary of cracking open a pipes thats pressurised. But 4psi on a petrol pipe. No, never.

If you want to depressurise it open the valve on the fuel rail.