The 2013 Ford Explorer is not equipped with an inline external fuel filter. Instead, the fuel filter is built into the fuel pump module and is located inside the fuel tank.

The Ford Explorer brings a lot to the table. Between its excellent safety ratings, stylish interior, and phenomenal handling, this SUV is a great choice for whatever task you throw at it. But if you want to keep your Explorer in prime condition, you need to know how to maintain it.

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Ford Explorer insurance costs

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Where is the fuel filter on a 2013 Ford Explorer?

Regardless of your car’s make and model, if it uses fossil fuels, it will have a fuel filter somewhere between the engine and the fuel tank. On your 2013 Ford Explorer, the fuel filter is built into the fuel pump module, which is housed inside the fuel tank.

The fuel filter on your car prevents debris and contaminants from traveling from your fuel tank to the engine’s fuel injectors. The fuel pump module includes a fuel leveling unit, a fuel pressure regulator, a filter, and the pump itself, which is what sends fuel from the tank to the injectors. Similar to the air and oil filters, the fuel filter is critical to your car’s function.

Many older cars—like the 2001 Ford Explorer—have external inline fuel filters that are located outside of the fuel tank. The fuel filters on these older models can be replaced individually, while the filter on your 2013 model is designed so that it does not need to be serviced separately from the fuel pump.

Building the fuel pump modules in this way is more efficient than having an external filter due mainly to the fact that problems with the fuel filter are usually the result of a malfunctioning pump.

MORE:

Are Fords expensive to maintain?

Signs of a clogged fuel filter

The most common signs of a clogged fuel filter include:

The car is hard or sluggish to start.

You have an engine misfire or rough idle.

The vehicle dies or stalls out.

You have difficulty accelerating.

The exhaust smells unusually strong.

You have a check engine light.

A faulty fuel filter can also cause problems like poor fuel economy and increased emissions. These are serious issues and should not be ignored. If you experience any of the problems listed here, you should take your car to an auto repair shop for diagnosis.

2013 Ford Explorer fuel pump replacement

If it turns out that you have to replace the fuel filter in your 2013 Ford Explorer, you’ll have to replace the entire fuel pump module.

The cost to buy a new fuel pump module for your 2013 Explorer ranges from around $100 to over $350. If you want to purchase an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, you should expect to pay more, and if you choose to go this route, you should take your car to the dealership. You can find cheaper alternatives at one of your local auto parts stores, like Advance Auto Parts or O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Further, the above estimates are only for the replacement part. When you factor in labor costs, your 2013 Explorer

fuel pump replacement

could cost you anywhere from $400 to over $1,000. You can save some money by replacing your fuel pump module at home, but make sure to consult your owner’s manual and repair guide to ensure you have the correct parts and proper torque specifications.

MORE:

2013 Ford Explorer oil capacity

How to save on Ford Explorer insurance costs

Like most automotive repairs, replacing your Explorer’s fuel pump module can be expensive. A great way to bring down your vehicle expenses is to have the right insurance plan.

Luckily, the licensed broker super app,

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