remove fuel filter 2005 ford explorer

I can honestly say that Ford's 'quick disconnect' fuel lines have caused me plenty of frustration as well. The best advice that I can give you is to try pushing the lines towards each other, as though you were trying to connect it more firmly instead, and then push the disconnect tool in while you have the lines pushed towards each other... sometimes that helps the tool seat better. Above all else though, persistance *definitely* pays off with Ford fuel line connections, at least in my experience. Keep trying... sooner or later it should finally give in.

Thanks Doran, I have tried pushing and pulling, ect., ect. but your helpful hint just may be the answer; once I get to the store and purchase a different tool (again) as their metal one they "gave" me just will not work on the front part of the filter at all. It seems the front and rear are different sizes(?)

They shouldn't be different sizes, at least to the best of my knowledge. I always had better luck with the plastic disconnect set...those fittings are *extremely* particular about you using the exact right size tool; come to think of it, you may want to look up the exact fuel line size, just to make absolutely certain you're using the proper one. Don't forget, a 2005 Ford actually uses METRIC sizes!