I do most of the routine servicing on my smax except for the fuel filter as I suffered severe PTSD from attempting same on my previous 2008 model smax due to not being able to get it restarted, flattening the battery and killing the starter motor!!

However I think I'm fully rehabilitated and so ready to give it a go again. I've looked on this forum and some videos but all contributions seem to relate to pre-2015 model update. Just wondering if the same process applies with respect to the 2015 onwards model, especially the fiddling with priming the system using a vacuum pump or have Ford done the decent thing and installed a primer pump on the system?

Some of the videos I've seen seem to take different approaches when priming, such as installing pump on the filter inlet or the outlet or even the fuel return pipe. If still required where is the best location to connect the vacuum pump on the 2015 onwards model?

Finally I've changed the oil on a number of occasions at this point but have not yet replaced the plastic sump plug as the Ford dealer I buy the parts from doesnt seem to stock the plug and have suggested there's no need to replace anyway. Do people think this ok or is it advisable to replace the plug with each oil change?

Welcome!
Firstly, I am very concerned about the plastic sump plug (we have metal with standard plug and just use sealant on it) - not designed for DIY as it looks like the oil will come out in a rush unless you can control it? (Wear gloves but oil will still be hot!)

Regarding fuel filter (N.B. 2011!) would be nice to see a photo of yours....
I had initial trouble but since getting Mityvac (or similar) I change filter, attach pump with in line container to the RETURN line and draw fuel through (it has to draw from tank, or at least floor level and I do it when the tank is full, just in case) until some has entered the container (you don't want it in your vacuum pump) Then it usually starts first time - none of that crazy cranking causing potential damage to starter and battery.

Two years is my recommended change period - you don't want a blocked filter and if you can DIY it's much cheaper than garage price so IMHO worth it for reliability. Mityvac was expensive (eBay models are much cheaper but get one that does pressure and vacuum)  - invaluable for multiple jobs.
Also, check for "glitter"in the filter housing signifying fuel pump breakdown and consider Archoil additive for long term reliability?

Thanks for advice Shearers. Always good to hear first hand experience. Agree on the plastic plug being potentially fragile and difficult to manage flow on opening but on the other hand it's a doddle to open/close as no need for any tools or worrying about torquing correctly. I've changed the oil 3 times at this stage and haven't replaced the plug but not a sign of any leakage. I think this time around I'll replace rather than take the risk.

I think I'll invest in a vacuum pump, as they can be handy for other tasks as well, before I tackle the fuel filter as I certainly dont want to go down the road of cranking the life out of the battery/starter or the PTSD might be permanent this time around!!

For the record here is an image of my fuel filter

Edited July 22, 2025Jul 22 by Creedp
Typos

If it's got an electric tank pump, you should be able to hear it priming when you switch the ignition on.  The EcoBlues have one, but as that's a late TDCI I'm not 100% sure either way.  I would suspect it doesn't have one with the info we have so far though.

2 hours ago, Creedp said:

For the record here is an image of my fuel filter

That is at least the 3rd design I've seen.
There's the one with the metal lower and plastic top with 4 screws (ours). Then one with screw off top (older design) and yours which looks like a different screw off design.
In any case, check there's no in tank pump and try my method (includes looking at any transparent section of the fuel line which is useful to see bubbles etc) if no one else comes up with with a better one!

Will research further about in tank electric pump. However, for whatever reason they've got rid of the transparent section of the inlet fuel pipe. Strategy to keep the diyers guessing🤔

FWIW I had  a look on line and it seems the 2015 onwards TDCI may well gave an electric fuel pump in the fuel tank or at least some of the online sites have it in stock

 

8 hours ago, Creedp said:

FWIW I had  a look on line and it seems the 2015 onwards TDCI may well gave an electric fuel pump in the fuel tank or at least some of the online sites have it in stock

 

Can't go by that unfortunately.  Another member paid over £100 for one recently, then found out there was no pump in there, just a sender.

Is the acid test to disconnect inlet pipe to filter and switch on ignition to see if there is any flow?
Of course if the pump isn't working then that wouldn't happen (and you wouldn't hear anything) and would be something else to fix.
Or look at top of pump to check number of wires etc?
 

5 minutes ago, Shearers said:

Is the acid test to disconnect inlet pipe to filter and switch on ignition to see if there is any flow?
Of course if the pump isn't working then that wouldn't happen (and you wouldn't hear anything) and would be something else to fix.
Or look at top of pump to check number of wires etc?
 

Yes, if you switch the ignition on and fuel comes out, that would be the best confirmation.

To confuse things even further, some of these do have a pump fitted, but it's not used.  So you can put 12v directly to it to prime the system, but the car won't do it for you.  So checking for wiring or fuses isn't necessarily failsafe evidence of pump use.

2 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Yes, if you switch the ignition on and fuel comes out, that would be the best confirmation.

To confuse things even further, some of these do have a pump fitted, but it's not used.  So you can put 12v directly to it to prime the system, but the car won't do it for you.  So checking for wiring or fuses isn't necessarily failsafe evidence of pump use.

Wow that type of sorcery would nearly make you think that DIYing the space shuttle would be a doddle in comparison😁