[GoHawks63]

I'm preparing to get my '06 convertible ready for winter storage as I don't really plan to drive it through the Michigan winter as we have two other daily drivers (an AWD Acura and a Toyota Landcruiser).

I bought the car as a certified pre-owned vehicle back in April. At the time it had 26,100 miles. It now has 29,500.

I'm going to get the oil changed before storage, but I have a few more questions.

I know that the 30K mile service calls for replacing the fuel and cabin filters.

Does anyone know if replacing those two filters is part of the CPO process?

If not, how difficult is it to replace either?

I usually let the dealer change my oil as I don't want to hassle with the waste oil, and quite honestly it's not that much cheaper to do it myself. I do have a problem with paying a dealer to do things like replacing things like filters since it's usually a no-brainer, but dealers charge a premium. I have a CAI, so no need for the air filter.

I have changed the cabin filter in my current and previous Acuras, but was wondering about the process in the Mustang. Straightfoward? difficult?

Where is the gasoline filter on the Mustang? Is it in-line? Any special precautions on replacing?

I'm going to make sure the tank is full with Stabil added. Will also make sure there that the battery gets trickle charged.

Any other considerations for storage?

[Ponyone]

I would wait till spring when you get the car out of storage to change the oil and gas filter. (Start fresh) You're correct with checking the battery and fuel stabilizer.

[djw97m]

Hi there! Like yourself, I like to do my own maintenance whenever possible. I've looked at the cabin air filter on my '07 V6, purchased back in January. Its easy to get to, just open your hood, and remove the passanger side plastic cover that sits just under the windshield wiper, the cabin filer is under there in a box, should only take a few minutes.

Have you changed a fuel filter before? The fuel filter is in-line, underneath the car. If I remember correctly its on the driver's side, above a long black plastic panel, directly underneath the driver's door. Drop the panel, disconnect, and remove the filter. Fords sometimes take a filter removal tool to disconnect the filter. Helps if you can de-pressurize the fuel system first, and be sure to protect eyes from gas that might leak out. Once reconnected, pressurize the sysem and check for leaks.

Hope this helps....

[GoHawks63]

So you think it's best to wait on the oil change? I thought it would be best to have fresh oil in it as it sits.

I did do some research and saw that the filter is in-line under the driver's seat, and thanks for the info on the cabin filter.

I guess it would be easy for me to remove the cabin filter to see if it was replaced before I bought it. It would be easy to see as I've only put 3K miles on her since the purchase.

The fuel filter wouldn't be as obvious.

[Ponyone]

You should do both to play it safe. Eliminate possibility of condensation.

[pmr2000]

I would change the oil before the winter. Oil does not really wear out or go bad from age. It just gets dirty/contaminated. This way you have clean oil sitting there all winter, it will still be clean in the spring, no need to change it then. Just like sitting on the shelf in a bottle.

Try to run down the gas, then put filll up with fresh gas and Stabil.

[hotshot]

the fuel filter is eays to swap. its that big plastic thing covering it that is a PITA to get off to gain access to the fuel filter.