The fuel filter is located just in front of the fuel tank in the center. To change it, simply pull out the two plastic clamps that hold it in and remove the hoses from the filter. Try not to break the clamps, but if you do, there are new ones supplied with the filter. Some other advice. Wear goggles!! fuel will drip down on you when you remove the hoses. Also be sure you put the filter in facing the correct direction. Put the new filter on facing the same way as the one you took off. There will be an arrow on it showing the way fuel will flow. If you forget how the old one went on, you can trace the hoses to see what way the fuel will flow. Also, have towels with you for when the fuel drips out. Some people cut pressure to the lines. I don't bother because you will still have fuel drip out. I let the car sit for a day before doing this.
Spare plastic clips are available at most auto parts stores if you break or lose the new ones that come with the filter. The clips are the most aggravating part of the job.
There is a schrader valve just behind the alternator that you can use to bleed off the pressure in the fuel lines. You will still have gasoline to run down your arm when you remove the filter, so be prepared.
I recently changed my fuel filter...I used a flathead screwdriver to undo the clips...actually pretty easy...they shattered...
To release fuel pressure...You can unclip the "inertia switch" on the drivers side at the back of the car behind the panel in your trunk or hatch?...just unclip it while the car is running and the car should eventually die because it will no longer receive fuel...and stall...but either way as sayed...your going to have gasoline come out of the filter when undueing it...
What fuel filter you using?...I know the Motorcraft fuel filter has an arrow pointing to which direction the fuel flow is going...while the Fram fuel filter has an arrow pointing to which direction the fuel goes into the filter...don't get them confused...
Also a question?...what would happen if the fuel filter is put in backwards?