I changed my fuel filter today. I opened the valve and nothing came outtill I unscrewed the lid. My filter was pretty dark looking, is that normal? Also if you did have water in your filter housing would it stick out like a sore thumb in your drain pan? I used the DIY instruction, worked great.

 

How many miles were on the fuel filter?

 

I changed mine this morning for the first time as well. It was easy. I pretty much have the same truck as you.

I have 12000 miles on this filter, it was pretty black. (I think I'll be changing it more often, though.)

I did get fuel to drain out just by opening the yellow valve, it drained before I cracked the lid open.

Put a couple of drops of water in the pan of fuel that you just drained out to see what it looks like so you'll know what to look for next time. I didn't have any water in my fuel. Don't try to reuse the fuel, or pour it on the ground or down the drain for that matter. San Antonio has a hazardous waste disposal location for us to drop off oil, fuel oil, filters, etc. Maybe a garage will accept it from you as well.

 

Turn the key on so the lift pump runs and open the valve. I put na extension on and run it into an old oil bottel to keep the drive clean.

 

had 7500 miles on it. Ill try running the lift pump with it open next time. Actually I dump my oil/fuel on my indoor riding arena. Otherwise the dust gets out of control when the old lady is riding horses. I just use a drag right after I dump it to mix it up.