Fuel filter...

when you replace the fuel filter, do you first need to drain the fuel out? i know you need to relieve the pressure, but what about draining the fuel?

Dont worry..the fuel will come out on its own..better be quick or you will lose all the fuel (on most cars)

first unhook the negative battery terminal to guarantee the fuel pump won't turn on. Then un-hook the fuel line in the engine bay to relieve the pressure, make sure it doesn't squirt in your face. Then you should be good to go. You'll get a little bit of gas spillage, but not much

A. If you want to relieve the pressure from the fuel line, disconnect the (power) plug going to the fuel pump. Then start the car and let it run till it dies off on it's own. If you have the fuel filter inline somewhere between the fuel pump and the fuel rail. Fuel filter is usualy located under neath the car.

B. If you have a fuel filter attatched to your fuel pump/sending unit. Looks something like a screen "baggy". Then you should just take off your gas cap, and pull out the fuel pump through the top. Usual access to it is under neath the bottom part of the seat, covered with a metal plate. Use caution when accessing to the fuel tank, if you do not take off the gas cap and relieve the gas fumes you might blow your-self up.

I think "B" is also a fuel filter type, I have a 92 Prizm, and I could't find anything else for my car as a fuel filter. When I looked it up on ALLDATA that's all it gave me. "Fuel filter located inside the fuel tank."
I hope that helps you some what.

When you plug the connector back up, and KOEO (key on engine off). Your fuel pump will turn on for about 1-2 sec and prime the line with fuel. You should't have any problems starting the car if you relieve the pressure from the line.

FYOI:If to want to check the inline fuel filter just grab it in your hand and blow in it with your mouth. If it's easy to blow than the fuel filter is probably not pluged, if your having problems blowing through it than it's restricted or pluged.