Replacing fuel filter

Is it really necessary to remove the fuel pump fuse to replace the fuel filter ,since Im going to disconect the battery anyway what is the purpose. It seems like a 1-2-3 maneuver , am I being naive?

Most manuals probably say that just for a safety thing. By doing that instead of disconnecting the battery you dont lose power to the radio, clock, computer so they keep their memory.

The main reason for doing it in the real world is once it removed, start the engine and let it run till it dies, that will remove the pressure from the system. You will still get fuel comming out but it wont be under pressure. I recommend picking up a couple fuel line blocks (they clamp down on the rubber line on each side of the filter) that will keep any excess fuel from comming out on you.

You can also just use vice grips on each side of the fuel line

The main reason for pulling the fuel pump fuse and then running the engine until it dies is, as gizmo42 said, to relieve the pressure. The fuel line pressure is usually around 40-50psi. It's not a lot of pressure, but when your underneath the vehicle, struggling to remove hoses, it would be pretty easy to have gasoline fly all over the place (in your eyes).

Its not alot of pressure but it is enough to squirt gasoline a good 20 feet or so. Don't ask me how I know this. :disappoin