There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is located on the driver's side of the engine. The best access to this water drain valve is from under the hood. The second one is on the under body, located in front of the rear axle above the drive shaft. The best access to this water drain valve is from under the vehicle.
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the engine is running.
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces. Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
If water is detected in the water separator while the engine is running, or while the ignition switch is in the ON position, the Water In Fuel Indicator Light will illuminate and an audible chime will be heard five times. At this point you should stop the engine and drain the water from both of the filters.
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light remains on, DO NOT START the engine before you drain water from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage.
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light comes on and a single chime is heard while you are driving, or with the ignition switch in the ON position, there may be a problem with your water separator wiring or sensor. See an authorized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from both fuel filters, the Water In Fuel Indicator Light will remain illuminated for approximately 10 seconds. If the water was drained while the engine was running, the Water In Fuel Indicator Light may remain on for approximately three minutes.
Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the environment. Contact an authorized dealer, service station, or government agency for advice on recycling programs and for where used fluids and filters can be properly disposed of in your area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filters when the Water In Fuel Indicator Light is ON. Within 10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn the engine mounted filter drain valve (located on the side of the filter assembly) counterclockwise 1/4 turn, and turn the under body mounted filter drain valve (located on the bottom of the filter assembly) counterclockwise 1 full turn. Then turn the ignition switch to the ON position, and allow any accumulated water to drain. Leave the drain valve open until all water and contaminants have been removed. When clean fuel is visible, close the drain valve following these guidelines:
Rotate the drain clockwise to close until you feel resistance from the internal seal.
Continue turning the drain 1/2 of a turn to properly compress the seal.
Over-compression of the seal due to over-tightening of the drain will damage the seal, cause a leak, and require the entire sensor to be replaced.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
The sensor drain should not be over-tightened during normal service operations to avoid internal damage and future fuel leaks. The drain should be closed and secured without the use of tools.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of fuel have been drained, follow the directions Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel — Diesel Engine.