Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Fuel Condition/Water Separator: 6.9L
Water separator should be drained every 5000 miles or when warning light glows. Diesel fuel can damage asphalt and painted surfaces. Always place a drain pan under conditioner to collect fuel. To drain conditioner, use the following procedure:
- On pickups, stop vehicle and turn engine off. Open hood. Grasp pull ring and pull upward until it stops. Hold ring in this position for about 15 seconds or until water is completely drained. Release pull ring.
- On vans, stop vehicle and turn engine off. Raise plastic cover and drain handle bracket located on floor pan, to right of drive's seat. Grasp handle and pull firmly upward until it hits stop.
- Hold handle in this position for about 15 seconds or until water is completely drained. After water is drained, push handle down all the way to close cover on drain handle bracket.
- Check water separator to verify draining has stopped. Water separator is located inside of driver's side frame rail, in line with front wheel.
- On all models, restart engine and check warning light. If warning light is still lit, fuel system needs to be checked or repaired. The only serviceable item on the separator is the water level sensor.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.