I'm not sure if this has already been adressed.
I was doing some tune up things seeing as I have 95 K miles.

I decided to replace my fuel filter.
I looked at a few simple how too's on how to depresurized and stuff. As I discovered the fuel filter is in the gas tank for my model (2007 2.2 California PZEV). I thought that was a bit ridiculous but it needs to be done.
I dropped my gas tank, and was surprised that the sensor modual wasn't like that in the Haynes manual.. I thought that was weird as well.. But found the fuel filter.

This was my final step.

The fuel filter (get this) is in a sealed black plastic canister. I tried damn neat everything to open it safely with out breaking it to the point where I gave up. Upon reading various forums, they GUESSED that MAYBE it is a "lifetime filter". I don't see how this is possible as every filter should be replaced.

Does anyone know more on this to help? I figured a new forum addressing specifically this needed to be posted to help other people frustrated with the same problem. I took pictures of the process, but am using the iPhone version of the site.

Any help will be appreciated.
-Sean.

 

I think you have to replace the whole canister on those ones... but don't hold me to that. i know when i did my fuel pump the canister was pretty easy to open, there's like 3 tabs that you have to push out and then pull the top off...

 

yeah.....the filter isnt typically serviced on internal filter cars. but basically you need to disconnect the the fuel line from it, then theres a tab you need to squeeze and you rotate the filter to the left til the tab lines up with the slot in the housing, then you pull the filter out.