The maintenance schedule seems to indicate replacing the entire unit every 25,000 miles - is that correct?

Also any secrets for removing the fuel temperature & fuel heater plugs?

Yes thats correct,but i live in a cold climate,so i change mine every 2 oil changes,for around 18$,i dont push it.

For the connectors,you just press on the tabs and pull,easy after the first time.

For the fuel/water sensor,i take the fuel filter assembly and the fuel head completely appart form the firewall,just two bolts (9/16) and the fuel lines to remove,and then you get an easy acces underneath to unplug it,and you dont get all dirty from going under the jeep.

Not quite - the maintenance schedule is to replace just the fuel filter at that interval not the whole filter head although if you have the 1st gen head it's a good idea to replace it with the 2n gen head (see video on Sir Sam's NOOB guide).

New filters are available at NAPA or any parts store that can get a WIX 33647. If you get the 2n gen filter head it comes with a new filter (FYI be sure to get the new fuel heater wiring pigtail too). IMHO the simple way to replace the filter is to loosen the fuel lines and push them off; unbolt the filter head assembly from the firewall; undo the retaining clips and remove the power plugs at the fuel head and from the WIF plug at the bottom of the filter; place the assembly in a vice and remove the filter/install new filter being sure to remove all the old gaskets and unscrew and swap the WIF sensor from the old filter to the new one; replug the sensors; reattach the assembly to the firewall; reattach the fuel lines; prime the the filter (do not just fill it with fuel) prime with the priming pump so what does into the new filter gets filtered so to speak); drive. Yes you can remove the filter without doing the above but the work area is tight and you need to remember to unplug the power connection to the WIF underneath the filter before unscrewing the fillter

X2 earlier replacement doesn't hurt especially in colder areas with winter fuel or if you use a lot of bioDiesel.

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Sold to LOST member my 05 Ltd, GDE Stg II turbo + TCM tune, SunCoast TC w. Transgo kit, Steiger window regulators, Samcos, Fumoto valve, 2nd gen filter head with Lub. Spec. bleeder, Hayden clutch & 11 blade fan, inverted spare, P-1 battery, BF Goodrich Long Trail TAs, Etecno1 glow plugs, timing belt at 50K miles/8 yrs

Yes for sure i was talking about about the filter only,no need to change the fuel filter head for nothing at every 25000k.

Thank you! Seemed really strange to replace the entire unit - which is what the dealers around here were telling me.

Luckily i have the 2nd generation head - now i just need to get those sensors unplugged and get a new fuel filter in.