How do I locate and change the fuel filter on my 05' mercury 3l duratec engine

What model are you driving?

It could look like this (#3):

Attachment 15541

This link should help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1389619

Usually located on the passenger side underneath the rear just in front of the wheel. The filter is round, about 5-6 inches long and maybe 3 inches in diameter.
You should only need a screwdriver, but get a small glass jar to catch any gas that might drip down.
Referring to the diagram posted:
The front of the vehicle is to the right.
#3 in the pic is the filter.
#4 in the pic is the bracket that holds it in.
#2 & 6 are the connections to both the filter and the fuel line.
The new filter should come with directions that remind you to get those plastic clips on correctly.