Is there a way to cycle the fuel pump without using VCDS? Just looking to change the filter and avoid driving to my buddies house to get the computer :-)

 

I've changed my 2011 tdi fuel filter 4-5 times using this method. Pre-fill it with diesel (Use the caps that come with the new one to keep the diesel in), and plug it in quickly without spilling too much. Then use the key it to run for 30 secs, and off - repeat 3 times. Then crank and let idle for a minute, and go driving...

At 100k, I started changing the Oil, Fuel, and Air Filters every 10,000 miles and I just passed 175k with no issues. (Thank you FCP Euro!).

-Mike

 

+1
This is what I did prior to either OBD-eleven quick options or having VCDS...just run the pump with the ignition cycling a few times. If pump doesn't run, turn off/remove key, open door, close door, ignition on again, etc., etc. Prefilling the fuel filter really cuts down the amount of air introduced into the system, but there will be air in it either way, so the key is thoroughly purging the entire system by running the lift pump enough. My goal is always two minutes of lift pump running when changing fuel filters. Taking an extra minute to do this correctly is the difference between fuel injectors and HPFP early failures versus having a dead-reliable TDI, IMHO.

There is no prescribed water management plan unless you have the larger, canister type fuel filter housing found on the TDI through 2010 model year, which is designed for periodic water removal/servicing with the filter element mounted...bit of trivia there; it's actually on the service schedule to remove water from the fuel filter housing.

This is important as the inline canister style fuel filter can only block a specified % of any water present in the fuel, and that varies widely according to which filter you buy for your TDI. Read that fine print on the filter box...it tells you how much water the filter media blocks, etc.

As an annual service, I change my TDI's:
Fuel filter
Air filter - Dusty Environment
Cabin filter - Bosch HEPA media
LL Engine oil & LL filter

And for fuel system protection/cleaning I also run a bottle of Injector Cleaner - Liqui Moly Fuel Diesel Purge...gotta keep those fuel injectors 'misty'.

Isn't it curious nobody really mentions you should take the protective caps off the new inline fuel filter and immediately install them on the old filter (still full of fuel) as soon as you disconnect each hose from it. There's a lot more fuel in that old inline filter than I want to deal with as clean-up, or have it stinking up the place. I set it to drain using the outflow side to keep anything nasty inside the filter media, and then pour it back into the tank with any other fuel additive/injector cleaner I'm putting in tank. IMHO, it's a good bit of fuel in there, so why waste it?

 

THIS IS HOW i DO my Hinos in the boat and Cummings in the truck, works for them, i will do the new to me Q7 TDI this way, Our 2025 Q from Shawnee Mission dealer got here , 3 weeks KC to ANchorage

 

FYI that this does NOT work on my 2012 150kW TDI. I made the mistake of trying this before confirming that it worked for my car and thankfully didn’t ruin my hpfp. Do some research and you will see it does not universally apply to all of these cars it depends on the motor and pump installed. I have to use vcds or carista which now has the ability to do this. Look at the toureag forums which is where i think I found my answer.