How To Install TDI Fuel Filter ~ Diesel Fuel Filter Change

How to properly replace a TDI fuel filter in 2015 VW Touareg. Replacing a fuel filter will help keep the TDI running properly, keep power up and better MPGs. When replacing a TDI fuel filter you will also want to prime the diesel fuel system. The fuel system should be primed with a scan tool, however you can bypass that in a pinch.
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Disclimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@antoniofunnyguy]

Humble mechanic is goals, when I grow up I want to be that surgically clean when I do my car's maintenance.

[@HumbleMechanic]

awesome!

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

Just did this on my Audi A3 TDI a few days ago, i just cycled the key 2-3 times and it fired right up as if nothing happened. Easy job

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep that IS what I would do if I didn't have the scan tool. I like to try and give you guys the "by the book" way and the "If you can't do it this way" way LOL

[@jamesk3565]

@@HumbleMechanic I usually do the key method only cause trying to get a scan tool at times can be very tough

[@mikeyesko7606]

Obdeleven works to.

[@collinsup]

@@Noneofyourbusiness99 Yes that is true. I purchased OBDEleven for my mk6 sportwagen TDI and had no problem bleeding the system.

[@jasonjay7650]

What A3 TDI was it? 8v ? Did you fill up the canister with diesel?

[@jeffw2218]

This video was great. I wish I had it a few weeks ago when I was changing mine! Every step is explained well and documented. Thanks HM!

[@MrButtonMonkey]

Thanks for asking the community about doing this vid and following through! Appreciate it!

[@mattalki]

I refer to this video every time I change either of my TDI fuel filters. It keeps me from making stupid mistakes. Thanks for posting it!

[@nicklittle626]

Just changed the fuel filter in my MK1 Tiguan TDI using this. A bit different, but almost the same. Great help!

[@albert427]

Great Video Charles... We need more TDI content. Seems like all the good TDI videos are from the UK.

[@TraceyAllen]

Tons out there now because of the dieselgate cars getting sold again..

[@blairguinea6811]

Love the automated way to bleed the air out of the diesel line, thank you Sir...........just put new filter in my truck and it probably took 3 - 5 mins to bleed air out, what a difference it makes

[@anthonymasters3885]

I watched several videos on this process (as you do) and this is without doubt the best of the lot. Thanks!

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Some say he's a humble mechanic, others say he's got a T20 torx built into his finger, all we know is, his beard generates its own gravitational field!

[@anonymousjohndoe]

Did mine yesterday with the push button start cycling method on a 15 Golf TDI. Didn't hear the pump running but did the process about 20 times, including driver door openings and closings since I had heard the pump run before when entering the car. The first crack it ran for about 3 seconds and then died. On second crank it didn't start. I began to get concerned and called a VW specialist nearby inquiring how much it would cost to get air out of the fuel system, but he recommended trying another time. On the third attempt it cranked right up. TLDR thought I was about to have a $500 filter change but it all worked out. Thanks for the vid! (I was also outdoors on a slight incline, don't know if that would make a difference.)

[@maneki9neko]

This is a very helpful video. I just changed the fuel filter in my 2014 Sportwagen TDI, and did not spill more than a few drops of fuel. The Mann PU936 filter came with an o-ring, and that too was an easy swap out. As you suggested I cycled the ignition key a few times, waiting perhaps 5 minutes each time, and the engine started up cleanly on the first flick of the key, indicating a full injection pump.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome

[@blewsy8223]

Extremely helpful now that I am a TDI owner!

[@underwaterdick]

Just like my MK3 Leon filter, and very different to my mk1 Leon with the whole canister replacement of the Mk4 golf era. I don't like putting the absorbent matting around my filter housing because it tends to give off a lot of fluff and shreds. I tend to put it much lower than the housing to prevent any of these bits getting into the fuel system. Also, for some reason my VCDS won't bleed my system, it fails every time... Good video, thanks for sharing! Enjoy the content even when I know the task you are discussing. Always great hearing your experience.

[@timmycanfly]

Awesome...this is on my list of to do. Love the 3.0 TDI content!

[@jamesk3565]

I usually let the filter drain while I do other repair/service that way when I actually remove it away from the vehicle the excess diesel is drained out. Great repair video by the way👍👍

[@vwsaiphone]

I will be doing this to the new used Touareg Thanks for the help today btw !

[@jacobburgess6391]

Just did this on my MK6 TDI. Thanks so much for the great video!

[@yoadriaaannn]

'12 TDI Touareg Exec., I actually do it every oil change. (5k miles). I also use Liqui Molly diesel fuel additive once a month, fixed an injector fault code and she runs smooth and strong! Tks for the great videos but yes we do need more TDI content ;)

[@benmackay5160]

Just followed this video, mine was basically black in colour on a 2017 TDI! Thanks!

[@m1421]

Fab video showing the correct way to do it. Thanks

[@eddiegibbons6428]

Spot on video 👍🏽👍🏽 how it should be done. Good work

[@Nefariousrouge]

This job is in my future, thanks for the info!

[@PistonShack]

Thanks, Charles for sharing useful tips. We have to VW Golf MK3 and Mk4. Your channel like an encyclopedia. Cheers!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!

[@Avionik]

Great video. Thank you for posting.

[@ruheluddin9384]

Super video, you’re a legend!

[@SDSBBQs]

Charles... in the past I have removed and cleaned out that canister and added Diesel Purge to make sure that the canister isn't dry prior to priming with the key on my MKIV Jetta and the push button on my 12 Passat TDI.

[@ianpurcell7266]

Always by the book,thank you.

[@bauerturbo3334]

Fab vid charles 👍

[@k0mp4k]

I always change mine once a year for the car I use daily and every couple of years for the rest as the filters are very cheap and you can clean the contaminants and water from the filter housing. Older models have a bolt with a copper washer in the middle to help bleeding air out of the system.

[@wolfscott4561]

Nice video Charles! I have never done a fuel filter on a VW but I do them on diesel Ram trucks all the time, it's pretty similar except the trucks have 2 of them, one in the engine bay and one above the rear driveshaft. I don't mind as much if I make a mess with the fuel because the trucks have a lot more space in the engine bay and I always pressure wash the excess fuel off afterwards.

[@juanpaVlz]

Great video, i didn't know the scan tool could do that

[@HumbleMechanic]

The scan tool can do so much LOL

[@Dbbs3bg]

Very important with that seal there. If it gets a little damage, can be so fatal that you will capsize your engine. Espeially on the Passat 3C.

[@MichaelFrancis222]

Thank you for the video.

[@ognjengrubor7041]

Awesome as always...stay crisp Charls

[@HumbleMechanic]

CRISPY!!!

[@ognjengrubor7041]

@@HumbleMechanic autocorrect, love it.

[@Mikefngarage]

And later that week WE CHUCK THE CP4 and put in a NEW CP3.....problems are over then. Malone tune and your rocking....

[@Momfasa]

Awesome, thank you so much!

[@kadenwatt2033]

Could you possibly do a short vid on the difference between the early and late model fuel filters on the 2.0L TDIs? Looking to change the one in my mk6 jetta with the CJAA engine. Thanks :-]

[@maneki9neko]

Very helpful.

[@FRANKS841]

Thank you I appreciate that because I don't have a scan tool

[@knightsportsfc3s]

Thanks for this. Another video had a comment from 45Nm for the bolts.... That would have ended badly. 5Nm or slightly more is the go 👍

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yikes!!!!

[@V10PDTDI]

Can’t believe you didn’t suck the old fuel in the fuel filter housing with your oil sucker tool I always do it on all the cars I service and I do use the VCDS and run the fuel pump cycle at least twice with a power supply on the battery.

[@jasonjay7650]

I heard a few people say that you can damage the high pressure fuel pump if you use the key priming method.

[@automedic9781]

Is there anyway you could do a short training series on finding suspension noises of all kinds? Diagnostic methods and thought processes perhaps? It’s really the only thing I still truly struggle with as a technician, even though it should have been one of the first things I learned

[@HumbleMechanic]

Typically the filters are due every 20k miles. IF you are modified, or concerned about fuel, do it a little more. There used to be a couple of MVB to monitor injectors to intemperate that as fuel filter clogged, but I could not find it on the Touareg.

[@russianmusicgroup]

i hate changing that filter because about a year ago when i didnt have a computer its wayyy to complicated to bleed the system on old multivans

[@faz06]

my vw cc 2.0 tdi service plan says you should change every 60k miles?

[@HumbleMechanic]

@@faz06 60k wow! Not sure on ROW cars, but I am Pretty sure all VWs in the US are 20k

[@AndreiIR000]

@@HumbleMechanic I have a VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI 170HP. The manual says 60.000 km ( almost 40k miles). I went over the limit and changed it at 52k miles (85.000 km) and it looked 1/3 used/clogged only. This is East Europe (Romania). Everything ok.

[@sdrubaa]

My 2010 passat cc cbab engine service book (France) tells me to change oil and filter every 30k (long life), engine and air filter every 60k and fuel filter every 90k. I usually change oil, air and engine filters every 15/20k and fuel filter every 30/40k. I always thought the service book intervals were a bit exagerated.

[@dzsoulsgameplay3620]

Hello Charles . I have a too much pressure in Coolant Hoses but the temperature is normal and the fan rotates normally the car is vw polo 2012.thank you

[@natangonambala1043]

always makes me feel like a mechanic

[@ElectroVeeDub]

As a Technician... I can confirm most vehicles don't get a new fuel filter until something breaks and blows up 10 years later... I've never seen such a clean and virgin fuel filter that was only 4 years old!!! Shiney!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

I Am guessing this was replaced before. I just didn't have record of it

[@panzerveps]

Fuel filters on diesels have a service interval tho. Usually 60 or 90k kilometers.

[@K0nst4nt1n96]

Lol mine was never replaced on my tdi and it started sputtering above 3000rpm so i thought it might need a service.

[@joeyreed5439]

0:05 Straight away, loving the new camera work your doing Charles

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@jamiepilarowski5119]

Good video keep it up 👍

[@predragmaric7949]

What kind of auto scanner do you use .

[@bajamedic]

Please do lots more maintenance on the Touareg. I want to do the belt and tensioner as preventative maintenance.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!!!!!

[@rizodessicsuper-coltown3416]

God Bless U Buddy

[@K0nst4nt1n96]

easy job on a 1.4 TDI with PD and also on the polo with common rail if you have obdeleven.

[@SpikesMavic]

hi, great vid, but the "Basic settings" in my VCDS is greyed out, so can't use that setting VCDS 23.1

[@Dicko301]

Good vid, would this method with priming the system be the same as a 2014 2.0 tdi 4 motion tiguan ? As my dad has this car and was woundering about the priming method.

[@dozer114]

I’ve recently done fuel filter on two vehicles the same, 1.6 tdi mk6 2011 and they both ended up air locked, I done the ignition on/off method and neither would start up, had right carry on pulling pipes etc, I don’t have a scan tool that has the feature to bleed the system

[@arshadmahmood8050]

Professional

[@jestruck]

What’s vcds are you using?? Great content thanks!!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank’s

[@aaronyork6173]

I have a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI can you damage The high pressure pump cycling the key on and off after changing the filter? The reason I'm asking is the service adviser at my Volkswagen shop told me I could damage the high pressure fuel pump but if that's true I believe you would have said so in this video.

[@recon_ron7746]

Is there any way to just add additive in the housing after draining it if you dont have something to carry diesel fuel with and use vcds to fill the housing with the diesel in your car?

[@rontheis1678]

I see several comments about what appears to be debris in the bottom of the canister. I too am wondering why you didn’t clean it out? Is there a drain? Or does it need to be drawn out?

[@oh_look_bananas]

What’s the best thing to do with the used filter? Is there a place to dispose of them?

[@fohatadri]

Mine is a screw on type filter on 1.9 JTD. Just filled it full, screw it on and it started just like always.

[@dozer114]

You mentioned OBDeleven, does it have the fuel pump activation feature to purge the fuel system? I’ve looked that scan tool up but there is no mention of that feature, I don’t want to spend a fortune as only a DIYer

[@Me-sb3mx]

Hey bro Charles what is that detail called that is outside part of can or detail which holds fuel filter inside ? Just intake systen or another name ?

[@adrmih8690]

can i use the Snap on scanner tool for purging the air before starting? what function?

[@TheOzzyOzan]

can you help me change the fuel filter on 1.4 TSi CAX engine?

[@davidoriordan1393]

How is the air bled by running the fuel pump if you’re running it with the system sealed?

[@KRAUSER0130]

I changed diesel fuel filter on my MK3 Jetta maybe a week ago ;) and this was fun to watch, BUT, i have a huge question floating around. Yes, on some other cars that i have worked, which have common-rail injection cycling the key 2-3,.. 5 times does the job, however i've heard that on MK7 TDIs, even MK6s, pumps won't start until you actually start the engine, which kinda leaves you screwed. Is that true? I never worked on any MK6 or 7 TDI so i am curious about it. I mean i would try to get it done like i do on my MK3, fill the filter (well, filter housing in this case) all the way, put it back and try to start the engine. Works every time, it starts like nothing ever happened and it runs fine, no hiccups or anything. I leave it idling for few minutes just to be sure, and i rev it up few times and that's it. Takes around 30 minutes.

[@roybm3124]

The bottom of that filterhousing didn’t look that clean, was that rust?

[@brendanrandle]

couldn't you just bridge out the relay for the pump to prime or are the relays in a hard to get at spot

[@moik145]

@HumbleMechanic So i recently picked a 2012 MK6 Golf. I've seen videos saying just turning ignition ondoesn't cycle the fuel pump. You either have to have VCDS, or jump 2 sets of relays @ the same time= royal pain. Is this true?

[@sweis12]

Whats your opinion on the nicktane fuel filter kit that has the adaptor for the 2 micron cat fuel filter ? I have one on my 03 ALH TDI, is it worth putting it on my 2013 jetta tdi ?

[@markmeier4206]

Lol just did this on my 15 Passat TDI Saturday. Is the 15 2.0 TDI timing belt or chain? Then what is recommended replacement mileage?

[@enlightenedrenegade472]

Man, doing fuel filters on a VW diesel is very different than the Powerstroke trucks I'm used to. They have 2 (ever since 2003 with the introduction of the 6.0l) and it's a much more involved job and it's supposed to be done every 12k-15k. Depends on the time of year and how much you drive, and the way you treat your truck. But for the fuel bleeding, I cycle the key 10 times, with an interval of letting the key stay on for 30 seconds and then re-cycling it. Interesting to see how it's done on VWs, though. Seems like it's a bit easier and less time consuming. That's probably the only time I'll ever say that working on a VW is easier and less time consuming than working on a Ford.

[@petecurran3995]

Dinky job, Charles! 👍🏻

[@adivarso8175]

I like to add a little injector cleaner in there when i do it ;)

[@patrickhoyle8357]

I have a 2021 Tiguan and one of the screws on the filter top is slap bang underneath the headlight adjuster, there's always something. The headlight adjuster doesn't look like an easy take off, in fact might be easier to take engine out :-( Is there no water trap anywhere? All the videos on here, no one empties the bowl to ensure no water in the bottom, I'd have thought it critical

[@jettaway03]

Is the car on or running when you do the VagCom portion?

[@aaronyork6173]

Do Volkswagen 2.0L TDI have water separator?

[@jovanopacic483]

Hi Charles, i have a 09 Phaeton 3.0tdi. Could you point me in the right direction i have high fuel consumption. It uses 11L per 100km but the onboard computer shows 7.7L per 100km. I have noticed my temperature is not going about 60C on the freeway which i am suspecting is a faulty thermostat but could it affect the fuel economy that much.? Thanks in advance.

[@bradsheppard4824]

Awesome! Keep the Treg vids coming. I did mine last week and cycled the key 4 times. It started but was sluggish like first few times pulling away. I’m curious if you did the tuner and/or any deletes yet.

[@HumbleMechanic]

No tuner yet. Don’t want to kill warranty lol

[@bradsheppard4824]

Same boat but the Adblue range and sluggish/numb peddle is winning. Been looking at plug in options but Malone here in Canada got a great product. Raw tech makes a sweet delete too but that’s getting terribly spendy

[@superstarjmac6797]

How did you drain the housing?

[@drivingthebeast9101]

Interval change? even has not done the years is not used much still have to change it? for examples 10 k miles/ 3 years?

[@ruheluddin9384]

How often should you change a diesel fuel filter?

[@williambaltazar6902]

I have a 2015 Audi Q5 tdi v6. I need to remove the air from the fuel lines and I don't know how to do it. I purchased back before I retired. Know it too expensive for me to take it to the dealership. Hopefully someone will have an answer for me. Thank you.

[@exparrot9074]

Have done two Fuel Filter changes so far in our 15 Golf TDI, didn't know about the priming method with VCDS or OBDEleven until just after the last change. What I've done is clean out the fuel filter housing by sucking the fuel out and wiping down with a lint free rag, then after I place in the new fuel filter, I fill the housing with fresh diesel slowly so the fuel enters from the outside of the filter, insert the pickup for the HPFP in the hole, tighten down, then a couple key cycles. I'm sure there is a tiny amount of air still in the system this way, but the starter literally cranks for only half a second more before it fires up, the difference in start of normal vs after a filter change is *turn key* *chug* *fire* vs *turn key* *chug* *chug *fire*. Our local VW dealer quoted $180 to change the fuel filter.

[@mikethompson3191]

Easiest way for home mechanic to bleed is to pull the starter fuse and start car. Usually will run the lift pump for 30 seconds then cycle off.

[@Mickdon10972]

Just wondering if you have a specific approach to finding an oil leak on a mk4 Beetle TDI.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Start at the top. Oil Leaks down

[@RhumRunner41]

Any chance you’d do some how-to on an Audi, say an S5 with the supercharger?

[@HumbleMechanic]

That would be awesome. I haven't looked too much into those engines beyond my training classes

[@panzerveps]

If I remember correctly, the fuel filter is inside the fuel pump assembly in the tank. The V6 supercharged S5 was quite new when I quit, so I might be wrong.

[@347strokerf100]

I have a 2014 sportwagen jetta tdi is it possible to bypass the fuel pump relays to activate them and get the same results instead of using a scan tool

[@tedtolentino4955]

I have wondered about this, as well. It seems to me that you could use a Powerprobe to power the pump and bypass the relay. Does that make sense?

[@victorbash17]

VW Quick Reference Guide for 2013 Touareg TDI has torque at 8 n-m...

[@fohatadri]

Good thing changing diesel fuel filter is that you never get your hands dirty, diesel cleans everything off your hands. After the job you just use some soap and that's it!

[@panzerveps]

Except that it takes days to get rid of the smell, no matter what kind of soap you use.

[@mrdefinitely8769]

yeah, cleans up everything other than the smell of Diesel itself! I wear gloves for that reason.

[@Joe_Rebel]

Just remember that it's carcinogenic, best to wear gloves anyways... or whenever you work on a vag vehicle lol

[@205gtipunk]

@@mrdefinitely8769 use some petrol, it gets the diesel smell off perfectly.

[@steve5912]

@@205gtipunk then the gas smell won’t go away

[@nicholasflowers7401]

Just curious as to what procedures you would take for a mechanical fuel pump like the alh engine in the mk4 jetta tdi

[@HumbleMechanic]

I always PREfilled those with ATF. You can use a vac pump to pull the last but through the lines

[@nicholasflowers7401]

@@HumbleMechanic ok. My father said something about that but he wasn't sure. Thanks for the info.

[@tedtolentino4955]

@@HumbleMechanic am I reading your reply correctly? ATF to prefill the fuel filter cannister?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yes for the ALH it was good. New ones probably not so much

[@adamr9600]

If you love your car it’s worth changing your fuel filter as often as you do your oil... injection systems are expensive and sensitive systems. Also the fuel going in to your car is not as clean as it should be

[@naten555]

You really should drain the canister either remove it or suck it out. It acts as a water/fuel separator. Water sits at the bottom. This espc important if you live in a cold area where it can freeze.

[@guilhermeg345]

I got a Seat with the 1.6 tdi engine and it's always a pain. I've changed the fuel filter (canister) 2 times already and no matter what or how I do it, air always manages to get trapped and the engine doesn't turn on. It's a complete nightmare. This last time I pre filled the filter with fuel additive until it drip so no air bubbles, connected the fuel lines as fast and as careful as I could. Did the bleeding through vcds 5 or more times just to be on the safe side, turn engine on, it worked for 5 seconds I thought "yay it worked this time" and then died. Spent an entire evening trying to bleed the air with a syringe and the more I pushed the more air bubbles showed in. The weirdest part is I saw mechanics changing the fuel filter and simply turning the engine and it fires right away.

[@MrAdamKhawaja]

Did you manage to find the problem for this?

[@guilhermeg345]

@@MrAdamKhawaja No

[@ojoaereo241]

i recently watched a video on Liquimoly diesel purge and found out some people recommend pouring a can inside the filter housing and running the car straight purge ; do you think doing that on the Treg 3.0 TDI be OK?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I don’t want to run it straight. Maybe the ALH but not the Touareg for me

[@ojoaereo241]

HumbleMechanic thanks ; do you think is even worth pouring in fuel tank? maybe you can make a experiment with thay kinda thing there is very confusing info