I need help...how do i change the fuel filter?

[audi_130bhp]

Hi guys i really need your help, i rang up my local audi dealer for a price for a oil change and fuel filter change on my 2004 audi a8 3.0 tdi and they quoted me a shocking £570 inc vat. So im thinking of doing it myself over the weekend so just want your help on changing the fuel filter. where is it located and is there anything i need to know before changing it. Thanks guys any help would be much appreciated.

[Guest 2]

Do you have vcds?

I think it's needed to prime the filter after changing it.

[audi_130bhp]

Hi chris, yeah i have a vagcom so that wont be a problem, but do u know where the fuel filter is located?

[zollaf]

i think the garage must have misheard you and thought you asked for an engine change rather than engine oil change.

if not, then please ask them for a written quote as i would love to know where i am going wrong.

[snapdragon]

Driver's side near the bulkhead.
Clean the filter and surrounding area first to flush away dust, surgical hygiene is ideal as far as debris is concerned.
You need a 10mm or so spanner to loosen the bracket then the filter lifts out, turn side to side to loosen it as it may be corroded.
The hoses on top on mine are jubilee clips, I'm not sure if they use those from the factory, so check first that yours are reusable.

Before you lift the filter all the way out, remove the fuel pipes and the diverter valve (with hoses attached). This is held in with an R-clip you can pull out with pliars and then lift the valve off or gently pry all around until it pops out.
Be careful not to get any dust in the pipes.
You are supposed to replace an o-ring on the diverter valve, but I never bother, just visually inspect for damage and wet with diesel before reassembly.
Take out the filter and dispose of, be careful it is full of dirt and fuel.
Put the old one in and fill with diesel through the diverter valve hole. Make sure it is 100% full.
Attach pipes.
Run pump with VCDS and then start engine.

[audi_130bhp]

Thats great snapdragon thankyou for your reply, regarding about running pump with vcds is there a option on the vcds to do this?

[audi_130bhp]

i very much doubt it that audi would charge £570 for a engine change more like £5770...

[zollaf]

just the labour ?

[audi_130bhp]

engine would be another £5000 lol

[Guest 2]

I had a 70k service done for £300 from Audi.

Price for fuel filter on my 3.0 TDi £48.61 - I think there is a misunderstanding somewhere.

The oil (8 litres) was £51.84

See here for the invoice - 74k service - Done!!