changing fuel filter 2011 A3 TDI

[tanderegg]

I was searching to purchase a VCDS cable and found several on ebay for $39 to $79. Does anyone know if a person can buy just the cable alone then download the software and make it work? All I am trying to do is change the fuel filter without spending a lot on extra tools...

[3waygeek]

The cheap eBay cables are probably knock-offs and may or may not work with the VCDS software; Ross-Tech won't give you any support if you're using a knock-off cable.

[chittychittybangbang]

VCDS freeware version will not work with a CAN BUS (2006+) car and if they do they're an illegal copy. The service manual says to run the pumps. I honestly don't know how much difference there is vs. filling the fuel filter to the top and I doubt dealers run the pumps. I'm not saying there isn't a difference, I just don't know if anyone quantitatively knows what it is.

[tanderegg]

Do you think its necessary to run the pumps after the filter change? Has anyone just filled the housing completely with diesel not run the pumps, then started the engine after tightening down the cap? I am thinking the vcds software may not be needed..

[darren]

I can see that running the pumps will flush the air out but does it go back to the fuel tank or just pressurize the lines without getting the air out?

[dweisel]

Originally Posted by darren

I can see that running the pumps will flush the air out but does it go back to the fuel tank or just pressurize the lines without getting the air out?

The air will go back to the fuel tank via the return fuel line. I would suggest prefilling the fuel canister with clean fuel before running the priming with VCDS.