Changed fuel filter, car wont start

Here you go, most of the info is in the FAQ section 1000q.
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/a4/fuel-filter-change-TDI-engine.htmhttp://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/1000q_multi/fuelfilter.htm

1. make sure the lines are right. Do you see air bubbles in the fuel lines?

2. I guess I should update the writeup to include starting difficulties since this is quite common . The problem is that you are just sucking air and draining the battery. Let the starter rest between tries to let it cool down.

3. Still no start, try using a vacuum pump to the injection pump return line. This will suck fuel through the whole system and you should have no problem. Or you could fill the fuel filter and use a funnel to fill the fuel lines with diesel.

more how tos for your car here
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/a4/a4-ALH-TDI-engine-index.htmhttp://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/a4/a4_how_to_index.htm

Got it, but the car started after cranking it for a while. It didn't want to start, but then it started to sputter. Then it just started. I will try those methods next time!

That's another reason why you shouldn't run the tank dry.

If you were thinking that you would see how far 1 tank carries you and just have a 5 gallon can of fuel in the back, this is a problem that you could see. Unless you have a vacuum pump with you, be prepared for this situation.

grn04 said:

Changed the fuel filter, car won't start...any ideas? I have been cranking it and cranking it and don't want to wear out the starter. This is for a 2001 golf tdi 5 speed.

Click to expand...

grn04 said:

Changed the fuel filter, car won't start...any ideas? I have been cranking it and cranking it and don't want to wear out the starter. This is for a 2001 golf tdi 5 speed.

Click to expand...

Get a vacuum pump and hook to return line rubber hose at filter then pump until diesel goes into cup with no bubbles. If you continue to get bubbles then the return line little hoses between the injectors all the way back to pump need to be changed. then vac pump again. also be sure return fitting at pump connection is tight, if no bubbles, your pump is fully primed and car should run. Cant start when fuel bleeds back from pump. I just had this same mystifying problem and return hoses were leaking. When replaced car fired up and ran normally.

And for those who are ignorant like me, this won't work for the PDs...I pumped and pumped with the vacuum pump until I realized they have a lift pump in the tank. Turn the key to on a few times (not start) and it runs the pump and primes it right up. SMH.

But on my 02, I seem to remember I had luck cracking the fuel lines at the injectors, cranking a few times until some fuel showed up, tightening them back down and vroom.