Everything you never wanted to know about working on your MkV VW.

DIY: changing fuel filter

April 15th, 2008 Posted in Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI

WARNING: Fuel system is under pressure.  It is ALWAYS a good idea to use goggles and gloves to prevent blood poisoning or injury.  Take all the obvious precautions… no smoking, don’t work near any ignition sources, etc.

Tools and supplies:
OEM Fuel Filter (p/n 1K0 201 051 C)
Phillips screwdriver
Large flathead screwdriver (optional)
Rubber/vinyl chemical resistant gloves
Goggles
Drain pan
Jack
Jack stand
Wheel chocks
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens

Step 1: Chock front and rear DRIVERS SIDE wheels.
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens

Step 2: Jack up rear passenger corner, secure with jackstand.
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens

Step 3: Look under the car, just in front of the jackstand, and you will see the fuel filter.  Position your drain tray beneath the fuel filter.
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens

Step 4:  Each of the connections on the fuel filter has a button.  Wearing your goggles and gloves, remove each connection… push the connection TOWARDS the fuel filter and press the button firmly, then pull the line off the filter.  They can be a little stuck… the large flathead screwdriver can be used to help push them off… but BE CAREFUL… smarter not harder… the connectors are plastic, and if you damage one you’ll need to have the whole fuel line replaced!  When you remove each connection, expect some fuel to come out.  If you’ve recently driven the car… it may spray out under pressure.  Take all necessary precautions.
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens

Step 5: On the backside of the filter, there is a tab that latches into the holder (blue circle).  Remove the screw (orange arrow) then pull the fuel filter downwards (off the tab).  Then pull the filter towards the back of the car, sliding it out of the plastic holder.
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens

Step 6: Installing the new filter is reverse of removal.  Slide the filter from back-to-front into the black plastic holder.  Be sure to clip it back into the tab on top of the holder.  Push each fuel line on until it clicks.  Re-install the screw holding the fuel filter in place.
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens
DIY: changing fuel filter golfmkv roflwagens

Step 7: Lower the car off the jackstand.  Drive and enjoy.  First time starting will take a little longer since you just drained the fuel line… be patient.

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  1. 6 Responses to “DIY: changing fuel filter”

  2. By ohitsmeoh on Sep 26, 2008

    so the method for mkv jetta TDI doesn’t apply to GTI’s? http://furmanka.blogspot.com/

    when does this have to be done?

  3. By nic11 on Jun 25, 2010

    I just replaced my fuel filter and my spark plug at the same time. And I can’t seem to start my car???! I already change the old spark plug back in case the new NGK is not working properly. I guess my question would be: can you elaborate on the last part “irst time starting will take a little longer since you just drained the fuel line… be patient.” how long does it take to start the car? should i crank it for 30 sec and wait few minute to let the starter to cool down before the next crank? Sorry about the noob question, any advise would help.

  4. By tbadera on Jun 27, 2010

    It will take longer to crank over. But it shouldn’t take 30 seconds. Should definitely start by the 2nd or 3rd try. Make sure you don’t have fuel leaking anywhere, make sure you put the fuel filer back in properly (hooked the right lines to the right spots, right direction, etc). When you open the driver’s side door, do you hear the fuel pump run (humming sound)? Put they key in, turn to on without starting the engine, do you hear the fuel pump run? Make sure your ignition coils are on tight, and plugged in.

  5. By Britishav8tor on Nov 20, 2010

    At what mileage should this be done? I’m having a problem with performance. Here’s whats happening – When I accelerate I can watch the boost gauge in 2nd -5th it will boost to 5psi then hesitate and flick to 10 with a noticeable surge of power. The weird thing is it seems to only do it in the winter (maybe the winter blend of fuel here in MD?) I have had the cam changed out (Ver. B) along with the cam follower and HPFP. The diverter valve is original but it did this last winter but went away around spring time and after the head work was done. I can only think its fuel starvation issue and maybe the filter is at fault (I haven’t had CEL but maybe a soft code has been thrown) I have a 07 totally stock GTI I have 76K mi but it did it at 55 K last year. Any ideas? Thanks.

  6. By tbadera on Nov 22, 2010

    I believe VW recommends changing the fuel filter every 20k miles on these cars, but you can always check your user manual to be sure.

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