VCDS software advice please

[DIYspanner]

I have the fuel filter to change on our 2011 Polo 1.2 TDI (CFWA).

It seems the fuel line has to be bled through after fitting which means activating the fuel pumps and this is done by using VCDS software which can be installed on a laptop and plugged into the OBD.

So, which is a VCDS software to get?

 

[Andydevon]

This where to start.

http://www.ross-tech.com/products.php

There are quite a few re-sellers, some more respectful of intellectual property rights than others. You will need the cable to connect to the car and this can be linked to the software so needs to match.

It would also be worth looking on the VaG forms as well. In respect of the Golf a lot of users just fill the fuel filter housing with fresh diesel and then crank the engine. I used VCDS and it just activates the low pressure pump to bleed the system as you say.

 

[Belle427]

Some of the better owners forums have listings for people that own vcds near you and may be able to help.
The original kit is very expensive for doing jobs now and again, the cheap eBay specials are copies and although do work can be a complete nightmare to set up on your computer.

 

[DIYspanner]

I've got a copy of the Ross-Tech program from the website.

I was going to install it on a laptop and get a OBD/USB cable to connect to the car.

There's this video for the how to.

 

[DIYspanner]

VDCS cannot be used without a license.

£225 for a license to use on three vehicles.

I'm just going to hand the car over to an auto sparky who's quoted £30+vat to fit the filter I got and bleed the system.

The tank pump and the high pressure electric pump need to be run to prime the system and only the tank pump can be operated on the ign switch.

 

[Burnerman]

Seriously I've done countless fuel filter changes on many differing makes .
If possible-99% of the time- I prime the filters after changing and I have a series of funnels and tubing to help with this, including 'er indoors cream jug and a pump oil can.
Ive never had an issue with restarting although have had to crank for a while after on a couple of occasions.
How important is this software requirement?
John

 

[DIYspanner]

How important is this software requirement?
John

From what I've read on YT video comments, a VW common rail engine needs the high pressure pump primed and only done by the likes of VCDS. If the high pressure pump primed isn't primed, after a filter change, expensive damage can occur apparently.

To quote from a VW forum -
"On the CR TDI you MUST bleed the fuel system by running the in tank pump and the high pressure electric pump on the right strut tower if one is fitted, failure to do this can damage the high pressure mechanical fuel pump which then throws aluminium fragments into the injectors, the repair bill can exceed £5000."

The auto sparky I called actually confirmed what you say John so to say the least, I at a dilemma if to change the filter myself or not.

 

[Burnerman]

A bit of a dilemma I guess......I've done many CR 1.6 and 2.0 units and by filling the filters full the engines have started immediately and returned to idle straight away.
I can't comment on the little one though!
Could you give us a picture of the thing please?
John

 

[DIYspanner]

I called the local VW!

The CR pump listed for the car is an engine mounted, belt driven type so it seems only the tank pump is electric after all.

So presumably fill the new filter, fit it, turn on the ignition to run the tank pump, then start the engine?

 

[Burnerman]

You'll need to crank the engine, the filter won't fill by the tank pump unfortunately....
At least that's what I've found.
John

 

[DIYspanner]

You'll need to crank the engine, the filter won't fill by the tank pump unfortunately....
John

I intended to fill the new filter before fitting as I do with the Bora.

 

[Burnerman]

That should be fine.
I did notice on one SEAT I was faffing with, the engine kept cranking even though I had released the key from the start position.....it started after a few seconds though but it seemed ages!
John

 

[DIYspanner]

John, I presume some of the VW TDIs you've changed the filters on had common rail systems.

Did you ensure the diesel was bled through the CR high pressure pump?

 

[Burnerman]

Ive done numerous filters on 1.6, 2.0 and 1.4 tdi’s, both PD and common rail.
The bigger engines have a large alloy canister where the top is secured with 6 torx screws. For this one I replace the filter element, fill the canister to the top with clean fresh diesel and then its top back on. Then, its one of the 3 pipes off from the top, and connect up a small funnel and plastic tube to brim the thing.
They have always fired up immediately, but I made sure the engine was revving at around 1500 to bleed any air through. As the engines started up great, I can only assume there was no fuel starvation at all.
The PD filters have a clip holding the pipes in, using a couple of sealing rings and I used the same technique.
I havent come across a 1.2 unit though but a pic could help if possible.
John

 

[DIYspanner]

Here's the engine bay of a one online.

I'll get a photo of the engine this next week with the cover off and a close up of the CR pump.

Its a two pipe filter.

To say the least, I'm intrigued to hell on how to do this job.