Fuel filter change and bleed

[Njanman]

I think my fuel filter needs replacing on my 2013 Leon 2.0 tdi, can’t see it as having been done in service history and it’s at 145k.
My question is do I need to do anything particular to bleed the system of air?
I’ve tried to search online but nothing gives me a definitive answer, something is suggested then someone else says no do this, also can’t find anything specific for my model year.
Thanks

 

[SuperV8]

Yes, you should prime your fuel system following fitting a new filter. Need to be done via diagnostic interface. VCDS etc..

 

[Njanman]

Yes, you should prime your fuel system following fitting a new filter. Need to be done via diagnostic interface. VCDS etc..

So you’re saying it needs to be done by a mechanic? I’d rather not have to pay someone to do a 10min job, is there no way of doing it manually? I’ve seen some suggestions that you turn the ignition on and off a few times, enough to let the fuel pump push fuel through and disperse the air

 

[tracktoy]

Just butting in, no you dont need a mechanic just a diagnostic tool that allows you to do stuff to the car.

vcds, obd11, Carista and multiple other ones as well, lets you check out DTC Codes, Reset Service Warnings as well as changing the setup on your car and doing stuff like this.

I will let @SuperV8 answer about your suggestion.

 

[Njanman]

Just butting in, no you dont need a mechanic just a diagnostic tool that allows you to do stuff to the car.

vcds, obd11, Carista and multiple other ones as well, lets you check out DTC Codes, Reset Service Warnings as well as changing the setup on your car and doing stuff like this.

I will let @SuperV8 answer about your suggestion.

Ah I thought VCDS was the specific tool needed and I don’t have the need for that type. I do have a diagnostic tool - TopDon CarPal - but doesn’t seem to allow me to do much, 6 basic functions really

 

[Mr Pig]

I've done this twice. I removed the lid on the filter can and slowly lifted the filter out so that as much of the fuel dripped back into the can as possible. Then I put the new filter in and surprisingly little fuel was lost, it came close to the top of the can. I didn't prime the system or anything, I just started the car. If I remember correctly it took a second longer to start but it started and ran perfectly with no skipping or anything.

Maybe the result could have been different but I've just swapped the filter twice with no issues. Sometimes you can overthink things. Incidentally, used a genuine filter both times.

 

[Njanman]

I've done this twice. I removed the lid on the filter can and slowly lifted the filter out so that as much of the fuel dripped back into the can as possible. Then I put the new filter in and surprisingly little fuel was lost, it came close to the top of the can. I didn't prime the system or anything, I just started the car. If I remember correctly it took a second longer to start but it started and ran perfectly with no skipping or anything.

Maybe the result could have been different but I've just swapped the filter twice with no issues. Sometimes you can overthink things. Incidentally, used a genuine filter both times.

Im just worried that if I do that, something might go wrong and end up being more expensive, is that likely you think?

 

[Mr Pig]

Im just worried that if I do that, something might go wrong and end up being more expensive, is that likely you think?

I don't know what terrible thing could happen? The way I did it would pretty much guarantee that some air would be introduced at the top of the filter can. It did no harm, the car started fine and ran perfectly for years. I don't know what the 'correct' method does differently?