Fuel Filter Maintenance For Audi Tt: When To Replace It

The fuel filter in an Audi TT should be replaced if it is leaking or if severe contamination has blocked it. It is recommended to change the fuel filter every 60,000 km. The replacement procedure involves removing the belly pan, disconnecting the fuel lines, and replacing the old filter with a new one. The fuel filter is located near the rear suspension trailing arm front bush mount or at the bottom of the car, near the front passenger door.

Fuel filter location

The fuel filter on an Audi TT is located on the underside of the car, on the driver's side, near the rear suspension trailing arm front bush mount. It is about the size of a coke can and is mounted on the floor of the car.

To access the fuel filter, you will need to remove the large cover panel by unscrewing the multi-fingered washers and a couple of nylock nuts. You can then remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure you keep everything clean to prevent any dirt from getting into the fuel line and blocking an injector.

The fuel filter is attached with a clamp and has two tubes connected to it for input and output. When removing the old filter, press each connector tube, going up and covering the hole so that the fuel in the filter goes down.

The arrow on the canister indicates the direction of the fuel flow, which is towards the front of the car.

Removing the old filter

To remove the old fuel filter from your Audi TT, first make sure you have a new filter ready to fit. You will need to raise the vehicle and support it with steel jack stands.

The next step is to depressurise the fuel system. This will allow you to remove the filter from the high-pressure fuel line without gas spraying out.

Now, you can remove the in-and-out connectors from the filter. To do this, you will need to press each connector tube, going up and covering the hole so that the fuel in the filter goes down. You may need to undo a large jubilee clip which secures the old filter. Be careful not to use too much force when removing the connectors, as the hoses are made from a hard plastic material and can be brittle. There is a button on top of each fitting that you can depress to slide the connectors off easily.

Once the connectors are removed, you can take out the old filter. Be quick, as there will still be some fuel in the pipes, and have a rag handy to wipe up any spills.

Installing the new filter

To install the new fuel filter, first, make sure you have the new filter ready to fit. You will need to undo the jubilee clip that secures the old filter. Then, press the inserts on the plastic connectors to release the lock, allowing the connectors to be removed. Use the plastic caps from the new filter to keep the petrol in the old filter.

When you are ready to fit the new filter, be prepared to spill some fuel, so have a rag handy. Fit the new filter and tighten the jubilee clip. Reassemble the cover and run the engine to check for leaks. You can pour the old filter contents back into the tank.

Some additional advice from mechanics includes: be careful not to snap the hose, as it can be brittle and hard to fix; only use your thumb and finger to release the fuel lines, and squeeze the 'low spots' on the connectors, not the 'high spots'; and, finally, use a small amount of oil on the O-rings to ease the re-installation of the quick-connect fittings.

Fuel filter costs

The cost of a fuel filter for an Audi TT can vary depending on the brand and the retailer. On the lower end, a fuel filter can cost as little as £5.50, while on the higher end, it can cost upwards of $19.99. The labour time for replacing a fuel filter is estimated to be around 0-1 hours.

Some popular fuel filter brands for the Audi TT include Carquest Premium, Beck/Arnley, Purolator, and ACDelco. These brands offer fuel filters that are designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications and provide maximum fuel system protection. They are made with high-quality materials and constructed to ensure excellent performance under various operating conditions.

When replacing the fuel filter, it is important to keep the work area clean to prevent dirt from getting into the fuel line and causing potential issues with the injectors. Additionally, it is recommended to check the fuel filter for any leaks or severe contamination that may require replacement.

When to replace the fuel filter

The fuel filter in an Audi TT is located at the bottom of the car, at the height of the front passenger door. It is cylindrical and about the size of a soda can.

The fuel filter should be replaced if it is leaking or if severe contamination is blocking it. It is not a serviceable item, but it may be worth changing it when performing other fuel system repairs, such as replacing the fuel pump or fuel injectors, or if the gas tank has been worked on. It is also recommended to replace the fuel filter if you have bought contaminated gas.

If your Audi TT is a diesel, it may be equipped with a water-sensor warning light circuit. If this warning light comes on, the water will need to be drained and the filter serviced or replaced.

Audi does not specify how often the fuel filter should be changed, but a reasonable interval is said to be around 60,000 km.

Frequently asked questions