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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: whileoceanasleeps on 27 October 2012, 17:15

Title: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: whileoceanasleeps on 27 October 2012, 17:15
hi

i've just changed my fuel filter and now the car won't get to the point of turning over, i just get clicks from the relay..

here's what i did..

removed relay
ran engine to release pressure
re-inserted relay
changed filter

now when i put the key in and turn it i get a clicking sound and the clock keeps re-setting itself. not sure what i've done wrong/what i need to do as i've never changed a fuel filter before.

i put the key in and the dash lights ok but when i turn the key the dash lights dim slightly?

followed haynes manual but not found a solution! do i need to reset the immobilizer or something? any help appreciated.
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: DCmk3 on 27 October 2012, 17:26
It takes quite some time for the fuel to go through the filter and reach the engine, did you try turning the ignition on and off a couple times to prime the system?
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: Khare on 27 October 2012, 17:51
And is the filter mounted the right way round? 100% sure?
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: WeekendMechanic on 27 October 2012, 18:18
Quote from: Khare on 27 October 2012, 17:51
And is the filter mounted the right way round? 100% sure?

That`s the one  :laugh:
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: Christo77 on 27 October 2012, 19:51
When i changed my fuel filter there was none of that palava,
Just removed old one and fitted new one, no escaping fuel to speak of.
The pressure must be held at the engine/injection end of things.. with the pump merely supplying fuel at ignition on.
Just my 8v anyways.
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 27 October 2012, 22:28
Likewise, ive changed 5 or 6 fuel filters without a hitch on various mk3's and never faffed about with depressurising and relays etc. 
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: Khare on 27 October 2012, 22:36
Me neither to be honest. Only time I depressurized/disabled the system was to do a compression test, and it was fine afterwards.

I reckon you fitted the filter the wrong way round, or possibly blown the fuel pump fuse.
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: Wayne on 27 October 2012, 23:42
Quote from: thai-wronghorse on 27 October 2012, 22:28
Likewise, ive changed 5 or 6 fuel filters without a hitch on various mk3's and never faffed about with depressurising and relays etc. 

My2 pence worth, I always depressure the system, much safer on the long run.
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: whileoceanasleeps on 28 October 2012, 07:59
hmm i'll check the fuses and the direction of the pump methinks, sure it's the right way round tho..

had a bit of a stupid moment changing it, smoking a rollie when i was about to pull the fuel lines from the filter, i'm such an idiot!!! i appreciate having a face a bit more now lol
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: Christo77 on 28 October 2012, 12:25
Wouldn't want you going up in a ball of flames eh!   
Just a bit of caution/common sense with these things is the order and we all unwittingly do daft tricks at times.. well i have anyways  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: whileoceanasleeps on 28 October 2012, 14:58
found out the problem - put the filter in backwards and the battery was flat! she's alive again
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: DCmk3 on 28 October 2012, 15:08
Quote from: whileoceanasleeps on 28 October 2012, 14:58
found out the problem - put the filter in backwards and the battery was flat! she's alive again

 :laugh: Well there's your problem!  :grin:
Title: Re: changed my fuel filter now car won't start!
Post by: Gavv8 on 28 October 2012, 18:01
Changed hundreds on various makes of car and never had an issue, just undo the union over an old takeaway box to catch the fuel then undo/replace/tighten/start car, its not exactly a raging torrent when you undo the unions.