Have been reading forums regarding the changing of the fuel filter on these type of engines

Some say it's safe to replace the filter and top up and start

Some say you need to purge the air using vagcom on a laptop. If you don't you can cause damage to the hpfp

No good cycling key in ignition as it doesn't work on the common rail engines

Looked online and firm called Ross do a reader and cable for around £270. Is this worth getting or not

Ross-Tech are the company behind VCDS (VAGCOM).

To my knowledge it's not required to change the fuel filter. Can't ever remember being instructed by Skoda to connect diagnostics to change one before.

Changed the diesel filter in my VRS. Put new one in, topped up and no issues. Front driver's side, a few hex bolts on it. Not sure if it's the same on the 1.6.

I've just changed the fuel filter on my 2010 1.6 CR TDI here was the process.

 

Unscrew screw T20 fitting

May have to use a screwdriver to gently pry the lid off

Before totally removing the filter lift it up over the housing and let the diesel drain back in to the housing - you want it as full as possible

Replace seal on filter lid

Put new filter in - let it soak for a few minutes

Tighten up each screw a bit at a time

* Turn the ignition on 3 times (but don't start the engine) - not sure if this is required! *

Start the car - don't rev the engine will die after a few seconds

Leave it a minute

Crank the car over for sets of 5 seconds (so dont burn the start motor out)

After 5 or so cranks it should start

Take for a short drive to clear any air from the system.

 

I didn't top the filter housing up with diesel as i didn't have any but it was almost full when put new filter in as i let the old one drain.

 

I have seen people use VCDS to prime it.

Have spoke to firm that supply the readers and software

Thanks for your enquiry.

According to the DVLA’s information, that car is a Skoda Octavia with a “1Z” chassis.

If so, all of the systems on the car use the CAN protocol for diagnostics, so if you’re buying for just the one car you could get full coverage with the Micro-CAN interface package:

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VCMC.html

Retails at £209 so may consider ordering one