How do you change a fuel filter on a 1997 vw jetta?

this is a fairly simple process. 1. Detach the fuel pump relay- in the fusebox under your dash, it's the twelfth relay- the one on the very right in the bottom. 2. Detach the negative wire of the battery (if you have an original stereo, make sure you have the code because otherwise it will be blocked) 3. Try to start the car. Crank it several times if you need to until you can't start the engine 4. Raise the rear of the car and remove the wheel that is closest to the filter (the right one usually) 5. Detach the bolts that hold the fuel filter (or the plastic harness it may be in)

6. Note the position of the filter and mark the in and out hoses of the filter.

7. Loosen the clamps on the hoses and pull the hoses out gently, holding the filter horizontally to prevent the left over fuel from spilling. 8. Put everything back together, tighten all bolts, put the wheel back, lower the car, connect the relay, the battery and start the car :) It may take a couple of cranks at first.