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I repeatedly, over the course of two years reported that there was an issue with the coolant dissipating while the car was still under warranty. Three different dealers claimed they could not identify the problem. Shortly after the warranty was over a dealer indicated that the problem was a hole in the heater core, and I would have to pay for the service and the part.
I complained to VW corporate and they were of no help. There doesn't seem to be any accountability there at all.
2004 Passat GLS 1.8 Turbo - 40,000k miles.
2004 Passat GLS 1.8 Turbo - 40,000k miles
If I were you, I'd want to check the entire car for water intrusion. Check these trouble spots - all four footwells under the mats. Make sure that no water is collecting under the hood in the air plenum space - that's the area where the battery is, between the engine and the lower windshield edge. You'll need to, at the very least slide open the little hatch over the battery and peek in below the battery.
You'll also want to make sure that the air conditioning condensate is actually dripping onto the road surface, and not backing up and getting into the car.
Check the trunk and the spare tire well, too. Feel all around to make sure all the carpeting and pads are dry.
Finally, you'll want to make sure that the sunroof drip hoses aren't obstructed.
Post again with your findings.
PS: You do have the HVAC air recycling button off, right?
If I am not mistaken, as a part of recall, the drip hoses are now cut flush with body of the car. If they are not it maybe worthwile to get to the VW dealer and apply all recalls.
Krzys
I have a Passat B5 1998 2.8L V6 sedan with a major lock issue.
Now when I insert the key in the drivers side lock, and turn the key to lock the door (turn it to 9 o-clock) the doors will lock, but when I flip the key back to the 12 0-clock position to take it out of the lock the doors all unlock again and windows go down as this is a standard function of the passats if the door lock is turned for a couple of seconds.
If I use the boot to lock the car it works fine. Sometimes when I try to lock/unlock it the doors all work fine and off I go, but the majority of times I have the problem. The same thing happends when I unlock the car, the doors all unlock then lock again.
I have had the drivers side door lock mechanism replaced and this solved nothing. I have no idea what to do with it and would love to get this fixed.
If anyone has any tips or suggestions please let me know. Also let me know if you need more info.
Thanks a lot guys, have a great day.
There was a puddle of water in the back seat, and the bottom of the car below the puddle is wet. So there is obviously water inside the car.
Where is it coming from, and how do I get rid of it?
Thanks
If you don't have a moonroof, perhaps someone else has another idea, but clogged moonroof drains are where my money is.
1) as already suggested, the sunroof drains. You'll find one each near the front door hinges when the doors arre fully open. There is a recall to have the tips of these drains snipped off to help eliminate the clogging issue. You will find one drain each behind the rear wheels.
2) A/C drain: Has been known to clog and allow A/C condensate to find its way into the interior of the car.
3) Air Plenum drains: There are two drains in the area at the base of the windshield between the two firewalls. One is under the brake booster and the other is directly under the battery. If these are clogged, you will hear water sloshing around. If sufficient water has collected there, it can enter the car through the HVAC air inlet (there is a recall on resealing the air inlet gasket, but I don't know if it applies to your year).
4) Door gasket: Could be leaking.
What you need to tell is more detail about when this occurs: A/C running? Raining out?
Good luck with this. You'll want to make sure that the water is not intruding into the front footwells, as there are electronic control modules under the carpets under both the driver and passenger feet.
Would you please give me some suggestion? Thanks!
I have a VW Passat 2003 ( 1.8 L, GLS) with 60 k miles on it. I recently took it to an independent car repair shop for 60 k maintainence and they showed me that grease is coming out of the left front axle and recommended changing the whole left front assembly for $300. My car presently does not have any driving issues. Does this repair charge sound reasonable. I have heard people say that I could probably get away by just changing the boot for much less. Does any one have any thing to share on this.
Also can someone pls. recommend a good realiable car repair shop around Oakdale, Maplewood,Woodbury area in Twin Cities, Minnesota.
Thanks in advance,
Chuck Hanson
See you there!
My advice would be to have a mechanic that specializes in VW thoroughly check it out. Big issue to me is whether the oil has been changed within the correct intervals and with the correct oil.
I love my VW, however, maintenance seems to be the key and not knowing if routine maintenance was preformed scares me a bit. Good luck.
We will never not only buy another VW for as long as we live (my wife and I), but I doubt we'll ever buy any turbo motor containing vehicle again.
I have a firm conviction that turbos in non-diesel engines is a marriage destined for inevitable failure. A ticking time bomb, rolling hand grenade, firing pin pulled, balanced precariously over the road.
I even wonder about the diesel turbo marriage.
Krzys
With thousands of cars made every day you don't need this problem.
Mark
1. Try to find out the car's maintenance and repair history
2. Have it gone over with a fine tooth comb at an independent repair shop, and make sure they check for a) engine sludge b) debris in the auto. trans oil pan/check fluid c) examine all CV joints and their rubber bellows d) check for unusual tire wear and e) do a cylinder leakdown test for possible oil burning.
Looks like we might skip the Passat, although it is a beautiful car. We are looking for a small station wagon, and it seems the only thing left is the Toyota Matrix or Subaru.
Any suggestions on the best cost/benefit deal out there for a new battery for this car? Brand, price, sources?
Thanks!
b
Thanks.
Navy Guy
Look for water inside the car. VW decided to put electronics on the floor beneath front seats. If it gets wet it malfunctions.
Krzys
I'm still in the Navy, but working at an Army garrison. Thank you for the advice. I'll check for water intrusion inside the front seats.
Navy Guy
You're right about the water intrusion. I've found about a quart of water in the right side of the vehicle (I've parked it with about 5 deg angle to that side). The back right floor board was pretty much flooded. I barely made it to a local garage, and the mechanic told me that he'll take the floor board out to completely drain the water and dry out the computer module. What do I need to do to prevent this from happening in the future?
Navy Guy
There was a recall in the US for replacing the seal on the air intake on the ventilation system, but I don't know if you can get that done in Korea (IIRC).
Next cut off the ends of the sunroof drain tubes located near the upper hinge of the front doors. They are black and they are tappered. THis will help reduce the risk of having the sunroof flood the car.
Good luck!