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thanks for your w8 experience. I am lookijng for 6-spd wagon- seems like it is the holy grail. Did you have a dealer find you your wagon?
peace and good shifting
w8fan
Krzys
My wagon has the electronic stability program option (ESP), and there is a button on the dashboard labeled "ESP". What I can't find in the manual is, do I have to push the button to activate it, or is it on by default? Why is the button there in the first place?
Also, a question about oil changes. Our wagon is used for suburban chores (school pick ups, grocery runs, weekend shopping) - in short, city type driving. Other cars that I owned recommended frequent oil changes (3000 miles) for this style of driving. The VW schedule doesn't seem to differentiate between "normal" and "severe" driving schedules. Should I stick the the VW schedule (every 5K miles), or be more cautious and change the oil every 3 months?
Also, I'm puzzled at why the oil change period is 5K, even with synthetic oil. Most luxury cars have longer service intervals when using synthetic oil. I thought that was the whole point....
I'm aware of the sludge problems with the 1.8T, and I believe that following VW's advice on this is better than having engine problems later, but I was just curious if anyone had a good explanation for why the synthetic oil changes can't be spaced out further apart.
The owner's manual is poorly written (IMHO) in several areas and the section pertaining to oil is no exception. I do use the recommended synth oil and stick to a 4,000 mile/6 month oil change interval.
The reason for the use of synth oil in the 1.8T is to protect the engine and turbo. The turbo runs hot and the oil sump on this car is relatively small, especially considering the forced induction. That's a tough combination for the oil. Don't try to stretch it out - you'll only get yourself into deep trouble. This is the primary reason I would never buy a used Passat with the 1.8T - I don't trust anyone to perform the necessary service.
It is on by default. Pushing the button and having the orange warning on the IP tells you it is off.
Why is the button there in the first place?
There are times when you want to disable ESP and by default the traction control such as trying to grind your way out of snow or autocrossing.
Should I stick the the VW schedule (every 5K miles), or be more cautious and change the oil every 3 months?
I also have an 05 Passat Wagon 1.8T. You can't go wrong by doing more frequent changes but as long as you do them at least every 5K, that covers you on the warranty side.
Also, I'm puzzled at why the oil change period is 5K, even with synthetic oil. Most luxury cars have longer service intervals when using synthetic oil. I thought that was the whole point....
I'm aware of the sludge problems with the 1.8T, and I believe that following VW's advice on this is better than having engine problems later, but I was just curious if anyone had a good explanation for why the synthetic oil changes can't be spaced out further apart.
The 1.8T seems to be rough on oil - even synthetic. By having a short interval, VW is improving the prospect of a longer life for the engine and reducing their liability for replacing sludged engines.
1. If synthetic is recommended why did the dealer use regular and why recomend a 5K cycle?
2. Do you recommend a switch to synthetic now? or
3. Stick with regular oil and change at 3K intervals?
Thx
VWoA must be extremly happy to provide coverage for their dealers "mistakes" (or shall I call it cheapnes).
Did you get a letter from VW with manual addenum(sp?) and list of approved oils?
Search edmunds for link to vw.com and list of proper oils.
Krzys
PS Switch to approved oil ASAP.
Anyone else had similar problems with the rear brakes? Any ideas on what needs to be adjusted - proportion valve?
I've loved all my VWs, but i'm scared about long term ownership of this specific one.
Help
I have an '03 GLX wagon as well and unfortunately I have also had your same problems. My first replacement was at 20K miles, and again 9000 miles later and then AGAIN 14000 miles after that and also had to PAY to have my brake pads replaced. That was 3 times in ONE YEAR!
I've heard that if a part needs to be replaced more than 4 times in one year than it can be considered a "lemon". I'm not sure if that is a fact.
I think my warrently runs out very soon, so any insight on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
"No Longer Breaking for Malls" :sick:
In contrast, the rotors on my wife's 1999 Passat have NEVER warped. Must be a switch in materials somewhere along the line.
THEY'RE VERY COOL!!!...and obviously for sale now.
Planning to stop by at the dealer this w-end to see it closer.
Dan
(across from DCX's HQ
I am NOT happy about this! I'll need to find out who to escalate this to. It's insane to think you have to replace the rotors this often!!
andrew
Ok, well I either go to VW or my local shop...very reliable. Not sure what oil they use, guessing 10w30...
Oil change intervals are always between 3-5k. This has happened 3 times and started around my 55k mark.
Just a note, I used to have a 1999 4cyl Passat with the ol "engine/oil" light and oil pump problem. So, I have a bit of distrust....You just don't want to know.....
Thanks very much for any insight you may have.
andrew
Thanks
Steve
Engine. What oil have you used?
Krzys
PS I have heard about Audi A4 control arm problem but subframe is news to me.
Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2001 (not 2001.5 as far as I can determine), blue anthracite
68K miles
bought new from dealer in January 2001
(summer 2003, I think one of the axles was replaced, no documentation)
Dec 2003 VW roof rails added
July 2004 new coolant temp sensor
Aug 2004 new water pump and timing belt
Nov. 2004 new "comfort and convenience control module"
Jan. 2005 new Goodyear tires (first replaced Aug. 2003)
Feb. 2005 new cam adjuster gaskets and valve cover gaskets
May 2005 new rear brake pads and rotors
June 2005 new rear 02 sensor
June 2005 new front brake pads and rotors
Aug. 2005 new battery
The water collection is caused by clogged drain vents under the the battery and the brake booster. Leaves, dirt, etc, clog the drains.
If I'm right, it's been reported here before. In fact, you might have gotten away lucky. IIRC, the other post said that their engine was hydrolocked and had to be replaced...
Good luck!
Never mind any of the repairs/maintenance - that doesn't matter to resale except for perhaps brakes and tires.
The body damage and the toddler dirt will detract from it.
Good luck.
This is the start of a long thread on this topic. The car sat in the rain, the plenum filled with rain water and the brake booster sucked in the water. Hydrolocked the engine. It's a bad thing....
Did your tech find any water in that area, where the battery is located?
It's an interesting thing about the the drains. There is no mention about them in the owner's manual. There's nothing on VW's website about them. But if it were me, I'd be checking them every so often (I check my plenum during and after rainstorms). The drains themselves are not readily visible (at least without pulling out the battery).
Something else for your consideration. If you've had enough water accumulate to get sucked in by the brake booster, you might have gotten enough to start leaking into the passenger compartment. This is a problem as there are two control modules (computers) under the front seat carpeting. One is the Transmission Control module and the other is the Comfort Control Module (controls things like the power windows and locks, etc).
If I were you, I pull out the floor mats and check all four footwells to make sure they are all dry. Those units don't take kindly to getting soaked.
Here's a detailed website that outlines what to do to clean the drains on the Passat. Note that this is a UK link, so everything is reversed on US cars:
http://www.weirdlittlebiscuit.com/passat/leak/index.htm
The plenum is what VW calls the space at the base of the windshield, beyond the rear firewall at the back of the engine. I've heard it called the cowling area, as well. Open the hood and look along the back of the engine bay. You'll see it. Depending on your model year, it may or may not have a black plastic cover over it. The car's battery and brake booster are both located in this area as is the cabin's fresh air intake.
The water comes down the windshield and off the roof, if you park downhill. The debris is leaves, pine needles, dirt, etc. Read that web link I posted. You'll see how very little material is necessary to actually block these drains. And if you sit in the car in the rain, while the car is not moving, you'll see that a lot of water runs down the windshield.
Yes, a car cover should help eliminate the problem. But what are you going to do, put the cover on every time you park? Kinda bothersome, IMHO.
Without a doubt, this is a poor design exacerbated by VW's failure to warn owners that the problem exists. Like I said, maintenance of this area is not mentioned in the owner's manual or on VW's scheduled maintenance page on their website. Further complicating the problem is the fresh air intake being located in the same area. It's a ready-made pathway for water to intrude into the passenger compartment. The coup de grace is the location of the electronic components under the carpeting in the front footwells. Under the right (and apparently not uncommon) circumstances, it's a recipe for disaster.
:confuse:
I have had two Passat's...Loved them to death, seriously, but had similar problems with both. To be honest, I have still been curious about Passats (reason for keeping this Edmonds forum email). Anyway, I believe you have trouble and heartaches coming, soon, very soon. If you are still under warranty I suggest you make it a point to bring it to VW immediately, no kidding. Had a 1999 4cyl, and a 2002 GLX v6 4-Mo. Just got a new Volvo XC two weeks ago. I really do miss the last one, but practicality won. Sorry for the bad news.
Have it towed to dealership and have all oil change receipts ready.
Krzys
PS You have symptoms of infamous sludge problem.
What can I do?