Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

vocus

There is actually a warranty extension for all 1999 or 2000-03 models that extends their warranty to 7 years/100K on the transmission. I have read several posts on the TL-S board right here at Edmunds about peoples' transmissions being replaced.

I have had my car (02 Jetta) in the shop alot in its first year due to rattles. That was annoying enough for me, but to have to replace a transmission (in some cases around 2000 miles)? I would have been furious!

rayainsw

More tip

Again, I suppose I need to preface this with: Just my preferences and opinions here, folks.

I do not see why man-u-matics must (or should) blindly follow manual trans. behavior. The fact that a manual cannot upshift for itself, no matter what does not need to be duplicated in the behavior of an automatic with some manual control. Since it is designed to perform automatic upshifts – and is designed to upshift at any throttle position and load, with essentially no possibility of a ‘missed shift’ or an engine over-rev condition – why not perform the shift? Again, I just prefer the very minor interruption of an upshift to the very major interruption of a sudden rpm limiter hit.

OTOH – with the level of computer technology and power built into many of today’s cars and some of the preferences (allows save / restore seat positions – choose damping rates, etc.) currently selectable and save-able lead me to suggest that next logical step (I hope) would be something like this:

Select behavior at max rpm: 1) upshift – 2) hold gear at rev limiter – choose one.
Select direction of movement to upshift: 1) forward – 2) rearward – choose one.

And on through other selections.

And save -
So that ‘Driver 1’ always receives there default selections. And other drivers of the same car may make other selections.

(Picking on BMW here, I suppose – they used to upshift on forward tap of the lever, what I find intuitive, and reversed that with the 2002s, for some reason.)

Cheers,
- Ray
Always looking for improvement . . .

rayainsw

Tip Upshifts:

Regarding: " . . when in 'tip' mode and lets say in 3rd gear if you stomp it - it will automatically shift down to 2nd or even 1st depending on the stomp.

Does Passat's tip do this? "

Only if your 'stomp' presses the throttle past WOT to activate the 'kick-down' switch. Otherwise, it will remain in the currently selected gear, if in Tip mode.

Cheers,
- Ray
Who was surprised to learn that the 'kick down' switch had been resurrected in this interesting manner in the Tiptronic . . .

outrun

What's the point of Tip mode if the transmissions is going to whatever it damn well pleases anyways?

I still feel that if in Tip mode, the transmission should stay in the gear selected until the user either changes gears or puts it back in D.

Car manufacturers are advertising these Tip style shifters as "manual equivilents". Why do they make them very unlike manuals if that's what they're after?

-Craig

vocus

The kickdown thing you talk about, under the gas pedal, is in all VW models. I have driven all the Jettas (2.0, VR6, 1.8T, and TDI) and all of them have it. The Beetles and Passats do as well.

I know when I am in Tip mode and floor it, the car won't kick down. When I push down past that thing under the pedal, the tranny will go from 5 all the way down to 3. But that's the only way it downshifts on its own. It won't upshift on its own at all, unless you bump the rev limiter. And in the case of going from 2-3 in Tip, the car will rev to 6700rpm (redline is 6500) before shifting (mine does anyway).

georgek44

My 2000 Passat 1.8's transmission will hold a gear in Tip mode until the engine exceed redline revs, when it upshifts, or is in danger of stalling as speed decreases, when it downsfifts. Between these two extremes it stays in the selected gear.

The Tiptronic "manumatic" is the best of this style transmission that I have used, but it is not the same as a real gear box. I find it very useful for engine braking, and for driving in stop-and-go commuting traffic.

vocus

I drove a 2002 Protege with a manumatic gearbox, and I had a hard time getting used to it. On the Tiptronic, you flick the stick "up" to upshift, the opposite to downshift. The Protege's is different, you shift back for upshifts and forward for downshifts.

A little opposite to convention for me.

big_guy

Actually, I think the Ford Probe is more Mazda than Ford (if I remember correctly). I think the Probe actually has some pretty good reliability ratings compared to other Ford vehicles of that era.

gatorsnap

I think alot depends on what you want in the transmission. A 1.8T with a tiptronic is a dog from a standing start (IMHO). Outrun stated that a chipped 1.8T beats the V6 in power and mileage, and that is probably true also (a friend of mine has this 1.8T/chip combo) but..
1) Why buy a new car and sink another $1000 right off the bat ? (for an ECU and chip)
2) My GLX Stick is way smoother (silky is a term that was used before) - especially at higher speeds. (I mean over 80)
3) My 1.8T friend has a hard time idling away from a stop light, due to having to rev the engine up to get the car rolling.
4) The GLX has all the goodies - By the time you added it all to the GLS you aren't really that far from the GLX. Compare all the qptions to lets say, BMW. The GLX has options that can't be had on Hondas.
That being said though, there is no satellite radio., and Last April when I bought mine, they had just come out with the in-dash CD. (They were in the trunk until then)

Good luck - I am extremely happy with my 02 GLX stick. 12K miles and counting

Gator

03honda

Is premium fuel required or recommended in the 1.8T Passats?

Thanks

pkradd

Manual says at least 91. You can use lower octane but peformance and mileage will suffer. The difference in a fill up is minimal and will be made up in the aforementioned better mileage I believe. Where I live there is no 91 so I use 93.

outrun

Wow. Never heard of one of those. They cost, at most, $500. If you're talking about getting a spare ECU for dealership service, then yes, it will cost $500 for the chip, and another $600 or so for a spare ECU.

But, to go to a GLX from a GLS, you're sinking $2500 up front. I'd rather save $2,000 (or $1,400), have a quicker, more nimble car, and get better gas mileage.

There is no way to option up a GLS to have all the "GLX goodies". Power seat? Nope. Dimming rear view mirror? Nope. Auto tilt mirror? Nope. Climatronic? Nope (thank god for that). Auto sensing wipers? Nope. None of them are options on a GLS.

If they offered a GLX with a 1.8T, I would have considered it. The 1.8T was a level one priority for me. I ended up with Leather Package, Luxury Package, and Monsoon. Oh, and if that Climatronic thing remained a requirement on the GLX, that'd be a deal breaker as well - I hate it.

If your friend has trouble getting the 1.8T launched with a 5 speed manual, maybe he/she needs to go back to clutch school. It's very easy to launch. And it does require reving to about 2000-2200. But that's somewhat normal to launching a car from a stop with authority. Heck, C&D launched their WRX at 4,000rpm to get their 5.6 0-60 time. I wouldn't do that all day long, but 2200 is nothing, as long as it isn't slipping constantly.

-Craig

sschilf

Thanks for your help and research on my car! I must now make a decision!

sschilf

What do you mean by

"Only if your 'stomp' presses the throttle past WOT to activate the 'kick-down' switch. Otherwise, it will remain in the currently selected gear, if in Tip mode.

Cheers,
- Ray
Who was surprised to learn that the 'kick down' switch had been resurrected in this interesting manner in the Tiptronic . . . "

What is WOT?

Thanks

sschilf

Have there been problems with the climatronic AC? Why are you against such an option? Just curious...

pkradd

A New York Times article (2 actually) runs down the winner and runners up. A surprise at #1 I think. You'll need to register (it's free) to see article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/automobiles/24AUTO.html

weeb35

I to thought the V6 was silky smooth, after test driving the V6 and then the 1.8T I made up my mind quickly to go with the V6, I decided to not get all of the GLX options and save a few bucks, although the 16inch tires were tempting..

rayainsw

Sorry - WOT = Wide Open Throttle - ie. accelerator pressed flat against the floor.
- Ray
Who is seriusly addicted to running at WOT - also = not the best possible fuel mileage - sigh . . .

hockeymom5

Hi. I just bought a demo Passat '02 GLX in blue silver with 4-motion, and 4,000 miles on it. The key won't come out of the ignition. It is stuck. It came out fine for four test drives and my two drives this morning, but now it won't budge. Am I missing something here? If I ask something that was on an earlier post, my apologies. I hope someone has a simple answer for me!

Five hours new and now already unhappy Passat owner. Hockeymom

birdboy1

Thanks for your help with my tire questions. Have an 02 Passat and have deceided to replace the continental tires with an all weather set of tires. I am favoring the Nokian NR tires based on some message boards advice and the Tech at E tires. I was told that these tires can be used yearound yet offer much better snow and slush traction. I was also told that they actually give a better ride than the tires which came on the car.
My second choice are the Dunlop winter sport m2. I am lead to believe that the Dunlops tend to wear unusually fast.
Can anyone out there who has either tires give me alittle first hand advice? Thanks sos much again...

pkradd

If you have an tip transmission make sure the car is in P otherwise the key will not come out. Hopefully, that's the answer to the problem!

vocus

They picked the new Mazda 6 as #1, the Passat as #2, and the Accord as #3. I really do like the new 6, but would not consider a first year model. Especially one with Ford involvement. The last couple of cars that Ford launched (Focus, Tribute, Escape) have had alot of recalls. So I would definitely wait after the 1st year to even think about one.

hockeymom5

Thanks, pkradd, excellent advice for me. It does seem to be a problem related to being in park. The silver button on the side of the shifter sticks, so it is something related to a stuck button and park. When the button is released, the key comes out. The door on the passenger side sticks, too, and the windshield has a chip, so I am not happy at all about the car. I paid too much money for three problems in less than five hours. It was a demo, maybe that was my huge mistake? I am off on a trip- but I'll take my Toyota.

I have turned the problem over to my husband and the dealer because I am too angry to want to keep the car any more- I just want it out of my garage. Shoot, if I wanted to go to the dealer every five minutes with a brand new car, I would have bought a GM. Hockeymom

pkradd

Well, your problems seem to be annoying more then major. The dealer should take care of all of them. A chip in the windshield should have been noticed by all I suppose. Give the Passat another chance if you can. It will grow on you. I had similar problems with a '98 Toyota Camry. The key wouldn't open the driver side door and this was a brand-new one not a demo. I had to enter the car from the passenger side when I locked it until they got a new set of locks - it took 10 days! These things happen, unfortunately and you got the full monty so to speak.

outrun

I opposed to the Climatronic because it's unnecessarily confusing. All those tiny buttons, tiny icons, etc. There nothing more simple and easy to use than 3 rotary dials.

I sat in a GLX at the dealership and started putzing around with it. If I was driving 80mph on the highway and wanted to change fan speed, I'd have to take my eyes off the road for a good 5 seconds before being able to get what I wanted. With the rotary dials, I can just feel down change fan speed without taking my eyes off the road at all.

If I want to change from vent to defost, I can still just reach down, turn the right knob clock wise all the way, done. Climatronic? Look down, find the defrost button, and then press it. Again, an unnecessary step when traveling at speed.

The new Accord and Camry, with all their years of experience, development, and sales. What do they use? 3 button climate controls.

This is just my personal opinion. I'm sure others love the Climatronic.

-Craig

8u6hfd

The new Accord and Camry, with all their years of experience, development, and sales. What do they use? 3 button climate controls.

Actually the Camry and Accord are also available in automatic climate control for higher level trims.

tyrannosaurus

Week #2 with my 1.8T GLS...approaching 400 miles car continues to grow on me but finding it exceedingly difficult to resist stomping on the accelerator! Love the car, especially the gearbox. Hate the tires/wheels (marginal roadholding), but i'm thinking of waiting until spring when the snow melts to replace them.

Question: Years ago I had a Saab Turbo and had to let the car idle after hard driving to let the turbo cool down before shutting off engine. Is such a procedure necessary in the Passat? (haven't had time to pick through the manual)

Ty

outrun

Since Edmunds doesn't allow URLs longer than 115 characters (yet another wonder "rule" we have to live by), I had to split these up into different lines.

Honda (paste the lines together):
www.hondacars.com/models/popup.asp?
ModelName=Accord+Sedan&Type=interior_gallery
&Category=Photo&Num=3

Temperature (dual zone) on a rotary button. Fan speed on a decent sized button. Air direction looks like a button scrolls through different directions.

With Navi (paste the lines together):
www.hondacars.com/models/popup.asp?
ModelName=Accord+Sedan&Type=interior_gallery
&Category=Photo&Num=6

Everything is probably integrated into the screen.

Toyota:
Basic (paste the lines together):
www.toyota.com/images/shop/vehicles/gallery
/camry/interior/photo_5.jpg
Electronic (paste the lines together):
www.toyota.com/images/shop/vehicles/gallery
/camry/interior/photo_3.jpg

The 3 button set up looks SO much easier to use than those little buttons and toggles.

The '99 Acura TL I had also had auto climate control. Had two rotary knobs to control temp and fan speed. It annoyingly had a single button to cycle through the air direction, though.

-Craig

outrun

There's no specific mention of a turbo cool off period, but this is more of a common sense issue. If you're beating the piss out of the car and stop, let the engine run for a minute or two before turning it off. If you drive "normal", then no cool off is needed. See how easy that is?

And if you do drive hard, don't be surprised to see the turbo glow (especially if chipped). It's working pretty hard in these engines.

-Craig

8u6hfd

Turbo Care:
It's mentioned in the owner's manual...well not addressed towards the turbo in particular.

Climatronic
The old Accord V6 used a myriad of buttons to in addition to the 2 knobs. the Climatronic has been in the parts bin for quite a while now. Plus Toyota and Honda go through shorter design cycles also.

pkradd

It's a non-issue where I live since the average temp is 80 degrees year round. The air is running 90% of the time. The only adjustment I make is to take down the rear sunshade during the fall-winter months. ;-)

vocus

The engine fan in my Jetta 1.8T runs when the car's off if the engine is still hot. I always leave the car run 30-90 seconds after driving anyway, and don't drive it real hard until the engine warms. It will supposedly extend the life of the turbo.

When leaving it running, you are getting the hot oil out of the turbo so the oil's not sitting there cooking it when you turn the car off.

gatorsnap

The owner's manual reccomends that it is not advisable to run the engine hard and shut it down immediately. I imagine the main reason is that the heat cannot dissapate and the heads will warp, and then, (probably) the head gasket goes.

I live in a desert climate that sometimes varies 45 degrees in one day. The Climatronic does make a few wrong decisions every now and then due to residual heat from the day, but for the most part I enjoy it. And even if I'm uncomfortable, I never screw with the A/C at 80. Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, or slow down and pull over.

I will say that the Climatronic controls (IMHO) should have been placed higher on the dash (over the monsoon) and easier to see / get to.

Gator

fisht1

Hi All!
New to this listing, but have my eye on a new Passat. Just a little around town driving, but bi weekly 2hrs 80mph drives upstate (FL) - currently with 87 Jetta with 158k on the clock (!) and 3 speed auto at 4000 rpm. Excellent condition, but only a matter of time, but still a great little car. Question - the six has been described as butter smooth, working less at high speed than the turbo 4? Performance? VW specs show small diffs only in gas mileage. Difference between Passat 6cyl or Jetta 6cyl? 193 vs 200 hp in spec sheets. Jetta from Mex and Passat from Germany? What else? My two 16v GTI's were fun too. 911 in the garage and Explorer for heavy hauling, now need a realistic sedan.
Thanks for your comments.

frankie33

On my 2002 GLX, the fuel filler flap calls for 29 pounds of pressure on the front tires and 28 on the rear. (Half Load)

I was advised, by our local tire specialist, to keep at least 35 pounds of pressure in all the tires.

Anyone have any suggestions?

gatorsnap

The V6 in the Jetta is the VR6. A good engine that also sees service in the Eurovan. I have seen an instance where it will make 500 hp (with twin turbos off of a Carrera). The angle of the cylinders is 15 degrees.
The V6 in the Passat is an Audi design (I think) The angle of the cylinders is 90 degrees considered optimum for torque and less vibration. I'm also pretty sure the 1.8T is an Audi design.
There is not much aftermarket enhancement stuff available for the V6, but lots for the 1.8T.
I have the GLX V6 with 5/stick and really like it. I average 28 mpg city/highway, in a usually empty car, and usually not wide open throttle (unless someone wants to play of course)-:)
It is not a race car. The Subie WRX will smoke ya bad if you don't pay attention, but The Passat has plenty to give them trouble if they aren't paying attention either. I haven't been in a Subie over 100 but they say the flat 4 is smoother than in-line 4's.

Gator

elichtman

Just purchased a 1999 Passat GLX Sedan. Rear doors do not open unless opened from front or the rear locks lifted manually. (child lock is off). If the rear lock is lifted manually, it then remains in the up position when I lock the doors with my remote. Is this normal? Shouldn't a passenger in the rear be able to get out of the car without someone in the front unlocking for them?

monkeyman6

I have a 2002 Passat GLX and was wondering anyone experienced what sounds like the glass of the drivers door rattling? If so, any solution?

vocus

Something from the dealer called "foils" has been the solution that Jetta owners have gotten for that same problem.

fisht1

Thanks for the update. What rpms are you turning at 70+mph? I'm looking for a high speed cruiser, so acceleration is not that important. Is the car quiet at speed? Is the engine smooth? I have not driven the Passat - yet. My mother has a 1.8 Jetta, so am familiar with the ride of that car. I would worry that the 1.8T might be straining, although the 1.8 is a tough and proven motor.

Is the Passat built in Deutschland?

pkradd

Yes, it's built in Germany. The 1.8T is happiest at cruising speeds.

steveiowa

I have an '01 with almost 35,000 miles on it. It cruises at 80 mph like a dream. I've driven in over 100 mph for reasonably long stretches (20 miles) and it makes me wish we had an autobahn. This is an autobahn car.

I'm heading to Colorado for Christmas and plan to make I-80 across Nebraska a 400 mile test run at high speed. If you've ever driven across Nebraska, you know what I'm saying.

cmp1223

On edmunds, is list that the 1999 Passat GLX V6 comes with standard side and head airbags, as well as a traction and stability control systems. On the 2000 model, it says head airbags and stability control are "Not available" Which description is wrong? What does the 1999 Passat have?

hoodornament

I forgot to knock on wood per last thread, my coils just went on my 2002 passat. Its Friday, the dealer wont get to it today, and I'm beat out of a loaner until Monday, this sucks.

frank83706

I have a 2000 V6 GLS wagon with 25,000 miles. Lately I've noticed an intermittent oil burning odor which is evident both inside the passenger cabin (much worse with the heater/ac fan on) as well as outside the vehicle when stopped. Oil levels are OK, no oil drips anywhere that I can see, dealer can't find anything wrong. Any ideas on this???
Thanks

fisht1

Thanks, Steve ...
for your comments. Hope you enjoy your drive out west. I was fortunate a couple of years ago to rent a 2.8l Audi in Germany for 2 wks and cruise on the Autobahn - really something! I think the 6 cyl GLX will be just the car for me. My own Jetta with 158k on the clock is getting a bit long in the tooth and with the three sp auto runs 4000rpm at 78mph. The last 90k have had 8hrs/week at this speed, but it's still holding together!

vocus

The stability control system (ESP) didn't become available until 2003 models. They must mean traction control, which became standard with the 1998 redesign. The side curtain airbags were added for 2001, but side airbags have been standard on Passats since '98 as well.

vocus

Next time your car breaks down like that on a Friday evening, obtain a rental car on Saturday. Send the bill to the dealership, and I am almost sure they would pay for it. Especially if you are stranded without a car.

hoodornament

Funny you mention that, because after the dealer told I would have to wait until 24 hours after diagnosis, I called VWOA. The guy on the phone told me he "thinks" that I would be able to do that but wouldnt guarantee it (gee thanks). I was about ready to get a rental but the dealer called about 10 minutes after this VWOA call telling me to pickup a loaner. So it worked out, now I have to get some gumption like you had by getting VWOA to make a payment for me since I will be out of my car for 3 weeks according to the dealer. Wondering if I busted some balls at VWOA that this would possible w/o actually do all of the work and expense of attorney (at which point I wouldnt). Your posts have been very helpful in getting through this situation.
Thanks,
HO

hockeymom5

Well, I just got my new 2002 GLX back from the dealer, and the chip is still in the windshield, the passenger door still sticks, and I don't know if the gear shift button still sticks because I refuse to drive it. I have never been more disgusted with a new car in my life, and am really, really sorry that I bought this brand of car. This car purchase was a major mistake, and Volkswagen doesn't have it, or else their dealers don't. What do I do now? Any advice? This is a Pittsburgh dealer. I just want to get rid of it because I am a working mom, and taking a car in to a dealer is something I just don't have time for. For $30,000, I expect my new car to work right. I have owned it for one week now. Hockeymom