Volkswagen TDI Models

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Comments

  • tedainsworthtedainsworth Member Posts: 1
    I had a 2004 TDI; I put 72k miles in the first year. After putting 165k miles; I gave it to my step-son. I will buy a new TDI as soon as the new VW dealership opens.
     When the vehicle was new, at 60 mph, I would get 50 mpg. Recently, I was getting 47 mpg. In town, I was getting 42 mpg. On the Interstate, I usually set my cruise control at 78 mph. (I have never gotten a ticket at that speed) I was getting 45 to 47 mpg, depending on the terrain.
     I ALWAYS use my cruise control, in the city (Houston/New Orleans etc) or on the hwy. From my experience, nearly 100% of drivers will claim they use cruise control, very few do. The next time you are going up an over-pass or a hill see how many cars slow down.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    One thing that you might check is the snorkle. The screen has a tendency to get almost totally plugged up, thus lessening your fuel mileage. I disassembled mine at the 20k oil and filter change interval and it was almost like a cutsy small potted planter. :)
  • vincentwangvincentwang Member Posts: 42
    How about the maintainance fee? As I know this is the big part of expense. The dealer here charge 119+tax for a single oil change.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I realize that may be in Canadian dollars, but it still seems excessive.

     My 2003 has been in to the dealership for 2 oil changes. The charge is about $50 USD and this INCLUDES the proper synthetic oil that the TDI requires.

    Do you have the ITEMIZED bill how they arrived at $116 ? It would be interesting to see how they justify this cost.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Cash price for BYOP is 5 dollars x 4 qt=20, 6 dollar oil filter=27-50= 23 for 15 min of shop time. At 116 you are being charged 89 dollars for shop time.

    If indeed it takes 15 min that mikes out to 356 per hour. Your lawyer isnt doing the oil change is he? :(
  • highpricetaghighpricetag Member Posts: 1
    I've searched and I'm still not sure what oil to use in my 2002 Jetta TDI. The manual says:
    -VW 500 00,
    -ACEA B3 or ACEA B4,
    -API Service CF4 or API Service CG4.

    I purchased Shell Rotella-T Synthetic 5w-40, however the rating on this Rotella is:
    API Service CH-4/SL.

    Does this Rottela meet VW requirements?
    Also, the headlight covers seem to be starting to get cloudy. I have 13,200 miles on this vehicle and wondered if this would be a warranty item.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Oil for 2003 and earlier TDI is available for under $13.00 (Rotella Synthetic) and filter from $6 to $10. The Rotella meets VW requirements and has good test results after 10,000 miles.
    Maintaining TDI does not equal high cost unless a high cost service facility is utilized.
    Choose your mechanic wisely.
  • vwinvavwinva Member Posts: 71
    I'm seeing messages referring to "snorkle" or "snow screen". Same? If yes, where under the hood do I find it? Haven't serviced this and the Jetta has 72k on it.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    The snorkle houses the snowscreen. As you look at the engine face to face, it is on the right side (drivers left side) behind the left headlight (follow the sight line from the MAF to the area behind the left front headlamp).
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The "snowscreen" is at the far end of the snorkle (just behind the LF headlight)

    At 72K miles, I am CERTIAN that your snowscreen has been plugged up for at least 30K miles. Instead of breathing cool air from behind the LF headlight, your engine has been breathing warm air from under the hood thru the spring-loaded back-up portal.

    Your turbocharger has been working overtime to suck the air into the snorkle too.

    I have posted this here several times in the last month. (You did not do much research thru the archives....did you? ;-)

    http://pics2.tdiclub.com/video/cincitdi/snowscreen.html

    I would suggest that one DOES NOT scrape the plastic snowscreen with a knife as seen in this video. Instead, remove the 2 screws holding the screen itself on and use a GARDEN HOSE to clean it by 'backflushing' the opposite way the air usually flows.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    The hardest thing about cleaning the snorkle is doing it the first time. After you know the lay of the pieces, you will probably wonder why you didn't clean it at least at every oil change (10-15-20k) :)
  • deaner14deaner14 Member Posts: 40
    Anyone have an opinion on the best trailer hitch to install on the '02 Jetta I'm driving? Any related costs would also be greatly appreciated. I live near San Antonio.

    Thanks
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    (as a note; if directional tires are used, 3 "right side" tires will have to be mounted in the same direction)

    >1. spare to right front
    >2. right rear to right front
    >3 right front to spare
    >4. left front to left rear
    >5. left rear to left front

    Is number 1. supposed to be spare to right rear ?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    "(as a note; if directional tires are used, 3 "right side" tires will have to be mounted in the same direction)

    >1. spare to right front
    >2. right rear to right front
    >3 right front to spare
    >4. left front to left rear
    >5. left rear to left front

    Is number 1. supposed to be spare to right rear ? "

    Let me pull out my diagram.

    From a codified point of view, yes. Sorry for the confusion, but strictly from a measured point of view, no; for what you are trying to do is put the one with the lowest wear (spare) and swap it with the one with the highest (right front) .

    But I would argue that the codification is the easier to remember and to do. (since not many folks will caliper each tire inner middle outer :) ) so for a 5 tire (no cross) rotation for both normal tires AND uni directional

    1. spare to right REAR

    2. right rear to right front

    3 right front to spare

    4 left rear to left front

    5. left front to left rear

    As an aside this is closest to the OEM recommendation of front to rear, rear to front.

    I can also detail the 5 tire cross rotation, but I sensed you didn't have a question on it.
  • vwinvavwinva Member Posts: 71
    Check my posting #856 for source and costs.
  • caseyr1caseyr1 Member Posts: 11
    bpeebles

    Just wanted to thank you for your suggestions on the oil extractor. I actually bought a Tempo at www.boatersworld.com it works extremely well. I was able to change my oil in about 15-20 mins. and saved at least $30. I would recommend it to all of the do it yourselfers reading this.
  • trailbufftrailbuff Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone been able to locate the correct oil for the 04 PD engine?
    The only 505.01 that I can find locally is at my VW dealership. It is Castrol and it is $7.45 pre ltr. I haven't heard much good about Castrol. Is this synthetic? I don't read German.
    I would prefer a Mobile 1 product. I have been using Mobile 1 in my Chevy van since about 10K and it has been a fine oil.
    What about Motul? I have never heard of this brand. I can find it on the internet but again I don't know if it is synthetic or not.
    Any help would be Greatly appreciated.
    John in KC
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (caseyr1) You are very welcome and thanks for the link to www.boatersworld.com. They have a good selection of oil-extractor systms.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...is as good a synthetic as there is. It is the "official" synthetic at NA BMW dealers. Mobil spends more on marketing than anybody else - there are lots of good synthetics out there besides MobilOne.

    In the case of VW, brands are not the issue - it needs to have the 505.01 designation, and there will be more alternatives over time. Motul is well known in Europe.
  • vzh9p7vzh9p7 Member Posts: 24
    I too owe my thanks to those on this board for their constant help and suggestions; I have a oil-extractor system as well; works great.

    Amsoil now has a 5W40 specifically for European diesels. Here's the link (I hope):
    http://www.amsoil.com/products/afl.htm
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    505.01 is the spec. for the PD in 2004 VW TDI. Amsoil Euro car formula does not meet 505.01 and is not recommended for PD TDI engines. Contact Amsoil if you don't believe me and they will tell you the same.
    Motul and the VW dealer Castrol 505.01 are the only ones available that I know of.
    The Amsoil may be used in 2003 TDI and older TDI's.
  • mrjettemrjette Member Posts: 122
    Hi, I have been reading this forum for a long time, and the synthetic oil issue is a fairly common thread. It might help if VW put a reminder near the oil fill cap that read something like this: "Synthetic Oil Only - VW Spec. 505" or whatever applied to that engine.

    This would look OK if it was stamped into the plastic engine cover, and would help all of the do-it-yourselfers PLUS the entry level techs at the local dealer or quicky lube. I am always slightly paranoid about whether they put the right stuff into my engine as I prepare to motor for another 10K Miles.
  • vzh9p7vzh9p7 Member Posts: 24
    You are quite correct, Mopar. I have the 2003, which specifies the VW505, and after I get my 40K service tommorrow, it's all up to me for this stuff!
  • lewshellewshel Member Posts: 37
    I have a 2003 TDI Golf GLS with 32,000 miles. The front end is making squealing noises on normal braking. I think the handling in mushy.
    I am concerned that the struts have gone.
    Is this still a warranty issue?
    Do I need to replace all four wheels if I decide to upgrade to Bilstein TC?
    )I have posted this question on the TDI site as well but any input would be welcome.
    Thanks.
  • pete14pete14 Member Posts: 11
    If you look at the Amsoil for the 10w-30 it states acceptable for VW 505.01. I looked carefully. While I do not own a TDI yet I have been following the discussions and am very interested in the price of oil changes.

    There were no *'s or disclaimers on the bottle.

    Just my observations.

    P.S. I bought the oil for my lawn tractor, to avoid the 25 hour change schedule.
  • mkarpmkarp Member Posts: 22
    Can anyone tell me were the Jetta sedan tdi is built? I think the wagon comes from Germany.
    Has anyone had a major problems with eather?
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    There is no Amsoil product available at this time that is recommended for VW 505.01 applications.

    Regarding the Amsoil 10W-30
    It is the wrong spec, it is recommended for VW 502.00, 505.00 NOT 505.01
    It is the wrong weight. 5W-40 is the weight on the only 505.01 oils available.
    It is for the wrong type of engine. 10W-30 Amsoil synthetic is for Gasoline engines, not diesel.
    quote Amsoil - Heavy-duty and turbocharged diesel engines: this oil is not recommended for use in this application. -end

    Check it again Pete.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Mine was assembled (built) in Mexico. The assembled TDI motor does come from Germany. The wagon does come from Germany.

    In my case, the car after a year(28,000 miles)has performed flawlessly. It came (and continues to have) with absolutely NO DEFECTS. I guess VW does make a mistake once in a while and gets one completely RIGHT ! :)
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    My '00 was built in germany. Easy to tell, just look at the first digit of the VIN#. A W means Germany. A 3=Mexico.

    My '00 is mexican built. I'm a little over 82k miles now and really have had very few problems. Two power window motors and a MAF sensor. Still on original brake pads even. Got a couples rattles on occassion, but they come and go so it doesn't bother me much.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    While I got this off the window sticker and accept it at face value I do not know how true it is.

    US/CN parts content 8%, Major source of foreign parts content, Germ 40% Mex 25% FAP, Puebla Mexico, engine: Germany transmission: Argentina
  • caseyr1caseyr1 Member Posts: 11
    I have two silly questions that I am sure are in the manual but I haven't looked them up.

    1. Is there a block heater on an 01 Jetta if so where is the plug for it?

    2. Is there a primer in the event that your car runs out of gas, or do you have to bleed the lines?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (caseyr1)

    1)There is no factory block heater available for the TDI. VW has a stick-on heating pad for the oil-pan, but it is a joke. Most folks get the TDI heater ( http://www.tdiheater.com/ ) which actually heats the antifreeze and circulates it thru the engine.

    2) The TDI will never runout of "gas" but no, there is no primer. Manually filling the fuel-filter with diesel or fuel-additive has been used with success. Running out of fuel may damage the fuel-pumps to the tune of $2000 replacement price.
  • lifeloverlifelover Member Posts: 12
    I am getting ready to change the oil again and have temporarily misplaced my manual somewhere in the "black hole" (my house or shed or soemewhere! What is the oil capacity for my '03 Jetta TDI Sedan? Also, I I appreciate the info about cleaning the "screen". I watched the video and then went home and did it easily. FYI: I just went down to Key West from where I live (Cape Coral) and I got 53 mpg. Some of it was high speed, 70-80 mph, but some of it of 45-60 through the keys. All the way there and back in one tank. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!! I do use the cetane booster.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    First the easy answers.

    1. Dry sump specifications are 4.75 quarts or 4.5 liters with filter.

    2. After sitting overnight, the oil level should be no higher than the upper bend of the oil dip stick.

    3. When you follow the oil checking procedures in accordance with the service or owners manual, the oil level should be BETWEEN the hash marks.

    Now the more practical answers;

    4. it is almost impossible to get all the old oil out. In mine and others experiences with far more miles than I, get between 4-4.25 quarts out. So practically you still have app .5 quart due to design or workings of the turbo that will not be available for draining. So after "overnight" draining this yields the most oil that will be present in the sump. However since by that time it will be cold it will be harder to drain or evaculate. SOOO most specifications will say warm the oil and some will wait an hour after full operating temperature. So by deduction less oil is available for draining or evacuation. To me no big deal but this point does seem to be an issue.

    5. As a practical matter 4 quarts (or one gal container of Delvac One, or whatever is your chosen poison) will usually put you in the sweet spot.

    I like to tweak it to the upper most hash mark, but I can do that at almost any time.

    Hope this helps.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I agree with the above. I usually keep it simple and just dump in one gallon of Delvac. Oil level is always good all through 10k miles. I actually have a bad habit of never checking it, it's never needed oil between changes. One of these days that might haunt me...
    ;)
  • vincentwangvincentwang Member Posts: 42
    Searching for detail information of 05 Jetta wagon TDI, seems few available. Why VW cover it so well? Any link?

    Just wondering whether it worth a wait, like ungrade Engin to 2.0 with 145hp ( all I know is a larger wheelbase). Otherwise maybe I will consider the 04. Also, Heard about all the 05 will be assembled in Maxico, even the wagon, is this correct?
    Thanks.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    First half of 05 will be same TDI Passat and Jetta as the 04 TDI Passat and Jetta. Will be mid-year intro. for the new body styles and VW is famous for delaying it's change overs. All new body style Jetta will be assembled in Mexico including the Bora. GTI 2 door and 4 door Jetta Sedan are the initial products and the 4 door Golf and Jetta Wagon are not even confirmed for 2006.
    Bottom line, if you desire a Jetta Wagon or Passat TDI don't wait until calendar year 05.
  • vincentwangvincentwang Member Posts: 42
    Thanks. I prefer to buy one made in German, and will comaper with 05 Legacy before make decision.
  • lifeloverlifelover Member Posts: 12
    Thanks, I can always count on one of you guys to give me a thorough answer. I have a question... I would love to have a turbodiesel vehicle that is a family style van/suv crossover (larger than a regular SUV but styled like one) With today's high gas prices, I think it would sell like hotcakes. I'm wondering if the Volkswagon engineers are working on something like that. I know they make the Taureg (spelling?)but is that seating only 5? And if it's not a diesel, it sucks gas. Does anybody know about any large diesel vehicles that get over 30mpg with the ability to tow med boats and carry seven adults?
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I'm not aware of anything that meets all those requirements.

    A sprinter van might come close, depending on what you call a medium boat. Throw the style thing out the window.

    I've seen excursions get mid 20's in fuel. Lots of room and i'm sure would pull a medium boat, regardless of your definition;)

    I have a Tahoe for very similar duty. The 5.3L V8 typically gets 20mpg, sometimes better on highway trips. Towing drops it down around 14mpg. I'm sure I could have done better with an excursion as far as fuel is concerned, but was not impressed with the ride/handling/etc. on it.

    The only good news I have is that I've heard that VW is bringing an extended length Touareg later this year which will have a 3rd row. I don't know how well it will haul seven adults, but it has possibilities at least. That's probably the only vehicle on my radar that I'd consider trading for the Tahoe. Probably still won't get 30mpg, but towing/hauling/mpg is a tough nut to crack.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Actually Sebring95 hit some of the diesel alternatives on the head. I have done road trips (in my Toyota) Landcruiser and friends with Ford 250 turbo diesel and/or Excursion Turbo diesel. Both seem to get mid 20's max. I have for a long time wanted a turbo diesel Toyota Landcruiser that is available on the world wide market but banned and or not imported to the USA. I also would give serious thought to the Tahoe/Suburban class turbo diesel if they hit the market with it.

    The Touareg does come in a turbo diesel 333 hp/553 torque. But as you have indicated would only carry 7 adults if two of them were strapped to the roof rack :(:) Again, information indicates mid 20's mpg.

    I know for a fact it is not available in 5 states for the 2004 model year(CA,NY,ME,MA, 4/5 as I recall)
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    VW TDI Touran or Sharan would fit the van/crossover type market and obtain 30 mpg. Neither are offered in North America.
    Dodge Sprinter is only diesel that will seat seven, obtain 30 mpg and tow a boat. It will not obtain 30 mpg with seven people and tow a boat all at the same time though.
  • since1993since1993 Member Posts: 1
    Hey folks got a 2003 TDI.....love the gas milage..especially these days! Is there anyway to have all door locks automatically unlock when the driver door is opened or when the parking brake is engaged? Keep trying to open the back door and looking like a fool when nothing happens as I fumble for my transmitter.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    They can be programmed to unlock all doors when you remove the key from the ignition. A dealer can program it for you, or anyone with the VAG program. I have the program, email me (in my profile) and I'll get you to a list of folks that have the program. Not sure if a dealer would charge you or not.
  • preferdieselspreferdiesels Member Posts: 30
    WOW! That is amazing. I have had a '98 Beetle TDI, a 2000 Beetle TDI, a 2002 Beetle TDI and now a 2004 Passat TDI and not had a single problem of that type and very few of any kind. The only repairs that I have had is on the '98 the air bag light came on requiring some kind of electrical part replacement twice (warrantee) and on the 2002 the electrical window regulators had to be replaced (warrantee) and a headlight had to be replaced (warrantee). That's it! Maybe you got a proverbial "lemon".
  • cabrales1cabrales1 Member Posts: 36
    I have the Jetta TDI Wagon, and for the most part I really like it. One feature I can't stand though is the way the hatch locks every time I close it. So if I am putting something in and close it, and then decide to open it again, I have to either get the key or go to the hatch release lever in the driver's door. Is there a way to change this setting? I would like to set it up so once it is unlocked it remains unlocked until I lock it or until it automatically locks with the other doors (when the car moves).
  • cabrales1cabrales1 Member Posts: 36
    My Jetta TDI Wagon GLS has about 22k miles. The other day the "check engine" light came on. I was near the dealer's so I dropped it off. It turned out that it was a malfunctioning glow plug. Is this a normal issue with the diesel jettas? And how much would it had cost me if the car was not under warranty? Is is something I am doing?
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Bosch glow plug is $20.00. If the harness required replacement the cost for harness is $33.
    Glow plug failure on a low mileage car is unusual.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    I have also heard of MAF's going, but then again this might be a definite but small %.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    The CEL (check engine light) is quite sensitive on these cars. Might be dealer/profit driven ;) I've had the CEL come on and with my personal diagnostic equipment (vw software) found the problem to be glow-plug or glow-plug harness related. Have twice cleaned the contacts on the glow-plugs/harness and this quickly fixed the "problem". The plugs/harness were actually working fine, just a bit of corrosion. The sensors are quite "detailed oriented" you might say. What could be considered normal operation will sometimes set the CEL. Works great (for vw) when the car is out of warranty if you're not a DIY type. I believe the first time I cleaned the contacts was at 50k miles, the second time around 70k miles. Weather/driving conditions probably have a lot to do with this. A dealer would most likely just change the glow plug thinking it was bad ;(
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