Volkswagen TDI Models

tomsawyer

I just picked up my 05 Passat TDI last week. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the brands of diesel gas out there. I have a Shell, Sunoco & Exxon diesel gases near my house. Are there any differences or preferences?

vwinva

I have had best results using Shell. Exxon looses me a 1-2mpg. Shouldn't but does. Do recommend you use Powerservice's Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost as an additive. Available at Walmart @ $6.95 for a 32oz bottle. I add 4oz with each fill up on a near empty tank. Added fuel efficiency covers the cost of the additive.

pusterracing

I use Sunoco Premium Diesel, but not all stations carry it. It is what I prefer, cleaner fuel, higher cetane rating, and I suppose better fuel mileage by 1-2MPG (but really at such a low increase how can you know if it is the fuel or your driving style?)

elias

don't base your decision on one person's anecdote, either. (including mine!)
i did great with my 2003 jetta TDI, 65k miles with zero problems other than the center console latch broke and drivers window was misaligned at delivery.
so far so good with 2005 passat TDI which i traded the jetta for...

escapeowner2

Anecdote? Yes, I guess it is nice to live in a little fantasy world where reality is simply "anecdote"?

Read up on VW reliability and repair histories. The truth is out there if you care to find it.

I learned the hard way. Hope nobody else has to.

gagrice

I learned the hard way. Hope nobody else has to.

You must live in a state without Lemon Laws. Sorry to hear of your problems. I had problems with both Honda and 2 Toyotas. So I don't buy them anymore. I only have 2800 trouble free miles on my Passat TDI so far.

elias

escapeowner2, there's no reason to get nasyt, is there? one person's story is indeed called an anecdote - as in "not necessarily statistically significant". in this context, 'anecdote' is a scientific term.
from what i've seen, all the available statistics do indicate that VW does not have the quality/reliability of US & Japanese nameplates.

lower quality/reliability seems typical for many euro-brands lately. i had traded a benz for the jetta. the benz had been the most unreliable new car i had ever owned. the great reliability & quality of the VW was a welcome joy - that's why i bought another one.
also i found that driving the manual-trans jetta, "harkened back" to the car i first learned to drive, a 1965 beetle 1600. the beetle cost $1653 new, including *optional* rear seatbelts. oh well, there's another anecdote for ya. it was so long ago that it does seem like a bit of a fantasy though.

donk4

My 99 Jetta TDI recently developed an electrical fault. Sequence of events follows:

1. Apparent loss of turn signal lamp (flasher operates double speed)
2. A few days later, no AC, remote mirrors, door locks or fuel door operation(!) but turn signal problem seems to have self-corrected
3. Attempted to check fuses, found the VW Owners manual and fuse block legend card to be USELESS (worst OEM documentation I've ever seen, for something that obviously must be accessible to the end user)
4. Checked ALL fuses, none appear open

I'm fearful of dealer charges on open-ended electrical work. Can anyone suggest a common fault for these symptoms, or provide some info on which fuse might be the operable one? Are there relays that control of these functions? If so, where are they located, and how can they be identified?

Thanks!

jasmith52

Your flasher Issue: Is probably due to a burn't out bulb. Check that the flasher lights work all around the car and replace the one bulb that is burn't out.

I suspect that the other problems that you have may be due to one of the fuses that you took out (to check problems) and that was not re-seated properly.

- Check it out and let us know what happened.

tu754z

I just bought a 2005.5 TDI Jetta. I have owned VW’s for years but this is my first diesel car. So far I love the TDI still over half a tank after 300 miles, great power, runs better then my 1999.5 gas.

Question:
After we bought the car I noticed that when applying the brakes moderately I heard a knocking from the right rear wheel. Being a tinker I popped off the tire, inspected the rotor and caliper, and found noting unusual. So I popped off the left for comparison and then the only thing I could note was that the right caliper seemed looser at the top. If it was moved I could duplicate what I think is the sound. It looks like VW changed the design of the rear brakes compared to my 1999.5 Golf. All the bolts are tight the only movement is in the sliding pin the VW uses to hold the top and bottom of the caliper. Truthfully, I don’t think the play is excessive but the noise is not going away.

The one thing that puts a monkey wrench into the mix is it is much worse when the brakes are cold and almost is completely gone after a few stops. Then you need to wait for the brakes to cool in order to hear the noise loud again. This cooling can be simple driving without applying the brakes for a short while, not just stopping the car and letting it sit to cool. I had thought that maybe the pads just needed time to wear in a bit but with 300 miles on them, I think I have a problem. Strange the colder the brakes the louder the noise. I wish I had heard it on the test drive but with the limited TDI stock, I would have still had to take the car and let them fix it.

I do have an appointment with VW on Friday and I plan to take the tech out for a ride to demonstrate since it is unique. I find problems like this tend to be hard to get fixed correctly on the first visit and often take several trips to repair. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas so I could point the tech in the right direction for a possible single visit repair.

Thanks,

Doug

ruking1

Seems like you have a good enough handle on it, so the tech should be able to diagnose.

If they chose to throw parts at it, it still seems you are in the right church so to speak. Leave them the pew selection duties under warranty.

Kirstie_H

A reporter with a national newspaper is writing an article on fuel-efficient cars like hybrids and diesels. The reporter would like to speak with Prius owners and people who have recently purchased a diesel such as a Mercedes E320, Passat or Jeep Liberty that are happy with their gas mileage. If you fit what the reporter is looking for, please send a brief description via email to Kirsten Holguin, kholguin@edmunds.com by June 3, 2005.

jimlockey

I've owned an 02 Beetle TDI and have a 05 Passat TDI and both do very well in the Texas heat.

jimlockey

Don't worry about brands of diesel unless you like paying a higher price.

I've owned diesels for the last 10 years and all I look for are high volume new stations, first choice, not quite as new, second choice, etc. Truck stops like Flying "J", Loves, Conoco, Phillips, Diamond Shamrock and others brands you might have in your part of the country.

When I worked out in West Texas there was a Diamond Shamrock refinery that serviced all brands of stations in a 200 mile radius. Does that tell you anything? (Retired from major oil company).

After saying that, I've never had a bad tank of diesel and my MPG goes along with most people.

jimlockey

jimlockey

Kirstie,
You can pick this information up at the forums for: Fred's TDI Page. They even have own going contest for the various TDI's on this site. Jeep Unlimited forum, The Diesel Stop for Ford's Power Strokes, GMC has a site but I don't know if MB has a site for the E320? I don't know about the hybrids, you couldn't give me one.

jimlockey

clio

Greetings all. Love both our TDI's Golf and Jetta. Just had Jetta in for engine light on/carbon issue. Now 2 weeks later, the Jetta engine has started to "miss" going uphill--even a small hill- when you start to put "your foot into it" so to speak to accelerate, it misses. The miss has become progressively worse over 2 days--Jetta is now parked. Anyone have this problem before & possible suggestions as to what it might be?

sebring95

Does it really only do it on hills? Can you put your foot into it (i assume this is happening in 5th gear) on flat and get it to do it? If so, first thing I'd check is the fuel filter. Might be dirty, water-logged, etc. Should be changed every 20k miles. If it only happens on hills.....I'm not sure I can give any comment. Fuel filter is always a safe bet to check though.

tdi guy

I've had my 2004 New Beetle TDI for a year (18,000 miles) and have been extremely happy. However, when I went to fill the tank three days ago, I noticed that the small lever (white) on the inside of the neck of the fuel tank was misssing - the one that allows you to vent the tank as you top it off. As it is my wife's car, she had filled it two weeks before, but didn't notice it missing then. Has this happened to anyone else? Any advice?

Thanks

pruzink

I picked up a set of brand new OEM rims on Ebay for $200 (a lot of people like to replace their stock rims with wider low profile tires). I picked up a set of Nokian Hakkapeilitta II's from etires.com and my 04 PD TDI Jetta (just front wheel drive) was awesome in the snow this winter.

hiney

Try cleaning the exhaust diverter valve, then if that does not correct, replace the Mass Air Flow (MAF)valve. Worked on my 2000 Golf TDI. You can find the parts online by a google search. The part number is printed or embossed on the part itself.
Hiney

hiney

Try cleaning the exhaust diverter valve, then if that does not correct, replace the Mass Air Flow (MAF)valve. Worked on my 2000 Golf TDI. You can find the parts online by a google search. The part number is printed or embossed on the part itself.
Hiney

hiney

My 2000 was an AWESOME vehicle till someone rearended us and totalled the car. We were uninjured. The car protected us admirably, and I even drove it home, although the radiator fan was rendered inoperable due to the shortening of the nose by a foot.
Crumpled up the rear bumper (I was sandwiched) and the rear door wouldn't open, although the rear hatch would. What a great car. 1 week later, a new Passat TDI (wife liked the trunk and more room for friends). I liked the Golf better, but nothing wrong with the Passat.
Problems? (Try cleaning the exhaust diverter valve, then if that does not correct, replace the Mass Air Flow (MAF)valve. Worked on my 2000 Golf TDI. You can find the parts online by a google search. The part number is printed or embossed on the part itself.
Hiney) Not a big deal, $50 over 4 years and 50k miles.

capa

The signal relay (the Hazzard button doubles as the relay) burned out on my New Beetle once which developed similar issues. I replaced the Hazzard button by simply pulling it out and sliding in the a new one which cured the problem.

diesel5spd

Thanks (!) for your informative posting ..

I'm trying to decide on new car -
( new job, 400 miles/week commute. )
With a 2005 Jetta / Golf
- which is appropriate: ULSD or ELSD
- can I get ULSD or ELSD in New England (Boston area)?

Can biodiesel work with 2005 Jetta & Golf -- ?
Does VW only permit 5% biodiesel under its warranty rules?
Would 20% actually be OK?

Secondly, can I use biodiesel in a 1980 boat engine:
16 hp, 2-cylinder Kubota / (resold by Universal)?

In advance, thanks.

silvertdi

Recently my radio reception has been reduced drastically. Normally strong stations are fine in the city but turn to static much sooner than before. checked the arriel was tight. Anyone have any suggestions before I see the dealer and pay through the nose?

gagrice

Welcome to the forum. You would be best using ULSD from a warranty standpoint. The engine was designed to run on ultra low sulfur diesel. Many people are using biodiesel of one type or another in the TDI and it is also very good fuel. The complaint the auto manufacturers have is that there is not a real standard yet in the biodiesel industry. Using B5, B20 or B100 does not void your warranty unless the automaker can prove it caused a problem. Buying from a reputable source should eliminate any problems. You can mix and match. Fill one time with biodiesel the next with ULSD. The only company selling ULSD in CA is BP/ARCO. It is a true less than 15 PPM sulfur. That is all I run in my new Passat and it runs great. By this time next year the whole nation should be seeing that diesel being sold.

ruking1

When I was last driving in the Boston MA, Providence and Newport RI areas, (gasser) but on the look out for #2 diesel stations, I noticed one had to scope out the situation a little bit better than if you just had to fuel for a gasser. So indeed I would think the ULSD and bioidiesel variants are available, but you need to identify your souces. I pretty much run corner store #2 diesel in the commute and hit truck stops on longer distance runs.

All the best to you with your TDI on the right coast!

zhaba

Hi to everyone!Very need your advice.Thinking to buy used 2001 VW golf TDI(manual transmition).Car has 153.000.What is your suggestions,what I need to pay attention,and what could I expect from that bil miliage.I already took drive test ,runs o.k.,but seems like clutch from 1st gear makes turn off ingnition.Thank's!

cdstraw

Purchased a 2005 Jetta GLS TDI (A4) a little over three months ago. Had to drop off my daughter with friends last Friday for a summer vacation. So with just under 3500 miles on the odometer. I tanked up, reset the trip odometer and hit the road on Friday morning. Met friends for lunch, handed off the daughter for a few weeks and headed back. Upon return to home area, returned to the same gas station and same pump which filled the tank up that AM. Refilled with diesel to the tune of 5 gallons. Drop off daughter with friends equated into a 266 Mile round trip. Avg. 53.2 Miles per gallon. Run down and back was performed with cruise set for 65 mpg, air conditioner "on" with the lowest temp setting with fan in low. But the stereo was crankin!

I'm very happy with my Jetta! :P

rfpress

hello all, i own a '96 Golf GL TDI...unfortunately when i turned the key in the lock this morning i got no response whatsoever (no noise, the key just rotates back and forth freely), im pretty sure its not a problem with the battery - i was just wondering if anyone knows a way i can gain access to my car without damaging it.

rfpress

gagrice

FWIW, I just bought a Passat GLS TDI and love the car. We are getting about 31 MPG mostly around town short trips. Driving from Portland Oregon where we bought it, we averaged 37 MPG, mostly back highways. It is a dream to drive and the power in the hills is hard to believe. I would not have bought a used one without warranty. I think VW had some issues a few years back that has left them with a bad reputation. The TDI needs maintenance at about the mileage you are looking at. Something has to be replaced like the timing belt. If it is not done you can have a very huge repair bill. There are dealers with the 2005 Passat TDI Tiptronic's willing to deal. You can get very low interest and have the security of that warranty. We bought ours with leather and 17" wheels for under invoice. If there is anyway you can swing it that would be my recommendation.

insi

Hi..

I would like to know the service or ongoing cost of look after this TDI model such as
first yr service, second yr service or third yr service & so on or cost of any change on timing belt or any change that need to be done after 4th yr service for average people driving.

Thanks for your help.

sebring95

For just an average driver (12k-15k miles per year) you shouldn't need to do much at all in 4 years. Oil changes and fuel filters is about it. I don't know what a dealer charges for these types of services, I avoid them at all cost. I change my own oil for around $25, and that's every 10k miles. The fuel filters run about $30 and need changed every 20k miles. Timing belts and such are more into the 100k mile range.

bpeebles

Many folks do not realize that Wallmart carries the oil-filter for the TDI. Although it says "Fram PH3569" on the box... if you open it up and look at the filter itself... it is a REAL german one made by Mann or Mahle that you can get from the VW dealership for 2X the price.

While in Wallymart... pick up a 5 quart container of Mobil1 Truck & SUV oil.

insi

Hm...

I am not an expert in car. Change the oil/filter probably is okay but I never change this before so a bit scared. :confuse:

How about with the NEW Passat (I am thinking to buy this one)?
Don't they use electronic equipment to check all the electronic stuff?

Change oil and filter probably I can learn but within 4 years without going back to the VW service do you think it is going to be alright?
because I am guessing a lot of electronic equipment involved with this NEW Passat.

Furthermore, if I am not mistaken, I read somewhere, the service interval for this NEW Passat depend on your preference, based on the yearly service or based on the computer to tell you when it is time to do the service. So if you less travel then you can go beyond 1 year, probably 2 or more yrs. Am I right or it is just marketing only?

or minor service just change the oil/filter myself and go back to service dealer for Major service, what do you think?

Any comment or suggestion?

Thanks.

bpeebles

I selected a GREAT dealership and they do all my service. ( I provide my own oil for them to use)

I have found my dealership to be very reasonable in price. I have compared their cost for the various parts (filters, gaskets,washers...etc) and find them to be competitive with respectable internet VW parts suppliers.

Keep in mind that I drive PAST 2 other VW dealerships to get to mine... It is the dealership that makes all the difference.

mrjette

What are the symptoms of a bad tank of fuel? My '05 Passat with under 10k always starts very easily. I wait for the light to go off, turn the key and it starts right up within a second. After refueling the other day, it now cranks for 3-4-5 seconds before starting. The "diesel" sound seems to be more pronounced on initial idle (it seems OK when driving and even after slowing to a stop).

Do I just run it low and refuel (elsewhere)? I added cetane booster to the tank (like I always do). Is there any other additive I could use to get through this tanl? Will this problem get worse as the tank runs low?

bpeebles

Are you using the requsite amount of the diesel additive? I ALWAYS add about 6oz of POWERSERVICE (silver bottle in the summer) per fillup.

There are many good reasons to use a diesel additive;
*) Improved MPG (often adds about 3-5 MPG)
*) Lubricates the fuel pump (That is a $600 part!!)
*) Less smoking (I have NEVER-EVER seen any black smoke from my TDI)
*) Less diesel sound (engine is noticibly quieter)
*) Easier starting

mrjette

Bruce,
I added about 50 mL (~2 ozs.) of PowerService Year-Around formula. That is the amount I always add, but it looks like I could double that? My usual fill-up is 13-14 gallons.

I am using B20 off a skid tank, so I wonder if the recent heat effected it. I also noticed that the last fill-up must have been an RV as the volume on the pump was 200 gallons ($481.80!). I don't know the size of the tank, but I wonder if I got some sludge from the bottom of the tank?

Thanks for your reply and assistance. I always use B20, sometimes from Flemings in West Chesterfield, NH (across the river from your state).

Sylvia

A reporter would like to interview diesel passenger car and pick-up owners and Southern California residents who'd like to buy a diesel passenger car but can't because new ones aren't sold in California. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Thursday, July 14, 2005 with your daytime contact info, vehicle year/make/model and city/state of residence, and put the word “diesel” in the subject line.

stifland

Vin, Was your issue resolved? I have the same car. A 2004 TDI Jetta Wagon. In dealer now 3rd time for coolant leak and has not been detected. Bottle empties every 5-600 miles. Kinda at a loss.
thanks.

mrloco

I've a friend who said he got water in the antenna and had this problem -- reception drastically reduced after a car wash. Had the dealer check it out and I can't recall if the ant. was replaced or just dried out. I believe the dealer took care of it for him at no charge.

aqueous

I live in the Tampa Bay area, so you know what the climate here is like. When I get into my 99 Jetta TDI (85k miles) in the mornings, with the engine cold it starts like a champ. While driving for awhile and I make a stop, starting the engine back up when its hot is more difficult. I have never had a problem with it actually starting, but I have to crank it quite a bit longer, and it really sounds like its struggling. Could my glow plugs need changing? Maybe the battery is weak when hot? Any ideas?

sebring95

It could be the battery, heat is hard on them. If that's the original battery, you've gotten your moneys worth!

How long since you've replaced the fuel filter?

aqueous

The battery is still under warranty, and no its not the original. Do you think the battery could be failing, or should this be expected? Like I said, so far it hasnt left me stranded. Last time I had the car serviced (less than 10,000 miles ago), I requested to have the filter changed, and the mechanic indicated the filter looked like it was new, and said it didnt need replacing.

On a side note, does anyone recommend a good service manual? Want to learn how to do some of these services myself. Thanks.

sebring95

Last time I had the car serviced (less than 10,000 miles ago), I requested to have the filter changed, and the mechanic indicated the filter looked like it was new, and said it didnt need replacing.

That's interesting. I'm not sure what would make a fuel filter look new. You can't see the medium, it's a completely sealed unit. The outside of the filter wouldn't be a good indication. They should be replaced every 20k miles, regardless of how they "look"

Well if the battery has been replaced, then it might not be that. Batterys can cause all kinds of wierd stuff to happen though. Beyond that, maybe someone else will have some ideas.

As for manuals, bentley makes a VW manual that can help you with most of the routine service. There's also some great websites with detailed instructions, some even have videos. Do some searching for TDI clubs on the net. I can't link to them from this site, edmunds rules.

mrjette

If the engine is cranking with full intensity, then the battery is doing it's job and delivering power to the starter. As long as all of the cranking is matched with good running time for a recharge, this should not be the problem.

It sounds like it could be a bad tank of fuel? Did it start after a recent fill-up? I am having a similar problem, and added more Power Service Diesel additive to the tank. It helped a bit, but yesterday after sitting for 30 minutes I had a really hard start (10 seconds of crank before it turned over). I hope to drive this tank of fuel near empty and see if fresh fuel solves the problem.

mrjette

I just had my oil changed at the dealer ('05 Passat TDi, 10K service). I looked at the invoice and noticed "Oil additive" along with the other items (filter kit, etc.). I asked, and they told me it was BG MOA oil additive and would help prevent oil breakdown and improve economy. I checked to make sure they had used synthetic oil per specs and they said they had (although I can't really know for sure can I?).

Anyone have thoughts about this? It seems unnecessary, but can't hurt. It was included in the price of the oil change ($52.95 - 20% VW coupon).