Volkswagen Passat Maintenance and Repair

altair4

Check around for posts on a bad trunk microswitch. I think this is a possibility.

vwnomore

Joe you are exactly right! they VWOA does not stand behind their vehicles particularly when you slightly over your warranty period. Let me give you a example and hopefully people will read this and perhaps that (VWOA) will change their arrogant attitudes. I purchased a 2002 Passat which I contemplated as my Jetta at the time served the purpose and really wasn't a bad car, but I decided to anyway. I drive approximately 500 miles per week, so you can do the math in terms how quickly my warranty expires. That being said approximately 2 weeks ago my "window regulators" went on both the driver and passenger side at the same time....Hmmmm coincidence? no!!. I brough my vehicle to the dealer and left it there for a few days when they finally called me and said they had to special order these as they are not in stock. I said fine could you tell me what these will cost and the reply was approx 700$. I said is there something I could do because I wasn't that much over the warranty and my car is only 2 years old. The replay was to call the 1-800 number which was given to me from the dealer and I called and spoke with the advocacy department (Real Joke here). This department is supposed to be empowered (with what I don't know) to assist in matters like this. I even compromised stating that I pay for the labor and that VW pay for the parts since they were defective. The reply was your over the warranty period and we cannot assist which I found quite surprising since this was not my first VW that I have owned (so much for loyalty). I then began to research these "window requlators" and what I found was there is currently a "class action" suit against VW for regulators on the following (Golf, Jetta, GTI and the new beetle). I then called VWOA just today stating that if this problem exists in these vehicles then what is to say the the problem doesn't exist in the Pasaat? They VWOA actually had me on the phone longer then when I origanlly called 2 weeks ago which indicates to me that that they must of huddled to determine what to do...The bottom line is that they didn't stand behind their vehicle and my current avenue for satisfaction is contacting lemon lawyers as well as the attorny's currently involved with the class action. I will say this and I said to the advocacy group at VW..This car will soon turn into a Honda. I hope people will read this and if you having similar problems or problems in general would love to hear from everyone. John

edg1

While I appreciate the pad sensors in the disc brakes, I use aftermarket pads that have a lifetime warranty and do not have sensors. A future brake job will cost me only my time if the rotors are OK. However, I cannot get the brake light to go out. Whether completing the circuit by tying the wires together or separating them the light stays on. It would appear to be a simple electrical circuit that is either open or closed to make the light go on.The dealer indicates that pads with sensors have to be reinstalled.
Any thoughts?

madijo

I get a blast of new car smell when I adjust my temp setting. Max cool to any warmer setting
 Perhaps you did that to defrost your windows during the rain? That may account for the smell. As you said its not unpleasant but different.

jw24

I love this car for the engine, the drive, the standard equipment, and the design all for the price. I hate that too much has gone wrong both small and large with this car at low mileage and with good maintenence I could list them, but they have all been listed here before.

What I will do is leave you with this exchange to sum up my Passat experience:

When my control arms went on my suspension I said to the VW service guy, "I love so many things about this car but so much has gone wrong with it (at low mileage and its well maintained) that I won't by another." The VW (an eastern massachusetts dealer) service guy said to me, "If I had a dime for every passat owner who said that to me, than I could retire from fixing them."

I will not be buying another one after that.

nick7

I recently purchased a 2001 Passat and I love the car. Every thing runs good but whenever I open the windows, it sounds horrible. It seems that the air is not coming into the car; just passing over it. I may just be the aerodynamics of the car but if any of you have this problem, please respond. Also if there is any way to fix this or add an accessory, please respond also. Thanks.

ohwell

I have the same prblem on my 03 model with no Onstar.

ncdrew

at66 - Was wondering if you took your car in yet -- I am curious to hear what VW has to say about the "binding".

mrjette

Here is an update on the rear floor mat-pegs. No one at the dealer seemed to know what happened to them. Should they have been installed for delivery or are the pegs no longer in the '05 model? Sales was no help... service knew nothing about it... so I shuffled off to the parts counter to see if they could help. They found a part number for the pegs and placed the order for me. Service said they would install them once they arrived.

I went to parts to pick the pegs up. There was a very small box containing 4 pegs that had a screw-in base (like a self tapping screw). The parts guy plugs it into his computer and tells me, I kid you not, that they cost $122.00. He actually shook his head and said something was wrong. I replied with "they were supposed to be installed before pick-up", although know one knows for sure if that was the case (or they all played like they did not know). He said no problem and sent the bill to the sales department (I am still waiting for a phone call...).

I asked about installation by service, and the parts guy told me it should do it myself (and probably avoid a $70.00/hour bill!). He said to line the mats up in their place and to poke a hold into the carpet with an awl or a nail. There is no base under the carpet for the screw; it simply threads into the carpet and underlying sound proofng material. It was very easy to do and took me all of 5 minutes.

Here's my point: In the grand scheme, this is a minor cosmetic issue but to me an important one. Both the factory carpet mats and the rubber monster mats come with holes to be secured, and the pegs should be there to hold the mats in place (the pegs were there on my '02 Jetta). The pegs ARE NOT integrated into the carpet at the factory, but seem to be an item installed at the dealer (an examination of other '05's on the lot showed that none had rear mat-pegs). I don't know who missed the ball, but it had the potential to be a "dealer add-on or after sale purchase" (and a mighty expensive one at that!).

If this little story helps someone else to avoid a charge, it was well worth my typing time!

chchoi

My 2001.5 Passat fog light just went out. Has anyone try to change it? How difficult is it? Where can I find instruction for replacing foglight bulb?

ohwell

Amen... I had the same experience with VW "Advocacy" department and am currently looking for a direct line to the Presidents office (this is not easy).

Over a month ago my Passat 1.8T engine developed a sludge problem. Apparently, they run very hot and burn oil to the point where it creates sludge. Now my engine has to be replaced. This by the way is common with the 1.8T engine in both VW and Audi.

VW is, very reluctantly and after many phone calls, covering the damages under warranty, but they have had it for over a month with no clear indication as to when I might get it back. It's a joke. They haven't even given me a rental car.

Let me know if you have any luck with the Lawyers.

Peter

at66

I'm taking in on 11/09 - will fill you in on what I hope are not gory details.

genus

I just test drove an '04 GLS 4motion, and having read your complaints, tested to see how it made sharp turns in first gear. Didn't feel a seizing, but managed to stall the car (maybe something was seizing) but more distressing, couldn't turn the key to get the car started for a couple of seconds. Is this typical of your problem. Any ideas anyone? Thanks

fish8

Usually, when cars are sitting on the dealers lots for awhile without being started, they tend to take more time to turn over. That should be normal!

at66

I took my 2004 1.8T Manual 4Motion in for its first oil change. The "binding" problem is "normal" for a 4Motion vehicle according to the tech and "should lessen as the tires wear a bit more" according to the service "advisor". I'll follow up with that at a later time because when I got home, I figured I'd check the oil level just for the heck of it. It's a half inch higher than where the manual states it should be, past the level that could possibly damage the catalytic converter. I call the Advisor and he tells me to bring the car back and they will drain some oil out. (now THERE'S a solution!) When I get there, he proceeds to tell me that he spoke to the tech and there was a service advisory put out that increases the amount of oil that needs to be put in due to the larger oil filter. Here are my questions: Will the extra oil damage the catalytic converter or not? And why wasn't the Service Advisor aware of this before I called? DON'T THESE PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE CARS THEY ARE SERVICING????? I called a VW Advocate and told them I want a letter stating that 1: the extra oil will not damage the converter and 2: to extend the warranty on the catalytic converter and 3: a copy of the service advisory. They had never heard ot this advisory and apparantly don't know much about the ins and outs of a VW either. This was 2 days ago and they still have not given me an answer, but from what the advocate said I got the feeling that something wasn't right.

altair4

You wrote: >>When I get there, he proceeds to tell me that he spoke to the tech and there was a service advisory put out that increases the amount of oil that needs to be put in due to the larger oil filter. <<

Yes, VW sent out a TSB advising that the use of the larger oil filter is now mandatory on the 1.8T. The larger oil filter requires that more oil be put in the engine during a change. However, that doesn't change where the oil level should be on the dipstick! The extra oil just stays in the larger filter. The Advisor is crazy, if he's trying to use this as an excuse for the overfill. IF the oil is over the top bend of the oil dipstick it's overfilled, regardless of what filter was used.

BTW, did they use synthetic oil in the 5w-40 multigrade and that met VW Spec 502.00, as outlined in the "sludge letter?" I'd wonder about that.

at66

I never received the letter from VW which is another problem I'm trying to resolve, but yes, they used synthetic. I would have went to synthetic anyway, but I wasn't particularly pleased how they assumed that they extra cost would be an issue. It was the first thing they said - I could have played dumb. That is the point I'm trying to get at - it's over the line regardless - too much oil - and these people don't get it.

at66

Are there any particular signals that tell if a catalytic converter is damaged?

jrct9454

...is not likely to directly affect the cat. What it CAN do is damage the engine; overfilling can result in blown seals, among other things.

A slight over fill [less than a pint] is no real cause for concern, but the amount you saw on the dipstick indeed called for action. And as noted above, the extra oil required by the bigger filter shouldn't raise the amount shown on the dipstick - a truly lame response by the dealer personnel.

njpassat

I've had a similar experience with overfilling the crankcase on my '03 1.8 everytime I go to the dealer. I checked the dipstick when I got home following the first change (old habit from always having changed oil myself) and found the level at least a half inch above the top bend on the stick. When I called service they asked if my driveway was on a hill - I guess that's fair considering some of the calls they must get. After reassuring them it was on level ground I returned to have them see for themselves. I was told by the tech rep that they "put this much oil in ALL the cars and they've never had a problem." When I pushed a little more about the warnings in the manual about overfilling they said it " doesn't hurt to have some extra since they burn some oil anyway". Clearly these guys have not been instructed on proper maintenance of SPECIFIC engines or maybe a more appropriate answer. It was clear they didn't think there was a problem - I went home and removed enough oil to bring it down to the correct level ( I've got a pump that I use to change the oil in the boat engine - not a solution for everyone.) I feel like I need to keep going to the dealer to maintain the warranty. I will be looking for another way to get it changed and still be within the guidelines of the warranty.

altair4

These stories amaze me. Even with the old filter, 4 quarts wouldn't put the oil level a half inch above the top bend (at least on my 2003). They're cutting into their own profits by using too much oil! Seems stupid.

audionut1

I just did the brakes(frt&rr rotors and pads) on my 2003 1.8t 5spd with 41K miles...hope you did not use midas for those so called lifetime pads...there are much better brake products out there....for pads...PBR deluxe or pagid street pads are excellent options...both have vw passat specific sensor wire connnectors and both provide better braking performance than VW factory pads, which are made by ATE by the way....for rotors..brembo or zimmerman are at least as good or better than factory rotors...by the way...brake rotors are one time use for all german makes...bmw, merc, audi, vw,...

I decided to use zimmerman rotors and pagid pads..the difference in brake performance compared to brand new factory brakes....is noticable.

audionut1

Anyone who wants to save a few bucks...just perform the 40K service yourself....

this is for a AWM ('1.5-'05) 1.8T passat

Spark Plugs NGK PFR6Q ($12x4 online)
these are factory plugs but they are $25 each at the dealer
air filter (used vw oem) $16
cabin filter (used vw oem)$13
fuel filter (used vw oem) $17
oil filter (vw oem) $7
oil (mobil 1 euro 0-40wt)$20 (4 x $5)
you can bring your auto into the dealer for them to inspect and sign off on the timing belt inspection for a nominal fee.

While your at it, vac out the air pre-filter box...the hose just behind the right headlight...pull this apart and you will be surprised at the amount of crap into there...in fact...I vac this our every couple of months.

My 1.8T idles so smoothly, that I can not feel any vibration whatsoever...I have used mobil 1 0-40wt since new every 4K...only full syns...with wts of 0-40 or 5-40 meet VW's spec for the 1.8T...anything else can not handle the turbo heat and will eventually sludge motor/coke the turbo bearings

jager32

The local dealers in my area (Colorado Springs) want $700!!!! for the 40,000 mile service. I have a 02 GLX wagon 5M. There is no way I'm paying that much. The problem is if you do it yourself and then you need warranty work done, it's much easier for them to not honor the warranty, no?

Also I just had my check engine light go on, the dealer said it was an "Engine coolant temp sensor". Then they try to tell me it's not covered under warranty, $160.00. I called the VW 1 800 number and 10 min later the dealer calls me back and says "VW" is going to pay for it. The VW people call me back and say the dealer made a mistake and it is covered under warranty.

What kind of crap were they trying to pull???

at66

This happened this past Tuesday. I've been calling VW and they say the service mgr. where I had it done is out until Monday. There certainly isn't any concern on VW's part. I can't help but wonder if anyone there REALLY know about these cars......................I guess by the time they address this, (or give me a concise explanation, which is all I am really looking for) the extra will have been "consumed" anyway!

audionut1

Simple.

At the mid-point of grill, at the top and bottom edges...you will see tabs...use your thumb&index finger to grab the grill fins (top grill fin and bottom grill fin)and squeeze each fin towards the other fin...takes some elbow grease...this releases the tabs...and pull grill off.

Remove 3 phillips screws which hold the fog light assembly.

Unclip the wire harness connector. There is a small push tab...push this tab downward and pull connector off...the push tab locks the connector in place.

Remove the positive wire lead.

Release the 2 wire spring clip tabs.

Remove light bulb.

Re-assemble in reverse order.

I just changed my fog assemble on my '03 passat...rock shattered the lens.

audionut1

If you decide to perform the 40K service, just buy factory parts and keep your reciepts.

Try another dealer if another warranty issue comes up.

audionut1

I believe the factory spec is 4.2 quarts for the 1.8T for oil/filter change. I also have a 03 1.8T 5spd....I have done all service items on my passat...mine takes 3.7 qts to fill to the top of the hash marks, using VW oem oil filter/mobil 1 0-40wt. Oil overfill can potentially destroy the cat...there are reports of this occurance, which is why the manual mentions to never exceed the bend in the oil stick. Another thought... dealers break the clips securing the plastic undertray...there are many reports of undertrays falling off and getting destroyed...this cheap piece of plastic along with the clips will set you back $250....moral of the story... is to perform your own oil services.

hrngffcr

Can someone please tell me where is the sensor located? I'm wondering if it is somewhere where it needs to be cleaned or something, as, even at the lowest setting, it has gotten to the point where the wipers operate at the low speed setting or faster, even when there is barely a mist on the windows. And even at low speeds, they even seem to speed up, even when the rain has slowed down. It's gotten to the point that it is almost a nuisance to use that feature. I don't remember this problem when the car was new (this is a low mileage 2003 wagon). Could this be from the sensor going bad?

wcvw

I have a 2004 gls 1.8t wagon 4 motion with just over
2000 miles now. On two occasions when the engine was cold, the engine would turn over but would not fire up. In both instances, I took the key out, reinserted, waited a few seconds and the engine then fires up. Has anyone experienced this
problem and any ideas what is causing this ?
I don't want to end up stranded somewhere!

john_f

I have '99 Passat V6 thatI love/hate (alright, mainly hate due to many, many repairs; don't get me started).

I'm about to replace the timing belt (105k miles) for $725.

The dealer tells me both cv boots are cracked and that they need replacing ($478!!).He said the cv "joints?" are fine so far, but will deteriorate if we do not fix.

Can someone knowledgeable about cv boots tell me if this expensive repair is worthwhile? What are the likely conseqences if I defer? I'm about to give the car to my 17 year old, and hope he can use it for a few years. Thanks!!

jrct9454

If you intend to use the car "for a few more years", then you have to spend the money to get the CV boots done.

HOWEVER....I would look for an independent shop who knows VWs to get this kind of work done, especially the timing belt. There is no earthly reason why this job should cost over $700 - same for the estimate on the boots. Do some screening on the phone, and/or ask around on the various internet sites and VW clubs to find somebody in your area who can work on the car. At this point in its life, the dealer is not the place to be taking your service business, unless it is for a warranty repair, which seems unlikely in your case.

tdi_tan

the rain sensor should be at the base of the mirror, where it attaches to the windshield. You should be able to see it from outside

gavinman

Does anyone have any good recommendations for cleaning the dash. It seems to attract lint and dust and the crevices in the dash seem to hold the dust.
Thanks

altair4

On a touch-up basis, I use a microfibre cloth and just gently dust the dash (I keep a folded microfibre cloth in the little coin tray, on the left lower dashboard for just this usage - doesn't everyone dust their dashboards at long red lights???). For a more involved cleaning, you could dampen the microfibre. I've heard recommendations of making a 1 part Woolite to 6 parts water solution that can be spritzed on a MF cloth to dampen it, but I've never done - so YMMV.

mcase2

Dealers are often full of it and this makes it difficult to know when they are giving us the straight dope. But, in this case YOUR DEALER IS RIGHT! The "lifetime" that is warranted on these kind of pads means the pads and nothing else. These sort of aftermarket pads are made of material that is much harder than that employed by the manufacturer. They are therefore more durable and might last a lifetime. There is only one little problem: THEY EAT YOUR ROTORS. So now, that future brake job WILL involve your rotors and lots of $$$$$$$$$. You will have to have your rotors replaced instead of yours pads. Also, hot wiring around a brake sensor switch sounds like real bad idea. The sensors are there to tell when your pads are gone and the caliper is digging metal into your rotors. Seriously, you should use pads that meet manufacturer's specs and not mess with brake sensors.

bjbird2

Passat reliability for 03' is very good in Consumer Reports 2005 Buying Guide, in fact the pattern indicates that VW reliability has been steadily improving each year. It's actually as good as Accord and Camry for 03', better than Mercedes (which is not saying a lot lately) and better than BMW, especially the 7 series.

99vwpass

Hello,I'm looking for some help with my '99 1.8 4-cyl Passat. It's been a great car,but I've always had a fear of anyone else working on it,While I'm not a mechanic I've relied alot on this board for maintiance. My problem is that when I go above 30-35 mph there is a loud buzzing sound coming from the front right tire (like an outboard motor in the cabin)I've checked the boots and they look ok. I was wondering if anyone thought it might be worn tie-rod ends or if there's something else that I might check. Thanks for any help.

mrjette

I keep one of those "Swiffer" dusters in my glovebox. A swipe around the dash, controls and other surfaces really keep it clear of dust and dirt. One word of caution...never use "armour-all" or other surface cleaners that leave a slippery feel to the dash. It will increase glare on the windshield and will eventually vapourize leaving a residue on the windshield. This is very difficult to clean.

pokey1

I have a 2000 GLX with 94K. Mine started sticking at 3/8 of a tank. I have been told it is a sensor in the tank. Tank needs to be removed for a $400+ repair.

pokey1

Unfortunately welcome to the club. I now need to replace bank one and two of the catalytic converters. $2900 for new parts, $600 for rebuilts. The shop I have work on my car did not explore aftermarket on this. I have spoken to four other Passat owners who have the exact same problem. I have a 2000 GLX with 94,000 miles that I intend to keep.

So I am pursueing the rebuilts and hope that nothing else occurs. Driving with CEL is fine for this problem - it DOES NOT affect performance

inds_flames

I too have scratchy AM radio reception on my 04 Passat GLX wagon (the FM is okay) with Onstar. I emailed VW with the complaints from this forum on the same problem. They phoned and claimed they have no record of AM radio problems in their database. So I demanded that they send me written confirmation of my complaint on the AM radio. They wanted me to pay for the dealer to diagnose the problem. I demanded that they diagnose for free since car (& radio) are still under warranty. Perhaps if enough folks demand written confirmation, VW will actually fix the design.

bridgeview

I have a 2004 Passat GLS without Onstar which also has crummy radio reception, worse on AM than FM. We live 40 miles from San Francisco and our Jeep locks in the stations most of the time. I called dirito brothers VW and they called back to say that yes they know AM reception is poor but that FM should be clear. Does anyone know of any type of antenna booster you can purchase to help with this problem?

bronsonb

On my wife's 1999 Passat GLS (v6), we've discovered that the lights behind the dials for the A/C temperature switch, fan speed switch, and vent duct selector switch are no longer working.

Has anyone else had this happen before? If so, how did you fix it? I haven't had a chance to check the fuse box to see if it's something that simple, but I plan to tonight. My next guess would be to attempt to remove the panel and see if a wire is disconnected behind the panel. The switches are working fine. It's just the red lighting behind them (of course, only visible at night) that's out.

Thanks for your help.

And to the person who was looking at paying $700 for a new timing belt: I just paid $900 at Jim Ellis VW in Marietta, GA. But my car is still under warranty, so I wanted it done right. I also had them replace the water pump (another $150). I have a local guy who does work on my VW, but the timing belt takes a good day to do, and he was booked solid for most of the month. The car has 88K miles, so I wanted to get it done as soon as possible.

On high note: I had a 10% discount coupon...for once, I was able to use those things that VW sent!

tdi_tan

If you have manual AC...

get a pair of pliers and wrap the jaws with some cloth. Rotate the fan speed knob to #2. Pull the knob out.

Replace lightbulb. Be careful, the glass is thin so it is easily broken

The lightbulb is found at the dealership for about $2 or a Sylvania #74 bulb (so I've been told) at the auto parts store.

fish8

I am just curious....did you get a quote for the timing belt from Gossett VW in Alpharetta? I much prefer them to Jim Ellis is Marietta. Though, I did buy my Passat from Jim Ellis, I prefer getting my car serviced at Gossett. Much more professional in my opinion.

lumuel

has anyone bought an extended warranty?
i'm thingking of getting and been browsing the internet but too many to choose...
any suggestions?

bronsonb

Regarding the timing belt replacement quote, I didn't get a quote from Gossett VW. Unfortunately, we live in Smyrna, so Alpharetta is like the far side of the moon for us ( : -). I did check with my VW mechanic guy. He buys all of his parts directly from VW, so the break I get with him is on labor. The parts for the timing belt, tensioner, water pump and other parts total about $668, so I would have saved perhaps $100 or so by going to him. But he was very busy.

 

I am no fan of Jim Ellis in Marietta. They have their moments, and recently they've been pretty good. I must admit that they said it would take two days to do the timing belt, but they finished it in one. That's first for them. Usually, they say 1 day, and it takes 2.

 

They also know I prefer to do my own service, so they no longer hound me when I bring our 2003 Passat in for a warranty item as I do the oil changes myself at home (I used the VW oil filter--the big one for the 1.8 T and Valvoline 5w40 synthetic).

 

Anyway, have you had good experiences with Gossett? I've thought about trying Heritage in Douglasville, but I've never had the opportunity. But I recently found a place called Ryland that services Audi's (and I assume VWs), so I might check them out next time I need a repair.

 

Thanks for your interest, and please let me know if you have any other questions.

fish8

I have had a great service experience with Gossett. I attempted to discuss with them the purchase of my '04.5 Passat, but I thought JE Sales was much more attentive. I will continue to go to Gossett for small services and will find a VW Shop for my major ones.

twinrotts

I typically hang out on the Chevy Trailblazer board but own a 01.5 Passat GLX 4Motion as well. Car has been pretty good and now has 51K. Started having a problem with extreme moisture in the cabin fogging all window last week. Was intermittent at first but has now gotten to the point of happening all the time. Need to keep a towel with you to wipe the windshield in order to drive, even with the Climatronic off and set to low and front window open (real nice in Rochester NY winters).

Got it in to the dealer yesterday and they warned me to be prepared for a $1000 bill, but also said they never saw this problem before.

They provided me with free wheels that they rented from Enterprise. Also gave me the number of VW customer Advocates.

Has anyone had any success pleaded a case with VW for a failure like this?

BTW: when I purchased the car had the dealer toss in a 48K warrantee. Of course never got to use that