VW Jetta TDI

r108j

Do you have the RNS-510 Navigation unit in your car? The sound could be the hard disk drive in that unit.

bpeebles

Dont forget that the glowplug sensors are wired BACKWARDS from the factory... if it tells you cylinder#2.... it is REALLY cylinder #3. In other words, count the glowplugs from the xmission (#1) to the timingbelt. (#4).

Here is the de-facto, learn-everything, how to resolve GlowPlug problems information

donai

My son's 96 Jetta GL 4 cyl stick needs new exhaust system. He's 5 hours away,and I need to locate the litre size to order replacement parts to install within 2 days when he's home. Where or how do I, or he, locate this info?

inlarry

The 1996 Jetta GL was only available as a 2.0L, unless it's been aftermarked modified. Try Benzbin.com, they're pretty good for parts for VW.

r108j

Engine harness was replaced last week. So far the MIL has stayed off.

hlcastelo

Does anyone know of a good distributor, website etc that sells discounted parts and accessories for a 2009 Jetta?

sebring95

I haven't bought from them in awhile, but www.worldimpex.com was the best back when I had my TDI. If you can't find it on the site, call them.

redvw

http://www.tdiparts.com

shrifty

For the past week the temperature has been below freezing, at times around 15 F. I had to wait maybe 3 - 5 seconds for the glow plugs to heat up, and the car started and ran fine with no fuel issues so far. As the winter progresses, and my car sits outside, would it be advisable to use anti-gelling additive? If so, what type should I use?

dieselfitter1

The refinerys start to produce winterdiesel in the fall or when they feel the temps are going to drop.

It does not hurt to add some anti-gel conditioner,if the temperature drops down suddenly,just in case you still might have some summer diesel in the tank.

sebring95

Most around here recommend running Powerservice or similar all the time as the increase in cetane is a good enough excuse alone. It also gives you some protection against bad diesel if you would encounter it. This is more important in the winter because if the fuel supplier screws up (forgets to treat, doesn't use enough, or fuel has some water in it) it will become a big problem in the winter. The general consensus is the very small price of the additive will pay for itself regardless, so it's cheap insurance.

whobodym

So, we've all seen that VW is giving a lot of play to the "real-world" MPG numbers they got by testing a 2009 TDi DSG, much better than the EPA numbers of 29/40. And we also know that the EPA numbers of the 2009 TDi 6MT are 30/41. So, what is the "real-world" test result for the 6MT?? Or did they not test it? If not, why not??

ruking1

Actually if you have been following the thread " Diesel in the News" it has been discussed extensively. But some MAJOR issues have been that under intense pressure (some say political) the EPA was forced to change the (almost generation old) testing procedure because Toyota Prius did not get near the EPA 60 mpg city 50 mpg highway advertised. Indeed some hypermilers were able to get this, but the range has been more like 45-48 mpg. Issue two: Indeed Toyota certified the numbers and the EPA went along. This was normal normal, but the boiling water was indeed generated

Issue three: This is much more technical than can be sound bited in this post, but it is unclear whether the OEM (VW) posted their tested/certified EPA numbers or the EPA (because it is NOT diesel friendly) actually chose to do the test/certification and mandated VW to post their (EPA's) lower EPA numbers.

In contrast, it is the more usual procedure of the oem doing the testing/certification and the epa going along.

So to answer your question there is a lot going on and not surprisingly a lot at stake. The good stuff is unseen. But VW has also stepped into virgin territory in offering a DSG (5 speed dual clutch computer controlled MANUAL) , which even they shorthandedly refer to as auto, auto/manual AND a manual manual, aka 6 speed manual. Naturally they want it seen in the best possible light.

Upshot is the 6 speed manual still probably gets better mpg. It would be my choice if I were solely driving the vehicle. Because of the increased power and one gear more, I would say the "real world" mpg can literally be all over the place. But I think IF you are say getting 50 mpg on a 5 speed 2006 on down TDI model, you will probably have no issues getting 50 mpg on the new one and at more power and torque !!! A woo hoo I'd say. Who would know what a noobie to diesel will do. We all that drive diesels (VERY SMALL population, aka less than 2%) know you have to drive it differently from gassers.

bpeebles

It is that time of year again... I pulled my pipe-insulation out from its storage near the spare tire and installed it.

Here is some info to remind TDI owners how to get heat a little faster in the cabin.

Wildwr

I currently have a 1990 Jetta gas and it's time to upgrade. I
have an opportunity to purchase a 1997 Jetta TDI with 200,000kms, w/new struts & brakes. the car itself is in prestine condition. Looking for good bad and ugly on this car as I've never owned a diesel before. My trips to work and home are less than 20km/day.
Is there anything I should take a closer look at on this car?
Is my short drive to work everyday going to destroy this car?
The price is right at $2000 certified and I forgot to mention it is a family member I'll be purchasing this from so I do know the history of this car.

Thanks

Wildwr

mojojones

I spoke with a dealer about the media options available with the Jetta but he didn't appear to be too confident in his answers. I'd appreciate any help with:
-- does the standard TDI stereo play WMA files?
-- without upgrading to the navigation system, is there a way to connect a USB drive (thumb or hard drive)? I realize there's an aux-input for mp3 players but I was hoping for a direct USB connection or available adapter.
-- can the MDI connector be used with the standard stereo or only with the nav. system?

I would love to look at the back of the stereo to see what connections may be possible but I don't think the dealer would be too keen on me removing one. Thank you for any help!

etracey

The manual states use only 5W30 VW standard 507 oil. It also states to carry a quart of this oil because it may not be found in North America. I call Castrol and was told that they do make the oil but can only supply to VW dealers. I went to my dealer and found that they did not know about this standard 507 and did not stock it. This is the largest VW dealer in South Florida. They would check with Castrol. Where can I buy any 5W30 VW standard 507 in South Florida? Thanks

rv65

The MDI isn't compatible with the standard stereo. VW will have to upgrade to the RCD310 and the RCD510. Those Units are compatible with the MDI. The standard jetta radio plays MP3 but not WMA. The MDI can support USB hard drives and USB thumb drives if they are formatted in FAT32. You might have to retrofit to the RCD310 or the RCD510 if you want the MDI to work.

elias

etracey maybe you should phone order it from a local dealer where they pronounce 'diesel' with a Z sound instead of an SSSSS sound. ok, seriously you can find a dealer who pronounces it with SSSS sound who knows about the right oil too, it really doesnt correlate with pronounciation!

for any parts counter dude, one call to vw tech center would give the part #, in case their google-favnerhugen search skills are not up to the task.

c280

I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to diesel cars and it's maintenance. The '09 Jetta TDI is my first diesel car. Just wondering if the diesel additive like Powerservice is really necessary for these newer diesels taking into consideration that the new cars use ULSD?

ruking1

The answer is officially no and unofficially....yes: to firmly no and/or yes for either!!?? (I used to be indecisive, but now, I am not so sure!? :confuse: VW recommends NO additives; but oxymoronically when pressed or you further research the subject, unofficially endorses one particular one. (No, I don't use THAT one. It is sold usually at the VW dealer's.)

So because the 09 TDI meets the new so called higher 50 state legal requirements (the 03 on back TDI's WERE 50 state legal :shades: ) you might want to go onto some web sites as the actual product is different for different applications:

1. AVLube.com web site link title

2. Power Service link title

3. Primrose link title

4. lastly www.tdiclub.com to form your own strategy and opinions.

Anymore it "DEPENDS" :shades: :lemon:

Incidently further back than the 03 MY the VW TDI engines have been designed for ULSD !!! I just can't quote the EXACT year it actually started.

I personally have been using a Primrose product (since new to 111,000 miles), 03 TDI, mainly for peace of mind about the expensive fuel pump (lubrication), and for the emusification of H20 issue. It does boost the cetane rating. It is the so called C or 3000 to 1 concentrate.

rv65

If you are considering or have a Jetta TDI with the nav then you will need to order 000 051 446 C for iPod integration. It gives you full integration of the iPod. Now you can get the Nav and have iPod. Don't use the USB cable with your iPod's transfer cable since that won't work. The special cable has a iPod dock on it and it tells you the song information. It's available at your dealer or you can google it and find it easily at some site. It's a universal part for all 09 Jetta's with nav. All 09 VW's that have the RNS-510 and the MDI will need this cable.

c280

Thanks for your input. There was not much on this topic at tdiclub.com. Maybe this is one of those grey areas and people are afraid of damaging their cars so they don't use these additives. I thought more people would have responded. I guess Americans are more familiar with gas engines. What is the purpose of cetane?

elias

king, why are fuel-freeze repairs expensive? isn't the cost is for towing and thawing?. so cost is zero if you can wait for the car to thaw where it's parked?
i've had VW TDI through 6 very-northern-USA winters and rarely have added powerservice: iff overnight temp will be below 0F and parked outdoors.
i've never had anything resembling a fuel freeze issue with about 300k tdi miles...
for the older TDIs, the below 0F starts are way smoother if there is some powerservice whitebottle in the tank... i think it helps the 06 too but i havent added powerservice additive more than once in its 60k miles....

gagrice

“This is the toughest economic environment we’ve seen in a long time and it presents a significant challenge” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Nevertheless, our clean diesel TDI’s continued to sell very well even in this tough economy and represented 17 percent of our monthly sales. This is very promising for the Volkswagen Brand as we strive to continue to be the market leader in affordable clean diesel technology.

Total VW sales YTD is only -2.1%. Not too shabby when you look at the big guys down 30% to 40% or more. Now if the reliability factor is there VW could emerge in very good condition. I could get excited about a Tiguan TDI....

ruking1

Sure I have done those 10-20 degree, 24 hours for a few days....but mine has never seen a 24/7 winter, nor have I ever used a winter additive, AND I have never seen a fuel freeze issue! . While I should have it on hand, I do not. However as I have hinted, fore armed is fore warned. So indeed I do what YOU do.

Also while I have used Primrose 405C since new, truthfully I really can not tell the difference when either I skip or forget to treat a tank fill up.

So it is good that you chimed in with your 310,000 miles diesel perspective. That is obviously more than my 111,000 miles. :shades:

ruking1

So I am very curious, @ app 300,000 miles, how has your fuel pump (the real reason I take this belt and suspenders approach) and injectors been holding out? Are they stock? Are they oem replacements or aftermarket vendor's?

johngmiller75

I was wondering if anyone could advise me as to what is the best car for high mileage drivers. My wife commutes 100 miles each day and I generally drive around 400 miles per week as well. Fortunately, almost all of it is highway driving. Our problem is that we run cars into the ground prematurely. I am looking for the absolute best car to pile miles onto. I am looking into the Jetta TDI because I have heard that diesals can last several hundred thousands of miles. Therefore, we might be able to keep one of them for 8 or 9 years without any real major headaches. The current price of diesal as compared to gas makes that aspect of it less attractive, although the long term durability would still probably be worth it. Could anyone please answer the following:

1) What are the best choices for people like me who do huge amounts of higway driving ; and

2) If it is a diesal, how long do the actual cars last, reaslistically, not necessarily in the absolutely best of circumctances, but realistically.
Thanks

ruking1

At 26,400/20,800 yearly miles both are candidates for TDI's. I run side by side a Civic. The cleanest way to compare: (total) cost per mile driven.

So for example, tire cost: Civic, I got 74,300 miles. Oem tires cost $256/74,300 miles =.0034454. per mile driven
Jetta, so far still going at 111,000 miles. Oem tires cost $360/111,000=.0032432 per mile driven

Commute mileage (same commute for comparison purposes) is 38-42 mpg/48-52 mpg. Just plug in your current and projected fuel prices. If most of your mileage is highway and you are fine with a manual, that would be my choice for the TDI (has been actually). Mine is a literal baby @ 111,000 miles. But on the other hand, so is the Civic at 76,000 miles. Hands down there is literally no comparison on which I would RATHER drive. However this is not very quantifiable on the (total) cost per mile driven metric.

johngmiller75

I take it that the VW TDI is the one you would RATHER drive? They do look fun. Hondas are great cars, but would a diesal Jetta last even longer in terms of miles?

ruking1

Absolutely !!! Absolutely, for a sedan anyway! And absolutely!!! In addition, on NON commute (we have rolling parking lots for a commute) I cruise the VW TDI at much higher avg speed. At a steady 75 mpg with bursts to 80-85 mph (3 states highway patrols 5 car wolf packs servicing customers) I got 59 mpg. Same speed trips with the Civic, tickled pink with 40 mpg.

Well look at the PERCENTAGE on the (tire) metric I used as an example. What I should have included, I have HAD to have three CIVIC alignments vs NONE needed for the Jetta TDI. We are NOT curb feelers. Now obviously that is NOT DIESEL related, but I hope that addresses what can be a common Civic misconception. So one mitigation would be to get a lifetime alignment package. (if anyone still offers that)

The reality as it is working out for me is: Civic consumable parts wear anywhere from 2 to 4 times FASTER than the Jetta. I have EVERYTHING to gain (aka SAVE) by telling you it is the SAME as for the Jetta, it obviously has NOT been (to me anyway) . It might also be obvious, I am paying MORE !!??

This is further WEIRD, as the Jetta is APP 436 # 's HEAVIER (2950 #-2514 # ). So a more valid comparison would be one driver vs 3 MORE folks in the (CIVIC) car (assuming 152#'s per person). Now would you project tires would wear same/faster/slower with one person in the vehicle or 4?

ruking1

The interesting thing that gets lost (PLUS 10% advantage currently over the Civic) is that the Civic uses 32% MORE fuel (38/50) !!!! Said the other way, the TDI uses 24% less. So really the logistical system as reflected in the operative behavior is NOT interested in folks like you and me using less fuel AND cutting our costs.

YET using less fuel is PRECISELY what the hot air is all about !!! Seems to me the real effect IS inverse. Indeed even as we are ACTUALLY using less fuel, there is wide spread talk of increasing the fuel tax. One local pundit suggests a 1 dollar increase per gal. So your real reward for saving all that fuel? Why higher prices of course !!! :lemon: :sick: :mad:

sebring95

Here's what I tell people that ask the question concerning longevity and problems: It depends on YOU. If you're the type that doesn't keep their vehicle in tip-top shape, doesn't really like to deal with cars, and generally just drive and do the absolute minimum to keep your car on the road, then most any gas car will likely be less of a headache. The TDI is a more sophisticated machine than your average gas vehicle. That being said, it doesn't automatically mean the TDI is more problematic. Someone that doesn't really care properly for ANY vehicle will likely see more problems. However, the TDI is more picky and will be more suseptible to owner abuse. There are general maintenance and driving habits that can be the difference between a mediocre vehicle, and a vehicle that lasts a very long time.

I'm also not very bullish on VW dealer service, as I've seen some really bad stuff going on there. They're usually not as well trained as they should be and TDI's are a relatively rare breed, so they're learning on your car. If you can do the maintenance yourself and are willing to do the research, buy a few tool/books, the TDI can be extremely rewarding. If I were to require all service from a dealership, I'd buy something else.

vwinva

I am driving a 2002 Jetta TDI wagon w/ automatic. Bought it used in 2003, now have 207K on it. Mostly highway, do 85 miles daily round trip. Have done the maintainance by the book. If you can find a hobby shop you can do the filters, fluids and tire rotations yourself. The only major maintainance that requires a mechanic is changing the timing belt. Book says every 80K, I ran mine past 110K. Have replaced a water pump as a precautionary measure when the belt was done. Wagon is still running strong, expect to get 300K out it. Only complaint is the sun roof which leaks. Not just a VW issue, every sun roof I have had leaked. I'll agree that VW dealers don't know much about TDIs. Which is why I do my own maintainance. Suggest reading the FAQ file on tdiclub.com. Will give you a drivers-eye view of what to expect.

elias

the ~300k miles has been on *four* TDIs, and with my ex driving the NB.
so no significant maintenance yet on any of them, except the NB DSG had the transmission service at 40k.
2003 jetta TDI wagon 5-spd, traded for:
2005 passat TDI, sold to pal after it got dimpled-in-hailstorm
2006 NB TDI DSG "hers"
2006 jetta TDI.
the 06 jetta is the only one "remaining", the other 3 and the ex are no longer with me. jetta is set up with blizzaks for skiing/etc, and
lately i'm driving my GTO when the roads are dry or warm - 87 octane fuel is sooooo inexpensive lately! :shades:

ruking1

Yup, ya got to hedge your bets ! We use RUG and PUG also. If the prices keep going as they are, RUG will be like .74 cents a gal !!! Of course it would be way cool if D2 were like .70 cents. I still would like a gasser VW that gets 50 plus mpg AND has the torque of the TDI.

c280

What state do you live in? What's your mileage on the 2006 TDI? I don't get the feeling that you use any additives? I'm planning to go to New York for Christmas and the car ('09 TDI) will be parked outside.

shrifty

Hi C280, I also have an 09 TDI that is always parked outside. I live in Western PA and have not used any additives in my fuel, and the temperatures have been below freezing off and on over the past month. I have not has any issues so far with starting or running the car, just wait for the glow plug light to go out and it starts right up with no trouble. I don't think you will have any issues at all with your car if you don't use any additives, so enjoy your Christmas trip!

elias

my 06 NH TDI gets zero additives.
45 mpg summer, 41 winter fuel & blizzaks.. mostly highway, 75 mph.
Over 50 mpg on highway if i drive annoyingly slow.

speaking of fuel prices: even though diesel is 60% more than gasoline lately, both are are a bargain now thanks to the Green Depression.

robin52228

Good morning!! I have a 2006 Jetta TDI and absolutely love it!! I wanted a diesel for it's gas mileage mainly as I drive 105 mi./day round trip to work. Even when diesel was at it's highest I still did better than with regular gas. I normally get 44-47 mi/gallon. If I do a lot of in town driving or idling to let it warm up in the mornings it goes down to 37-40 mi/g, still awesome to me!! My favorite things about my Jetta are the heated seats, the comfort driving long distance and the handling on ice and snow. I get to work when most people don't!! A dislike I had was the XM satalite radio as I love Sirius!! Now that they have merged all is well. The stereo has driven me crazy with it's sudden drops in volume with excelerration or when the fan comes on, etc.... I know this is a safety feature for driving but this went beyond that and neither dealerships could determine why. I'll probably never sell it. We drive it for every trip we take. Lots of trunk space!! The spare tire is easily accessed and changed even with the added security features. Oil changes have gotten very pricey so I may look into doing that myself.
Have A Great Day!!

robin52228

Forgot another con - the extending armrest/console is an engineering disaster!! Why was this made with all plastic parts?!?!? They should definately be metal!!

robin52228

While driving to work today my car stopped accelerating when I gave it gas. I rolled to the side of the road and was able to put it in park. It will start up and idle as usual. The exhaust system lit up solid yellow and all the gear settings (P N D....) flashed red. I had it towed to the dealership which was ironically 2 blocks away!! Any heads up as to what to expect? I have a 2006 Jetta TDI. 90,000 mi.+/-
:confuse:

c280

Shrifty, thanks for the feedback, even though the Eagles whooped the NY Giants on Sunday.

Do you find the driver's seat uncomfortable while wearing a winter coat? All the expert reviews that I have read about the '09 Jetta TDI said the seats are comfortable but not for me while wearing a light winter jacket and I'm small. On Friday, I test drove the new Audi A4 which had bucket seats. Now, I'm thinking that maybe the reason why the Jetta seats feel uncomfortable while wearing a coat is because the seats are not bucket seats. What do you think?

shrifty

For me, the seats aren't too bad actually, with or without a coat. The best seats I've ever sat in were in the Pontiac G8 GT, but the Jetta's are actually fine. I have noticed a difference with my coat on during long trips, but I will usually take it off so it won't be an issue. I'd suggest trying to adjust the seat back while wearing a coat to see if that makes a difference for you.

c1813

Just wondering where you are in NH and how many winters you have run your 06. You mention you have not put any additives in your fuel. Just picked up an '06 and am new to diesel. It has been very cold the last two days about 9-12 degrees and didn't have any trouble but don't want to push things and get stuck. The gas station said the diesel wasn't treated yet. I live in Southern NH but work Northeast of the Lakes Region so the temps there are often 10 degrees colder than at home. Don't want to get stuck!

siberia

The gas station said the diesel wasn't treated yet.

At the start of cold weather (temps around 20 F) I start using anti-gel. Then after a month or so I stop using it (or cut back) on the assumption that treated fuel has worked it's way through the system. If it gets really cold, like below 0, I start using it again at a stronger dose. It's usually this cold for only a few weeks here.

morey000

When RUG was $4 and Diesel was $4.80, it was only 20% more than RUG.
Now that RUG is $1.60 and Diesel is $2.40 - it's 50% more per gallon. (these are typical prices in Tucson)

So, if you were comparing a diesel with a regular car that got 22mpg avg, the diesel would need to now get 33mpg in order to 'break even' whereas 6 months ago, it would only needed to have gotten 26 mpg.

If we compare it to a 40mpg Prius (I know, they often get higher than that), this summer the diesel would have needed to get 48mpg to break even. Now- 60mpg.

Of course, gas prices won't stay this low (or, at least I hope not, as that means the world economy is in the tank), but it does mean that plenty of Jetta TDI's will be sitting on lots ready to be sold at a steep discount.

ruking1

..."but it does mean that plenty of Jetta TDI's will be sitting on lots ready to be sold at a steep discount. "...

I am not sure what that means; but i.e., the last time I checked a 03 VW Jetta 1.8T/2.0 sold for easily 4k LESS than a 03 VW Jetta TDI.

What do you mean by your quote?

elias

i'm in southern NH too. I call it "north massachusetts". I've run 06 through 3 winters. Your local gas station dude doesn't know what he's talking about - all diesel fuel is treated/winterized in the northeast in december .

morey000

"what do you mean by your quote?"

that much of the impetus for purchasing a Jetta TDI has likely waned, in addition to the effects of the financial crisis in the country. It is evidenced by my local dealer has a slew of Jetta and Sportwagen TDIs on the lot right now.

I am an example, as we were looking at replacing my wife's 7 year old BMW 3-series, potentially with a TDI. But, in light of the economy and drastically lower fuel prices, we decided the Bimmer is fine and we can wait another year.