Hello standard_chimp, I also purchased a new 2006 Passat 2.0T,last Nov.and a few months ago,I experienced the same problem.They(the dealer) never offered any explanation,just the "usual-had a bad switch".At the time of this writing,I have another problem-it is now telling me that my tire pressure is extremely low(my tires are fine)I can disable the message temp.but it comes back whenever I start the car.Guess I have to take it in again. Best regards, Esau
Hi all. I just got my 3.6L 4Motion wagon yesterday, and I'm having probs w. the XM radio.
The XM radio was working fine last nigth (I activated it online). However, this morning the XM radio wasn't even available when pressing 'BAND.' I went into settings, and the 'XM' line was greyed out. I can't even select it. Any help is appreciated.
I think they said they did a capacitor discharge – which I guess it he equilivant of doing a cold restart on the computer. I don't think they replaced anything. As luck would have it I had to drive up I-85 for about 7 hours in the rain (Ernesto) last week and they worked fine. Otherwise I love the car.
I am currently in the market for a new wagon and have narrowed my selection down to the passat wagon (3.6 4Motion) and the Subaru Outback. While I am leaning toward the Passat Wagon, there is one sticking point I was hoping some on this forum could help me with. My wife and I live in Houston, TX, where summers avg. 97-102 degrees (F) with 80-90% humidity. We test drove the Passat 2.0 on a day where temps ranged in the high 90's. After a 15-20 minute test drive, with the air on the highest setting, we stepped out of the car and both of our backs were drenched with sweat. I am curious what others who live in similar climates think of the Passat's AC system. Was our test drive just too short to get the AC to its full potential, or do others have similar issues with cooling the car during hot days?
I would say that all cars have this issue, but about 15 minutes after we left the VW dealer we test drove a Subaru and did not seem to have this problem.
Both my wife and I really like the Passat over every other wagon/sedan we looked at, but with 1/2 of our year spent in >90 (F) weather, I don't know if I can live with a sub-par AC system (particularly since I have to wear a suit and tie to work).
As luck would have it my wife drives an '05 outback wagon and i have an '06 passat sedan. On a trip in mid-july to Indiana with temps in the mid-90s and cruising at 75-80 the a/c in the passat never felt taxed. granted, the outback a/c does blow colder but i don't feel that the passat is bad; just not quite as efficient as the outback's. living in your area, yes, I think that the a/c issue would loom large. re the outback--terrific car all around but with the regular 4 it's underpowered and you won't need that AWD down there! also, i'm 6'2" and i feel cramped in it. but overall, with those caveats I would recommend the outback to most anyone. the passat is what the outback isn't: a lot of fun to drive, better handling than the outback, terrific acceleration with the turbo, and more comfortable: especially legroom. also has telescopic steering wheel to help tweak the driving position. probably won't be quite as reliable the outback. hope this helps and good luck with either one!
larmen - yes that was indeed helpful, thank you. PS - I'm 6' and also feel a little cramped in the Outback. As far as power - I only drove the 2.5 outback, but if I go with the Outback I would probably go with the 2.5xt with the 4 cylinder turbo or the 3.0 6 cylinder. One of the things that I really like about the passat was the turbo-charged 4 cylinder - I was really impressed with the amount of power that produced and is one of the big selling factors for me. Unfortunately I can't find a 6 cyclinder Passat wagon in my area so I can't test drive that one.
We just took delivery of our new wagon (NEW pkg 2, Nav, Dyn) and really love it. I was shown where there is an Ipod connection by the CD changer in the glove box and assumed it was a Pin connector like other Ipod accessories. When I checked, it looks like a RCA plug??? Anybody know what connector is used here and where to get it? Thanks
I usually find “back sweat” occurs when there is high ambient temperature in the car by the time the surface of the seat is cooled which you’re now pasted to it’s too late.
I find that problem in all cars that have been sitting in the sun for long periods of time; good tint, sun-visor and tilted sunroof
all the cars that we test drove were stored on open air lots exposed to numerous Texas summer suns.
Don't get me wrong, all the cars we got into that day were very hot when we first got in, but, to me, it just seemed that with the other cars I test drove, the ac systems cooled down a lot faster and blew colder air. So I was just curious if others felt the same way, or if I just somehow got this point stuck in my mind for no reason. After reading some of the posts here and other bulletin boards, I'm thinking the ac is a little less powerful than other cars, but nobody feels terribly uncomfortable in the car on a hot day.
The tint is a good question though - I will have to take a closer look at that.
We did ask the salesperson if the passat had cooled seats and he said they did not.
We recently purchase our new wagon and are experiencing a problem that the dealer can't seem to fix. The Electomechanical Steering light keeps coming on and the ESP light on the console also goes on - the key then will not come out when we stop, park and turn off the engine! HELP!
This problem is NOT something you are responsible to troubleshoot. Take it to the dealer and ask them to fix it. Period!!! If they need to call in a VW Tech from Corporate, then that is what they should do.
Agree on this. This is a dealer issue; they'll need to hook it up to the VW VAS tool, perform diagnostics, figure out the codes and perform the resolution. Not a user-fixable issue.
Re the ipod connector, the Passat does not come with iPod connectivity ready from the factory. There are a couple of aftermarket connectors (referred by earlier poster)that need to be hooked up to the CD Changer hookup in the glovebox. Depending on the interface, some or most (directly proportional to the ease of installation of the radio interface) of the iPod functionality will be available for use thru the factory stereo
Effective 8/14 the Wagon is now offered with an Ipod adapter. Interesting though, I just got off the phone with VW customer service and they are having to research whether a wagon with NAV and glovebox CD changer (option code PIP) can also use the Ipod adapter that is in there next to the changer. Option code PVD is Nav. w/ Ipod adapter. Looks like it may be an either /or issue due to lack of inputs in radio. Ipod adapter can be ordered w/o Nav (option UF1) for $199. :sick:
Does anyone have any information on the 2007 Passat Sedan and what packages it will be available with? Is it possible that the Luxury package #1 available with the V6 on the 2006MY may be offered in the 2.0T models this year on the 2007MY? Any information will be appreciated.
I took it to the dealer and they have had it since 8/28 and are still working on the problem! I don't know how long this will take, wonder if i got a Lemon?
I think the Lemon law works (at least here in Ga) that the vehicle needs to be brought to the dealer at least times for the same issue or be out of service for a cerytain nbr of days (30..I think). You can look into it for your state!! Good luck. Did they provide a loaner?
I remember some people on VWvortex complaining about the AC. A few people later realized that the AC would blow cooler if you completely shut off the vents for the back seat, or set them on low (I'm not sure why that would matter, but they did see a difference).
To the guy in Houston who needs good A/c, if you have a Saab dealer anywhere near you, check out a 9-5 wagon with the cooling seats option. You'll never go back. Plenty of room for 4, can squeeze 3 in the back seat in a pinch. As roomy as the Passat, good cargo area. I had a v-6 Arc wagon which unfortuneatly they no longer make -- now they are 1-4's with turbos, but it should give you good power at 260 hp. The a/c by itself is not the strongest, but when combined with the cooling seats, it rocks! I"m telling you, I dumped my Saab for something else that doesn't have the cooling seats and I regret the hell out of it. Especially since I can't get back my v6 turbo since they don't make 'em anymore. The one thing my new car has is tinted windows and I will say, it's nice, especially for my son who sits in back. But it doesn't help the sweaty back thing at all for the front seat passengers. Best of luck to you.
I have an 06 passat. I went to the dealer to find out about an Ipod connection and they wanted $144.00 for the part and about $150.00 labor. in addition to the price shock They said it would do nothing more that play the music. Thank you members for providing us with the link Enfigcarstereo.com. I found several interfaces. One can be directly connected to the harness in my glove box since I do not have a cd changer in the box, however it is limited in features and will only play and power the ipod. I found several others that say they connect to the bottom dock connector. Does anyone know if that connector is the same as the one in the glove Box? It looks like the same harness connector plug in the picture.If it is the same it will work more features through the steering wheel controls and I can install it easily. I do not want to mess with the taking the radio out for the obvious reasons if the bottom dock connector is in back of the radio.. Thanks for any help with this.
i have driven the 6 cylinder outbacks and they feel underpowered for a 6. if you buy an outback and you don't want to drive a sled then choose the turbo. good luck!
Re your a/c comfort, take into account you test drove a 2.0. The 3.6 you are considering with package 1 will have climate control (dial the temp). I have a 3.6 wagon (love it), live in Balitmore with high temps and humidity and the cooling is fine. Also make sure the vents are directed at you.
I test drove the Outback 2.5XT Limited. It has a 4-Turbo engine. Acceleration was never a problem. The Si dial was fun to use. But the Passat was in a completely different class (but more expensive off course :-)
For those interested in connecting an IPOD to the changer harness plug in the glove box with the help of www.icarkits.com I found the direct connection adapter needed. it is ipod2car- trunk connection PXHVW1. It is listed under 2005 Passat.Customer service informs me that they have not updated their webpage and that the 2006 will be the same part. radio and steering wheel controls will operate sound, power,and control.
Just got a message from VW Customer assistance. If you have Navigation and Dynaudio, you can use either the CD changer OR the built in glovebox plug for the Ipod. Since mine came w/ CD, I would have to go to the dealer to have it disabled and the Ipod connected. Apparently there is only one auxilliary connection to the radio. Why.....? :confuse:
I do not have the dynaudio nor navigation on my 06 , I have a cd/ sattlelite radio however there is a connector in the glove compartment as well where the cd changer would be.
I bought a Passat in July and have also had mysterious "openings". My car actually had a defective latch, which would not latch, but I think this was a coincidence with regard to the unintentional openings. The remote is just too powerful and operates from a very great distance, at least 100 yards. Can't imagine why anyone would want this.If you inadvertantly put pressure on it the trunk will open. I don't think there is a way to tone this down but I am hoping someone can tell me how to open up the remote so I can disable the trunk button altogether. So here is the question: How do you open up the remote?
I priced out an '07 2.0T with Pkg 1, Dynaudio, Adaptive Cruise, and Xenons. The sticker on this 4 cylinder car with a vinyl interior exceeds 30k!!!!!!!!!!
I know the Passat drives well and has a few cool features in addition to the Xenons, superb stereo, and Adaptive Cruise, but come on! How many of these does VW expect to sell at this price?
Going to the bottom of the Passat food chain, the most basic model you can get, with plastic hubcaps no less, costs almost $500 a month on a 5 year loan for someone with Tier 1 credit. $500 buys an amazingly well equipped Japanese or Korean car these days. There is no ignoring the fact that the Passat is a shockingly expensive midsize car, easily costing many thousands more than comparably equipped rivals.
There is a difference between well equipped and well engineered.
I personally could do without many of the amenities in todays automobiles...if it meant getting a well engineered vehicle...chassis, drive train, engine...plus driving dynamics.
For example I'd take a 335i stripped over a loaded V6 Passat.
I haven't driven the new Passat, but for example, I'd take the “old” Passat over an Accord just because I like how it drives, handles, and feels over the Accord...and if it means no power seats...then I'll just have to pull the ratchet the one time of the year my wife decides to drive it.
If you really think about how often you use some of these features it does seem silly...how often do yo u adjust your mirrors, or pedals, or seat...ok I like rear sonar. It would be interesting to put a $ amount to each use (somebody with a lot of free time feel free)...such as 0.10 every time you open your window...or $10 for every time you adjust your mirrors.
Of our family's two vehicles, one is loaded with everything, the other (mine) is pretty sparse...I don't have climate control in my vehicle...so I have to turn the knob to cold in the spring and hot in the winter.
It reminds me of GM commercials in the 80's touting their high level of equipment, and how it compared to German vehicles...CD, leather, ABS, etc...but they put that equipment in a piece of junk. A nice leather chair in a junk yard is still a nice leather chair in a junk yard.
$500 a month (0 down) on a 5 year loan doesn't get you much these days...compared to leasing anyway.
things to note: 1. with options the Passat CAN add up to more than the Accord/Camry--if you are calculating sticker prices. 2. vinyl is found on entry level BMWs [3 and 5 series] and Mercedes [C and E series] 3. re selling price: shop around. I did 3 months ago and paid dealer invoice for my 2.0. and that was less than for the going prices for comparably equipped Camrys and Accords. Would I have paid sticker for a Passat? No. I NEVER pay sticker and neither should anyone else. 4. When contemplating a new car the best place to look is right here at Edmunds for their True Market pricing.
I have had my 06 2.0 Passat for almost a year now and am pleased with a lot of the refinements over my 02 1.8t.I happen to like the brake washer . My alloy wheels remain nice and clean instead of being black from brake dust all the time.
This is a most peculiar car. The windshield wipers do strange things...yesterday i drove it for the first time in heavy rain and the wipers go to intermittent when you stop. This means you can't see anything if you start moving between wiping cycles. Meanwhile today I found my trunk open yet again while parked on a crowded street. Necessity being the mother of invention, a friend and I found out how to open up the remote, which did us no good, and we ended up prying the metal trunk release button off the remote. It is held in place by some sort of resin. We then removed the contacts and glued the outer button back in place with Liquid Nails. Now you can't open the trunk with the remote but at least you won't lean against something and open you trunk from 100 yards away. All other functions work fine.
Are you talking about a feature that is supposed to keep rotors dry? If yes than I do not think it has anything to do with keeping wheels clean. If anything it would be brake pad compound that was changed.
that is bizarre, it seems as though once you get these items fixed the 2006 and 2007 (we just purchased a 2007 3.6T All Motion Wagon and so far we love it!
Can I ask what you paid and how you equiped your 3.6 All Motion? My wife and I currently own 2 Passats- 2003 1.8T Wagon and 2004 1.8T 4motion sedan. We are looking at trading in the wagon for a new one. I'm unsure what options to add other than the 3.6 and 4motion.
BTW- We have been happy with both cars and have had relatively good luck with reliability. We did have the fuel pump replaced on the wagon as a recall item.
it comes with either package #1 or #2 we opted for the higher end and added the Navigational and asked them to switch the Sirius Radio (which i hate) to the XM Satellite (which we love) you can deal with your local dealers (we went to Congressional, have been using them and always very happy with the negotiation and bottom line priceing!
Regarding things to note: 1. with options the Passat CAN add up to more than the Accord/Camry--if you are calculating sticker prices. 2. vinyl is found on entry level BMWs [3 and 5 series] and Mercedes [C and E series] 3. re selling price: shop around. I did 3 months ago and paid dealer invoice for my 2.0. and that was less than for the going prices for comparably equipped Camrys and Accords. Would I have paid sticker for a Passat? No. I NEVER pay sticker and neither should anyone else. 4. When contemplating a new car the best place to look is right here at Edmunds for their True Market pricing.
My 2 cents: 1. Passat is always much more expensive then a comparable Camry. Give more details if you argue otherwise.
2. There isn't really a comparable Camry for the Passat 2.0T. The V6 Camry is exactly on par with the V6 Passat, while the I4 Camry is substantially more sluggish than the I4 Passat. But both are substantially cheaper and more reliable.
looking over my notes from several months back the Camry 6 with 190 hp XLE &antiskid, side & curtain bags, heated seats and delivery charge was offered at 27000 whereas I paid 25700 [ie dealer invoice] for my Passat. if I would have gone for the Passat V6 that engine is substantially more powerful than the Camry V6. The clincher for me besides the Camry being $1300 more was the handling: the Passat's is precise whereas the Camry's was vague and much too light. The Camry no doubt would be on average more reliable but then again the VW bumper to bumper warranty was 4/50000 v. the Camry's 3/36000 and the powertrain warranties are identical. The Camry is a fine car but for me the Passat was the better choice and I haven't regretted it.
Comments
http://vw.oempl.us/product_info.php?products_id=56&osCsid=ebfb641daedc03e7ec3770- d680a493e0
I also purchased a new 2006 Passat 2.0T,last Nov.and a few months ago,I experienced the same problem.They(the dealer) never offered any explanation,just the "usual-had a bad switch".At the time of this writing,I have another problem-it is now telling me that my tire pressure is extremely low(my tires are fine)I can disable the message temp.but it comes back whenever I start the car.Guess I have to take it in again.
Best regards,
Esau
The XM radio was working fine last nigth (I activated it online). However, this morning the XM radio wasn't even available when pressing 'BAND.' I went into settings, and the 'XM' line was greyed out. I can't even select it. Any help is appreciated.
My wife and I live in Houston, TX, where summers avg. 97-102 degrees (F) with 80-90% humidity. We test drove the Passat 2.0 on a day where temps ranged in the high 90's. After a 15-20 minute test drive, with the air on the highest setting, we stepped out of the car and both of our backs were drenched with sweat. I am curious what others who live in similar climates think of the Passat's AC system. Was our test drive just too short to get the AC to its full potential, or do others have similar issues with cooling the car during hot days?
I would say that all cars have this issue, but about 15 minutes after we left the VW dealer we test drove a Subaru and did not seem to have this problem.
Both my wife and I really like the Passat over every other wagon/sedan we looked at, but with 1/2 of our year spent in >90 (F) weather, I don't know if I can live with a sub-par AC system (particularly since I have to wear a suit and tie to work).
Any feedback would be much appreciated.
PS - I'm 6' and also feel a little cramped in the Outback. As far as power - I only drove the 2.5 outback, but if I go with the Outback I would probably go with the 2.5xt with the 4 cylinder turbo or the 3.0 6 cylinder. One of the things that I really like about the passat was the turbo-charged 4 cylinder - I was really impressed with the amount of power that produced and is one of the big selling factors for me. Unfortunately I can't find a 6 cyclinder Passat wagon in my area so I can't test drive that one.
Outback 3.0 comparable with Passat 2.0T
Outback 2.5
If it is important Outback XT can be had with manual transmission.
Krzys
Were both cars sitting out in the sun?
I usually find “back sweat” occurs when there is high ambient temperature in the car by the time the surface of the seat is cooled which you’re now pasted to it’s too late.
I find that problem in all cars that have been sitting in the sun for long periods of time; good tint, sun-visor and tilted sunroof
Does the Passat have cooled seats? On any model?
Don't get me wrong, all the cars we got into that day were very hot when we first got in, but, to me, it just seemed that with the other cars I test drove, the ac systems cooled down a lot faster and blew colder air. So I was just curious if others felt the same way, or if I just somehow got this point stuck in my mind for no reason. After reading some of the posts here and other bulletin boards, I'm thinking the ac is a little less powerful than other cars, but nobody feels terribly uncomfortable in the car on a hot day.
The tint is a good question though - I will have to take a closer look at that.
We did ask the salesperson if the passat had cooled seats and he said they did not.
Dice Electronics - i-VW-T
weazy
Re the ipod connector, the Passat does not come with iPod connectivity ready from the factory. There are a couple of aftermarket connectors (referred by earlier poster)that need to be hooked up to the CD Changer hookup in the glovebox. Depending on the interface, some or most (directly proportional to the ease of installation of the radio interface) of the iPod functionality will be available for use thru the factory stereo
Thanks.
My car actually had a defective latch, which would not latch, but I think this was a coincidence with regard to the unintentional openings. The remote is just too powerful and operates from a very great distance, at least 100 yards. Can't imagine why anyone would want this.If you inadvertantly put pressure on it the trunk will open. I don't think there is a way to tone this down but I am hoping someone can tell me how to open up the remote so I can disable the trunk button altogether. So here is the question: How do you open up the remote?
I know the Passat drives well and has a few cool features in addition to the Xenons, superb stereo, and Adaptive Cruise, but come on! How many of these does VW expect to sell at this price?
Going to the bottom of the Passat food chain, the most basic model you can get, with plastic hubcaps no less, costs almost $500 a month on a 5 year loan for someone with Tier 1 credit. $500 buys an amazingly well equipped Japanese or Korean car these days. There is no ignoring the fact that the Passat is a shockingly expensive midsize car, easily costing many thousands more than comparably equipped rivals.
I personally could do without many of the amenities in todays automobiles...if it meant getting a well engineered vehicle...chassis, drive train, engine...plus driving dynamics.
For example I'd take a 335i stripped over a loaded V6 Passat.
I haven't driven the new Passat, but for example, I'd take the “old” Passat over an Accord just because I like how it drives, handles, and feels over the Accord...and if it means no power seats...then I'll just have to pull the ratchet the one time of the year my wife decides to drive it.
If you really think about how often you use some of these features it does seem silly...how often do yo u adjust your mirrors, or pedals, or seat...ok I like rear sonar. It would be interesting to put a $ amount to each use (somebody with a lot of free time feel free)...such as 0.10 every time you open your window...or $10 for every time you adjust your mirrors.
Of our family's two vehicles, one is loaded with everything, the other (mine) is pretty sparse...I don't have climate control in my vehicle...so I have to turn the knob to cold in the spring and hot in the winter.
It reminds me of GM commercials in the 80's touting their high level of equipment, and how it compared to German vehicles...CD, leather, ABS, etc...but they put that equipment in a piece of junk. A nice leather chair in a junk yard is still a nice leather chair in a junk yard.
$500 a month (0 down) on a 5 year loan doesn't get you much these days...compared to leasing anyway.
1. with options the Passat CAN add up to more than the Accord/Camry--if you are calculating sticker prices.
2. vinyl is found on entry level BMWs [3 and 5 series] and Mercedes [C and E series]
3. re selling price: shop around. I did 3 months ago and paid dealer invoice for my 2.0. and that was less than for the going prices for comparably equipped Camrys and Accords. Would I have paid sticker for a Passat? No. I NEVER pay sticker and neither should anyone else.
4. When contemplating a new car the best place to look is right here at Edmunds for their True Market pricing.
Meanwhile today I found my trunk open yet again while parked on a crowded street. Necessity being the mother of invention, a friend and I found out how to open up the remote, which did us no good, and we ended up prying the metal trunk release button off the remote. It is held in place by some sort of resin. We then removed the contacts and glued the outer button back in place with Liquid Nails. Now you can't open the trunk with the remote but at least you won't lean against something and open you trunk from 100 yards away. All other functions work fine.
If yes than I do not think it has anything to do with keeping wheels clean. If anything it would be brake pad compound that was changed.
Krzys
BTW- We have been happy with both cars and have had relatively good luck with reliability. We did have the fuel pump replaced on the wagon as a recall item.
1. with options the Passat CAN add up to more than the Accord/Camry--if you are calculating sticker prices.
2. vinyl is found on entry level BMWs [3 and 5 series] and Mercedes [C and E series]
3. re selling price: shop around. I did 3 months ago and paid dealer invoice for my 2.0. and that was less than for the going prices for comparably equipped Camrys and Accords. Would I have paid sticker for a Passat? No. I NEVER pay sticker and neither should anyone else.
4. When contemplating a new car the best place to look is right here at Edmunds for their True Market pricing.
My 2 cents:
1. Passat is always much more expensive then a comparable Camry. Give more details if you argue otherwise.
2. There isn't really a comparable Camry for the Passat 2.0T. The V6 Camry is exactly on par with the V6 Passat, while the I4 Camry is substantially more sluggish than the I4 Passat. But both are substantially cheaper and more reliable.