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Depending where you live there have already been some decent snows.
When I drove the Jetta back from Hot and Steamy Houston last week this was the scene at home...got me shopping for snow tires.
I scheduled the 2 hour appointment for 11/11 (day off from work) and drove 35 miles to the closest dealer (my local dealer has gone out of business). When I got there, they could not find the service notice on my vehicle. They called VW and were told the campaign had been cancelled.
I called VW customer "care" and was told the campaign had been postponed because of hard start issues after the software update. It is mostly related to cold weather, and it had been postponed in Canada first, and was later extended to the US on or about 11/9 (and the dealers were not alerted in time to contact customers with appointments). I guess people in VW should look at a map and consider cold weather regions in the US? Might have saved me 70 miles of driving and a couple hours on a holiday!
A few questions:
1. What was the original issue with the ceramic glow plugs and old software? I want to know what to look for as the car ages.
2. Has anybody experienced issues after the service was performed? Perhaps I should be glad they did not do it and cause other unseen issues?
3. Any advice on how to proceed? I was annoyed at the time/mileage waste, but they were typical VW - smug.
Thanks!
I'm thinking of getting the Golf TDI wagon to replace my subie legacy. Is it worth the change? Do the VWs hold up well? Consumer Reports doesn't consider VW to be that reliable...what's your experience?
Thanks,
cdndriver
There are praises and pauses from the owners of the new VW Sport wagons on the practicality of those huge glass roof pannels, they turn the interior of the vehicle into a greenhouse during hot sunny days and in Canada, the loss of the insulating and safety value of a solid roof in - degree temperatures. Having a glass roof in a Station Wagon with a roof rack sounds insane to me. However, the 'Pano' roof is bundled in with other up-market options you would actually want.
Most kids I see in SUV's and wagons are all busy with their i-pods, video games and don't look up for anything but the next McDonalds sign. But this gets us into the, you eirther love a big hole in the roof over your head, or you don't, and live with your choice.
I see many Suby AWD's on the road in Montana, Wyoming and Colordao everytime we drive through I can appreciate why those vehicles are everywhere.
Their winter climate is about severe as ALberta's, they have lots of long grades, steep hills and windy, snow packed conditions to contend with every time it storms.
They have 2 continental divide's to get over, a twisty, dangerous icy run through the Gates of the Mountains and the Monida pass just from Great Falls to idaho Falls. Going SE From Great Falls to Wyoming in the winter is no drive to the beach either.
During one snow storm they were picking up and hauling stranded motorists to Great Falls in Busses, we passed cars (and trucks)abandonded in the ditches every 1/4 mile.
It's during these trips that the high clearance, low center of gravity Suby's are in their element. Most have ski racks on further south in Idaho, Colorado and Utah.
Still liking the VW to haul your family?
new TDI by cdndriver: If I were in your snowshoes, this would be my choice for a family-safe 4 season ride in Canada.
It's an example of a top of the line, leather, fully loaded 2009 Suby Forester (has about 14,000 km on it) on sale for much less than a 2009 JSW
(I keep an old 1992 Dodge Grande Caravan AWD running for those,OMG have you looked outside this morning ?!!, winter months)
I have no intrinsic knowledge about the updated software .... but can surmise that the newer metal-tipped GPs need different timings to come up to temp. Thus, it is likely the software needed to be changed to accomidate the different heating-charactoristics of the metal-tipped GPs.
I would bet that a double-glow would overcome any starting issue. I sometimes use a double-glow when ambient temp is below -15F.
I agree with you that they really should have contacted you about the cancellation. A 'good' dealership will often offer a freebie such as oil-change or wiper-blades or carwash for your troubles. (Yes, I have experienced a 'good' dearship )
If they ever show up for sale in North America I too will be in the long line up to buy one, (if I live that long)
Subaru is building these TDI's in the U.S. and shipping them over into a temporary-emmisions -loop-hole-market in the EU.
Right now they are getting away with a very polluting engine (think MK3 MK4 and the 2006 MK5's) because there is a clause that allows 4 wheel drive vehicles in England to duck the current higher emmisions standards.
When that changes in a couple of years, I hope they will have it cleaned up for the North American market.
I think the Eu market hopes for the same thing as this Suby TDI has been getting some bad PR over there for it's 'Ol Stinky ways.
I'll take another look at the Forester. I guess in VW I'd have to go up to the Tiguan...
Subie, btw, sent the 2010 legacy wagons to the UK as well, and left their NA customers SOL.
thanks, guys,
time for some test drives.
(our legacy had a fairly large sun roof, I just pull the shade in the summer, I don't have it open that often, but my daughter likes it when we drive downtown in Toronto to look up at the buildings.)
cheers,
cdndriver
The Subaru diesels are not faring well, over here. Great shame as I really fancied a Legacy Estate, (wagon), but the gasser versions are very thirsty and the diesels need some sorting out - which I'm sure will be done.
- Amarok sets new standards in 1-tonne pick-up class
- Payload capacity of up to 1.15 tonnes
- Maximum towing limit of 2.8 tonnes
- 2.52 m² load area has largest dimensions in its class
- Load area 1,555 mm long,1,620 mm wide
- 1,222 mm between wheelarches to take Euro pallet
- Rear-wheel drive, and switchable or permanent all-wheel drive
- On sale in UK in September 2010
- Double cab available from launch. Single cab to follow in 2011
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released the first official images and more details of its new pick-up, the Amarok.
The Amarok, which will be available as a four-door double cab version from launch with a single cab model to follow in 2011, combines the robustness of a pick-up with innovative technology, high safety standards, excellent fuel economy and Volkswagen standards of comfort, quality and durability.
Production of the Amarok is about to start at the Volkswagen factory in Buenos Aires, Argentina ahead of its worldwide launch starting in its native South America in early 2010 and in Europe next summer, with first models expected to be in UK Volkswagen Van Centres in September 2010.
So now the world has an AMAROK truck, also the name of a software system, and a sheet rock company.
Oh well, we in the "Third world" of car marketing won't see the Amarok on the road here anyway...that reminds me, VW marketers were once so stuck for names that they actually had a vehicle they simply called "The Thing"
From the test reports, the jury is still out on how the little 2 ltr TDI will fare when trying to hual it's big bulky body and an extra 6000 lb load up a long grade, take that Duramax Powerstroke and Cummins!
Maybe not.
These day's?
VW has named vehicles after winds since 1974, Golf.
Jetta, 1979
Not anything new with VW. They were using meteorological terms before Chysler had it's first bankruptcy.
Here's somthing tho....
" Amarok: Name given to the giant wolfs living in Alaska.
They are active night and day and live in families of two members.People there says that hunters having killed one of the members of a family were killed by the other one.
Amarok is also an Eskimo word,sometimes found in Indian and Canadian tales.It referes to the wolf's spirit or the head of a wolf's group."
This explanation sounds much more interesting that a truck named after a cell phone program.
How is service on VW? I'm told parts are outrageously priced...
In the showroom they had a nicely appointed 09 Passat wagon for the same as the Golf 2010 tdi wagon...hmmm that looked quite nice, but then, no great gas mileage...0% APR on the passat, too.
The v50 was also very nice, great seats, peppy, and very comfortable to drive, but more $$$ and not the great gas mileage....
Monday I drive the Subie legacy sedan, forester, and Ford Escape...then I've got to make some choices.
My buyout on my legacy wagon is 15500 or so, but it's not worth that now. It would be the cheapest solution, but I don't know if I could get them to take less for the buyout.
That would save some hassles....
cdndriver
For a while, what is now the Jetta was called the "Bora" here in EU. Yes, it is a wind but the English pronunciation is not something you want to boast about in the pub.
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I am new to these postings, and hope I have found the right section. If not maybe you can re-direct me.
Heres my problem :
Car is a 2000 VW Golf with TDI engine and 5 speed manual trans. Bought it with 63,000 miles. Currently have 181,000 miles on it now.
I had run bio diesel 100% for many trouble free miles. After many miles, the first (orginial) injection pump went out. Had my local shop change out IP and all components related to it, idlers, water pump, etc.
23,000 miles later, rebuilt IP went out, back to the shop for a R & R on IP.
After awhile the check engine light came on PLUS the little curly light on instrument panel flashes.
In the owners manual the cruly light flashing says there is something wrong with the glow plugs and / or bridge wires. Mechanic checked them out and sez all OK there. Code is not in sink with what the curly light is suppose to say. Plugging in my Auto Xray code scanner, trouble code reads : P1562 which says : "Quantity Adjuster Upper Limit Attained".
What the hell is that ???
Had the EGR valve replaced, and there was some build up inside of it. After a $450.00 repair bill, check engine light and curly light still on.
Have been running 100% #2 diesel through it, to purge out the bio diesel, and still no luck.
Recently on my way home, a 35 mile trip, the check engine light and curly light did not come on at all ! I hate these intermintent problems !
Mechanic at my shop I go to, looked further into what problems / solutions / repairs by using Google search engine, and always the last item is "Replace the IP". Right now I am not ready for another $2,500.00 R & R on the IP.
To let you know, the car starts fine, runs fine, with pleanty of power when I need it, and getting between 42 to 48 MPG.
I have heard of this thing called A Vag Com, and wondered if that would dig further into clearing the code for good.
I live in Napa Valley, Calif.
Reluctant to just take it to a VW dealership, as I will most likely hear the same story, as there is nothing to be done except change out the IP. Doubt they have a Vag Com anyway.
I hope I have given enough information, and would really like to see those 2 lights disapere for good.
Thanks for the help,
Peter
ON = there is a problem with the glowplugs. (relatively easy to troubleshoot and fix...there are "kits" available to replace the entire harness if needed.)
Get TDI parts from (where else) ==> http://www.idparts.com/catalog/
FLASHING = (sorry - dont recall but it is NOT telling you about glowplugs) I HIGHLY recommend you visit TDI club website to determine what it means.
BTW - I hope you realize that the reason for all of your IP (Injection Pump) issues is directly tied to your use of BD (BioDiesel)
You should always - ALWAYS add Diesl Fuel conditioner with every fillup. In this way, you are adding the much-needed lubricant that your IP needs to survive. (And bumping up the CETANE value to get better MPG)
Is that true for all diesel cars or did he have a unique situation.
The other 100s of diesel fillups had no odor problems after pulling away from the pump.
Lets not forget that the lowest prices for diesel is at a TRUCK STOP. The odor of diesel tends to linger around the pumps due to dispensing 100s of gallons at a time. As the liquid-fuel enters the tank....the fumes must come out. (simple law of physics)
i think it is related to fuel-pump or electric-fan, possibly a relay.
I understand it is normal.
I have not been on edmunds.com before, but if one gets a value range for their used car is it considered to be a legit place like KBB? Also I have a 2009 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon with about 7000 mi., the long moon or sun roof with the extra inside shade that pretty much extends from the driver's seat all the way back to the cargo area (behind the rear seats. the windows are tinted which is something I spent a small fortune on after I took the car home since it is not uncommon to reach near 100 degrees F for about 2 months out of the year here in Salt Lake City. I am looking to sell the car even know it has been a great car. It has the DSG (automatic/manual but with the DSG which has really been a great addition since it boosts the power in a way I still cannot believe.
I am going to sell the car once I get it detailed because I was recently diagnosed with cancer and my chemo treatments are taking a lot out of me. With no health insurance and a complete change in my lifestyle, my abilities and desires require that I get a small simple car that can get me just around the town. this was a car I purchased for camping (I used it once for this and I ended up staying in the car with all the seats down and opened the moon roof and the inside shade and with my 2 dogs (which is another reason I need to change cars because they recently passed away, which was kind of unexpected, especially for the Dalmatian.)
I am looking for the best place or any recommendations on ways to sell this car. I really do not want to trade it in because it gets such good gas mileage, and with the way gas prices are and how good I read used cars that are in great condition and get great gas mileage are really going quickly and some even are getting more $$ than what the owner paid for the car.
I am open to any recommendations on selling a used car. I have never sold a used car so I have no idea where I should look to do this (like CarMax, edmubds.com) and any other suggestions I am open for suggestions.
I would like some suggestions on the best way to get pictures or are people taking videos and inbreeding the video in the ad? I will need to get a decent camcorder or camera that can take pictures or videos that will work with my MacBook Pro.
so I am needing a lot of help with this. I am learning y reading posts, google ads, etc. but there is nothing like a person who has actually sold their car recently and is willing to share their experience and suggestions with me.
Thanks! :confuse:
Be careful of scam artists. The world is filled with them. I would meet any prospective buyer in a busy location. A bank parking lot is good. They have surveillance cameras. Don't let them test drive alone.
And when you appraise your vehicle using TMV you can also print out a window sticker that will have all the specs and features of your car along with your pricing. I have several friends who have sold vehicles using a TMV sign and they seem to think it really helped sell.
PS
There are plenty of people with cash. Whether you are selling an RV for $55k or an old Mazda for $1200. Patience, patience, patience....
Are you saying that all TDI VWs owners should add the diesel fuel conditioner? I am just making sure because I have never heard this. I have a 2009 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon. I do NOT pay much attention to the fuel or add anything to it except to make sure that only diesel gets put into the car. Is there anything I should be looking for as far as the diesel goes? Like gas has different grades, I have noticed that diesel does have different sulfur levels for the diesel fuel.
I was caught of guard about adding the Diesel Fuel Conditioner.
Looking forward to hear your reply on this one.
thanks
I dont know about "should" add conditioner... but the general consensus of folks that want the most MPG and want their HighPressureFuelPump to last add conditioner at every fillup.
Because of this, I am only giving you the condensed answer:
Diesel-fuel addiditive provides several important functions
*) LUBRICITY
The lubricity provides lubricant to your multiple fuel-pumps and injectors.
*) CETANE INCREASE ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetane_number )
just a few integers of cetane can mean 3-to-7 additional MPG.
I can tell you I that measure EVERY drop of fuel run thru my TDI over the last 130,000+ miles. (Spreadsheet!) I am averaging 50MPG with peaks of 56MPG.
The all-important measurement of COST PER MILE is $0.05/mile. I do not beleive there is another automobile sold in North America that can beat MPG that TDI can deliver!!
The rule-of-thumb is to purchase diesel where it "flows like wine". When diesel is stored in tanks, mold grows in it. Hence, you should look for truck-stops where it does not sit around for long.
As for "grade". You MUST use ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel) in your TDI.
The very lowest price for diesel will ALWAYS be at truck-stops. In my cross-country trips, I found the Flying J has the best prices. Their website will tell you WHERE they are located and WHAT the current price is.
I add about 6oz per fillup. I carry a quart-container in the trunk and a supply of cheap paper drinking-cups. I select a paper-cup, crease it to make a pouring-spout and put Diesel Kleen in it. After putting into fuel-tank, I can toss out the paper-cup and the smell along with it.
Here is an interesting Diesel fuel additive study based solely on LUBRICITY of the products tested.
I have no idea what you are saying. Sorry. If you want to maybe you can put the post in plain English.
I concur that using more cetane than recommend does not give you much in return.... but using LESS cetane gives you lower MPG and noisier engine.
The added lubricity is a bonus ... I assume all of you are aware of HPPF (High Pressure Fuel Pump) failures that some folks have reported.
Many additives for diesel fuel are on the market and when added to a fuel tank they will supposedly deliver a number of positive effects. These include cleaning the fuel injection system, improving combustion and enhancing performance. It is unclear which, if any of the additives, actually do what is promised.
What is clear is that using such additives does present some risks as the composition of these additives is generally not listed on the packaging and so you don’t know what is being added to the fuel system.
Reactions, some of which may not be desirable or described by the maker of the additive, can occur when these treatments come into contact with other lubricants such as engine oil or with engine components.
Furthermore different diesel fuels have different additives and oil companies do not disclose what these are, so there a likelihood of incompatibility.
Bosch does not recommend or approve of any diesel additives and the use of these may affect warranty.
http://www.boschdieselservice.com.au/tipsaandadvice.shtml
It looks like this link may not be from Bosch USA. So I would not consider it the final word. I just could not find where VW or Bosch recommended using additives. So the debate will continue.