Volkswagen Passat Maintenance and Repair

klh3 · April 2005

Has anyone had a hitch type bike rack installed?What brand? Anything I should know? I have a 05 Passat Wagon.

bindhu · April 2005

Where do we get the right fluid for the automatic transmission, the only one who seem to be selling it are Amsoil, a mlm.

spiazza1 · April 2005

Thanks for this answer...I'm having this exact problem right now. I can't seem to squeeze my hand under the batter tray...and I don't want to remove the battery due to the radio code. I'm taking the car in next week for it's 10k checkup...I'll have them fix the issue and hopefully clean the carpet and mildew smell out of it.

Is there anything I can do to prevent further water from coming thru the dry well in the meantime???

klh3 · April 2005

I have a 05 Passat Wagon with 3k miles, I have noticed on mine as well as apprx. 15 other 05 Passat and Jetta's at the dealer that the front brake pads are tapered. which means there is only apprx 1/4 inch of brake pad being used. I was told that was the design, but I fail to see the advantage/logic of this. Does anyone have any experience in this? The rear pads are squared to the rotor which is what I am used to seeing. The car roles forward when you take your foot off of brake, so even though it looks like it is dragging it isn't. :confuse:
59klh

ronellis · April 2005

OK. I've read these messages until my eyes have glazed over. I now have specific questions...

I'm looking at a 2003 Passat Wagon with 1.8T and 42k miles.

When did VW begin instructing dealerships and drivers to use the higher spec synthetic oils? Was it before or after the 2003 model year? Have the 2003 and later models had the oil sludge problems? How about the coil pack problems?

If sludge has begun to form in the engine, can it be detected by an experienced VW mechanic during a pre-purchase inspection? Can oil sludge be cleaned or removed from an engine? If so, is it feasible/affordable to do so?

I'm really trying to downsize from my Eurovan, and I like the Passat Wagons a lot, but I hesitate because of some years' problems.

Thanks in advance.

Ron

bindhu · April 2005

A mechanic told me that you could put Esso 5W15 synthetic oil to replace or top off the automatic transmission oil of a 2000 GLS V6 Passat. Any comment anybody?

jamest112 · April 2005

I have a 2002 passat wagon with about 34k, automatic. I pulled up to my friend house and parked, engine still running. Suddenly the car started to vibrate and shut off. (some white smoke came from the hood) The engine's light came on. I am confused, I can't figure out what's wrong. Battery is fine, all fluid are fine. I can't restart my car. I brought the car used from a dealer about a year ago, and i change the oil frequently (every 3000miles). Do I need to get some sort of tune-up? Do anyone have similar problem? Can anyone help me?

izzyinchicago · April 2005

I am a newbie and wish I had found this site before before buying my 2005 1.8T Passat. It hesitates when starting off from Stop signs and the auto transmission sometimes downshifts into 1st gear at the same time

.
It's a sluggish car and when I test drove it I asked the salesman, he said that you have to "Drive it hard when you first get it, to train the engine on how you want to drive it" (verbatim). The car only had 11 miles on it and I was not about to "Drive it hard". Anyways I bought the car (mistake) and later asked the service desk. They said wait till 500 miles, then the "transmission training" should be started. I wish there was a way to turn off the "Transmission training" in the hopes it would improve the performance. The car has 1100 miles on it now and I am already trying to think how easily I could get rid of it and start off with another car.

600kgolfgt · April 2005

There's a technical service bulletin (TSB) for a software upgrade to the transmission's computer that's supposed to fix the hesitation. I would check with the service department - as the sales department is virtually clueless as far as technical isues are concerned, IMHO...

600kgolfgt · April 2005

The synthetic recommendation came out in 2004 - covering the 1.8T models from 1998-2004. The Technical Service Bulletin for this also advises the service department to also use the larger oil filter to bring the total oil capacity to 4.2 quarts - due to the smaller 3.9 quart sump size of the longitudinally (front-to-back) mounted 1.8T engine (as opposed to the transverse-mounted 1.8T engines of the Golf and Jetta which have 4.2 quart sumps). The Audi A4 1.8T has the same technical issues as the Passat, as its engine is longitudinally-mounted as well.

At 42k miles, as long as the service records show that the oil has been changed every 5000 miles, the engine should be OK. But I would strongly recommend getting the engine flushed (you can use that as a bargaining tool in the price) and use synthetic oil the rest of the way (especially in turbocharged engines). As long as you do that, the engine (and turbo) should last at least 250,000 miles.

Here's a link to the synthetic oils recommended under the VW 502.00 specification:

http://www.vw.com/SP/pdf/oilchart.pdf

Hope this helps...

danielp1 · April 2005

I have a 2001.5 Passat. It's engine light came on Monday so I called the dealer. They acted like it was no big deal and set up an appointment for Friday (bad sign they couldn't see it before??). On Thursday the car shut down while on the freeway and I had it towed to the dealer. Apparently the timing belt broke and the service department is recommending a complete engine replacement. The car has 67K and they tell me the timing belt should have been changed at 60K.

Anybody have any good ideas? Obviously the car is out of warranty but do you think VW would pay for some of the repair? I loved the car but this is really disappointing.

fish8 · May 2005

According to VW's own maintenance requirments on their website, they require the timing best to be changed at 105,000 miles. Timing belt checks are to be completed at 40K and 80K miles. You never mentioned whether you drive a 1.8t or V6, but the maintenance for the timimg belt is the same. Tell the dealer their recommended timing belt replacement is NOT THE SAME as to what VW recommends. Link below!

http://www.vw.com/SP/MaintSchedule

altair4 · May 2005

You wrote:
"When did VW begin instructing dealerships and drivers to use the higher spec synthetic oils? Was it before or after the 2003 model year? Have the 2003 and later models had the oil sludge problems? How about the coil pack problems?"

Actually, the 2003 owner's manual does recommend synthetic oil, in a roundabout way. First, it recommended 5w-40 oil - in the North American market, this grade only comes in synth. Second, it cited several VW 50X standards - again a little research will show that this too only came in the synth flavor. The problem is the manual doesn't explicitly say "use synthetic". That was, IMO, a mistake.

I received the "Sludge Letter" from VWoA in August 2004, I believe.

On the coil pack topic, a 2003 model could have received the updated coil packs from the factory, depending on the assembly date. My '03 model was built in 06/2002, and it had the trouble-prone packs. I never suffered a failure and had all four replaced under the recall during a scheduled service visit. IIRC, those assembled from 08/2002 onward had the improved packs.

danielp1 · May 2005

The passat is a 1.8t. Thanks for your help, but for some reason the link is not working. It goes to the VW page but says the 'page is missing.' ??

nmath55 · May 2005

I have a 2001.5 Passat V6. I have had to replace the oil pan 4 times because of pulling into driveways and hitting dips to fast. I want to change the transmission fluid but cannot find anything that describes how it is to be done. I am pretty handy, I have changed the oil pan myself without any problems. Can someone please email or direct me to a site that explains how to change the tranny fluid.

jpollack · May 2005

Got the identical problem to you. 2000 Passat with 85,000 miles showing the STOP Break Fault warning. Break system seems to work fine notwithstanding the warning. I actually had this happen to me on a prior occasion about 20,000 mi. ago and like you, VW customer service refused any assistance. Back when this happened the first time, I was actually able to resolve it by replacing a blown ABS fuse in the fuse box, much to the dealer's embarassment, who was quoting me $1,500+ to repair it. So you may want to check your fuses, if you haven't already. Anyway, the problem came back at 85,000 mi. and the fuses aren't an issue now. I am considering buying a second-hand abs pump from an online merchant for the dealer to install. The units seem to be widely available and for much less than a new pump from a dealer ($200-$300). If you go down that track, one word of caution: don't rely on the part numbers the dealer give you. VW changes its part numbers -- probably to make it harder to purchase proper used parts -- so if you look for the current part number, you may have trouble finding the part. You should get the original part number off of the pump in your car and search for that part number, since that will be the most common number on compatible used pumps out there.

Have you had any success in addressing your problem? As you say, the warning light is very annoying and the STOP DON'T DRIVE warning doesn't exactly help the resale value, though I expect to drive this car into its grave.

hassamassahoff · May 2005

I have an '03 V6 Passat with FourMotion, 48k miles, no problems until now, and it's really not a problem yet, but more of an annoyance. Recently I've noticed a burning plastic smell coming from the right front wheel well and a buzzing sound in a spot on the engine block nearest that wheel. The dealership said the plastic smell is probably from a bag or something that got sucked up into the wheel well and has been melting, but they can't figure out the buzzing yet. Anyone have anything remotely simiilar to this?

frank_c · May 2005

After having driven the first 1,000 Miles the MPG for my 2005 Passat GLX 4Motion (Wagon) stands at 13.5. This is far below VW's advertised MPG, and far below by my 2004 Passat GLS Sedan's real life MPG at 23. A V6, all-wheel drive Wagon will use more gas, but 13.5 is Ford Excursion level.

Any ideas what, if anything, could be wrong? Engine management? Drive train issues?

Thanks,
Frank

krzyss · May 2005

How long are your trips?
What is the pressure in tires?
Emergency brake? - I know I am nasty, from time to time.

Krzys

altair4 · May 2005

Just for comparison sake, what did you drive before the Passat? What was the EPA rating and what did you get in the real world?

echan2 · May 2005

Hi altsir4,

I own a '04 1.8T VW Passat and have 15k miles on it. I have oil change every 3-4k miles and the dealer's mechanic says I won't need synthetic oil. Though I'm little worry reading all about the sludge problem. I decide to switch to syn oil on my next oil change. However, I've trouble locating the needed grade oil(5w-40). Hope you could help to give me some hint? Thanks alot.

chan6

wendykinz · May 2005

I purchased a 2001VW Passat 1.8L Turbo on Jan. 21st and I've had nothing but problems with it since I got it!

Not even a month into having it, the check engine light comes on and the car shudders and it's the oxygen sensors. I replace them ($350) and decide to replace the spark plugs ($45) to make it run like it should. The people who had it before me probably didn't put the proper grade of gas (requires premium) and when I started putting it in there, I basically got the car sick -DOING THE RIGHT THING!-

Now, the ac is out!

I need to know how to get out from under the lease! I bought it with no warranty (I know, dumb, but we weren't going to pay the extra 2k up front that they wanted) so I don't know if they sold me a lemon or what. Is there a way to get out of the lease? I've never had to deal with something like this. I've had a '92 Camry LE since '97 and recently had to let her go and got this so I'm going back to a CAMRY! Any suggestions on how to get out of this dilemma??

fish8 · May 2005

You leased a USED 2001 Passat? If you signed the contract you have little chance of getting out of the agreement/contract.

Did you get the car looked at by an independent mecahnic? Did you research teh reliability of Passats?

How many miles on the car?

altair4 · May 2005

You wrote:

"I own a '04 1.8T VW Passat and have 15k miles on it. I have oil change every 3-4k miles and the dealer's mechanic says I won't need synthetic oil. Though I'm little worry reading all about the sludge problem. I decide to switch to syn oil on my next oil change. However, I've trouble locating the needed grade oil(5w-40). Hope you could help to give me some hint? Thanks alot."

Let me get this straight - a VW dealer mechanic told you that your 1.8T doesn't need synthetic oil? If so, he's absolutely incorrect. That's dead wrong. The dealers are passing out a pamphlet on this very topic in which it essentially mandates using a 502.00 Spec oil for all engines in 19998 to current models (ne PD diesels excepted - they have their own spec). The pamphlet even says something like "to VW's knowledge, only synthetic oil meets this standard." And not every synth meets it, only certain grades from certain brands.

I looked at your profile, but it doesn't reveal what part of the country you reside. Locally, in Western PA, I can find the following oils at local auto part stores:

Mobil 1 0w-40 - Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, NAPA. (probably $4.99/qt).
Valvoline Synpower 5w-40 - NAPA ($4.69/Qt), Pep Boys ($4.89/Qt).

I'm sure that Autozone probably carries one or both (I don't shop there because it's not conveniently located). I think I saw Mobil 1 0w-40 at Walmart, but don't quote me on that one. If NAPA doesn't stock it, they can get it within a day or so; Valvoline Part # V V 966. The approved oil list can be found at:

VW 502.00 Approved Oil Chart

The only thing you need to know about that chart is that the North American Valvoline Synpower 5w.-30 is NOT 502.00 COMPLIANT, per Valvoline's website or technical department.

I hope this helps! Also, if you should be using a larger VW filter, # 068 115 561B. If they're telling you the wrong oil, they may be using the wrong filter. There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on this very topic, dated from last summer.

BTW, if it were me, I'd call VWoA to let them know that a VW dealer tech is advising that synthetic is not needed. That kind of advice is going to cost someone a lot of headaches when their engine sludges.

I've modified my oil change interval to 4,000 miles as an additional hedge against sludging. I see that your changing every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Good on ya!

echan2 · May 2005

Thank you for the info. I've been able to locate the store carrys the syn motor oil(5w40). Meanwhile, I live in Vancouver, Washinghton. I've all my services with Rey Reece VW in Portland, Oregon as I was told they have a better service record in my area. I'm going to switch service to other mechanic on my next schedule maintenance. How to contact VWoA?

altair4 · May 2005

VWoA's 800 number is in the owner's manual. Sorry - I don't have it close at hand. Good luck with your new mechanic.

At my dealership, I always bring in my own synthetic oil. I've never had a problem with them using it. Labor charge is $20 for oil change, plus filter ($8.25) and oil disposal fee ($0.50). Seems reasonable since I don't have the time or work space to make this a DIY job right now.

I think the link I provided previously didn't work. Should have been:

http://www.vw.com/SP/pdf/oilchart.pdf

echan2 · May 2005

Thanks again altair4. I'll bring in my own synthetic oil on my next oil change too.

altair4 · May 2005

Just make sure that it has the VW 502.00 Spec on it. If you're paranoid (like me), save all your oil purchase receipts and request that the service writer indicate what oil you are using right on the service record/receipt. that should cover you in case any thing happens in the future.

I save every receipt for our VW like it was a sacred text. Better safe than sorry.

rica · May 2005

I have a 2002 VW Passat 1,9l TDI. I bought it - second hand - with a problem on airbags, I mean the yellow light on board is lit. I was told that the chip that controls the airbags is broken, so I purchased a new one. The mechanics from VW center told me, when ran tests, that the car computer doesn't want to reset the old instructions received from the old chip. And the computer registered some problem with the left seat airbag, etc. I mention that the car was never wrecked, so the airbags never went off. What should I do in order to re-activate airbag system? And what could be the problem with my car?

Thanks.

mleal · May 2005

My 1998 Passat with 84,000 miles and an excellent maintenance track record also has a faulty ABS control unit. No reason was given to me as why it happened, all I know is that Volkwagen repair shop want to charge me $2,800 to change the unit!! You're lucky if you can get the job done for $1,800 and I would like to know where that quote was given to you. Good luck!

evan93023 · May 2005

I recently purchased a 2000 VW PASSAT GLX V6 with 107,000 miles on it, and was very pleased until the ac suddenly stopped blowing cold, but the heater worked fine. Now the entire climate control system doesn't turn on, and the seat warmers do not work either. Somebody please help me fix this!!! Also, I have heard that there is a way to eliminate "tip lag" by resetting the computer before startinng the car, is this true, and how do i do it???

thanks,
evan93023

600kgolfgt · May 2005

Check the fuse for each affected system first to make sure they're not blown. If the fuses are OK, I would have the vacuum lines checked for the climate controlled system - If you have any leaks even in one of the vacuum lines, it will shut down the vacuum-operated climate control switches and valves. That is the most likely culprit - since it happened to my 1987 Golf and my 1997 Jetta.

The seat warmer issue may be something as simple as replacing a fuse (most likely scenario), to replacing the seat warmer elements (least likely, but possible scenario).

As far as "tip lag", I would check to see if VW has a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on this condition. It may require a software upgrade to the transmission's computer to solve the problem....

tomk10 · May 2005

I am posting this message for my father who owns a 2004 Passat 1.8T. He has owned several VW's but this one has turned out to be a real problem. The first problem happen about a month ago and can be summed up as a classic sudden / unintended acceleration. The dealer seemed to respond seriously but never found anything wrong with the car. The service order just reported the throttle body was cleaned. Now this weekend he experienced another dangerous situation that could not be controlled by the driver. While entering a highway exit cloverleaf he braked slightly to slow down. The car responded by applying full braking force with ABS engaged and stopping him in the middle of the ramp. He has lost all confidence in the car and I don't blame him, my mother refuses to get in the car again.

Has anyone ever heard of this? These seem like pretty bad failure modes for these systems. I would expect some better safety overrides in these systems that would fail in a safer manner. Since these have only happened once each (so far) the dealer has not been able to fix or explain them.

He also reported the turbo / transmission did not seem right. During acceleration when the turbo kicked in the transmission would downshift 2 gears. I would expect this may happen on full hard acceleration but he reported this would happen on a moderate acceleration. After the dealer returned the car from the sudden acceleration problem the transmission seems to behave normally.

allthumbs1 · May 2005

I have a 99 passat 1.8t and a 96 220hp volvo turbo 850. I was shocked to see how much better the volvo mileage(28 avg) was compared to the VW(23 avg)! But I still wouldn't have expected to see 13.5 on your car. That's terrible!

allthumbs1 · May 2005

I have a 99 Passat wagon (1.8t) and have had a similar unpleasant experience with VW of America's "customer advocate." I bought the car used with 57k on it and brought it to the vw dealer to do "whatever needs to be done at 60k. I specifically asked about the timing belt, because my volvo needs to be changed at 60 or 70k, and I know it can be an expensive oversight. I was told not to worry, VW doesn't suggest changing the timing belt until 105k. Well, here I sit with a destroyed engine at 72k, and VW says I'm out of luck! I have heard of numerous failures of timing belts between 50k and 80k, yet the recommended cycle remains at 105K. Anyone heard of a class action suit or other effort to get VW to admit their problem and revise their repair cycle recommendation to a more realistic figure?

vwowner2000 · May 2005

I have a 2000 Passat V6 with 35,000 miles on it. I recently took the car to a dealer to get the 40K mile service done. He told me that my rear brake pads have only 10% left on them and my serpentine belt is also severely damaged. The cost estimate given was $450 for the brake pads and $150 for the serpentine belt including parts and labor. My questions are:

-- Is it normal to have these parts replaced in only 35K miles/5 years?
-- Is the cost estimate given reasonable?
-- Should I get this done at an auto shop rather than the dealer?

Your help is appreciated.

dolly1 · May 2005

It's the problem with your ABS. I had the same problem before and I had to replace the ABS. It costed me a lot

. Anyway, go to your vw dealer to have the ABS inspected. Good luck.

mwppassat · May 2005

I just found this forum and was happy to see other Passat owners out there. However, after reading many postings, the Passat does not sound like a reliable car.

I would just like to say that I have a '97 Passat TDI that I absolutely love! I have almost 240,000 miles on my car. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. At 234,000 mile finally had the clutch assembly replaced. The mechanic said he'd never seen a clutch last so long.

I've had very few problems with the car. A new computer at 140,000 miles. I get my timing belt changed at every 60,000 (that seems to be a concern from what I've been reading). I just can't praise the car enough. And to top it all off, after this much mileage, I still get 47 miles to the gallon on highway driving.

600kgolfgt · May 2005

Just remember - the majority of people who contribute to these forums aren't usually here to sing the praises of a particular automobile they own - they usually come here to vent their frustrations or seek advice.... We probably represent a fraction of the total car owners out there who may or may not have problems.

altair4 · May 2005

You wrote:
"I have a 2000 Passat V6 with 35,000 miles on it. I recently took the car to a dealer to get the 40K mile service done. He told me that my rear brake pads have only 10% left on them and my serpentine belt is also severely damaged. The cost estimate given was $450 for the brake pads and $150 for the serpentine belt including parts and labor."

I'd say that for a dealer, the brake job price isn't high, assuming they are replacing the rotors, too. Having said that, I'd guess that an independent shop would beat the price.

BTW, it's not that uncommon for the Passat to run through the rear brakes like that, based on a number of posts I've read here and on other dedicated Passat forums.

Can't help you on the belt price.

jpo1 · May 2005

2.8L 5 speed automatic. The car "clunks" into gear once-in-awhile when accelerating after slowing down (not to a complete stop). When it does happen it is when I've slowed down (coasting) and then press on the accelerator again. It seems to be to be a problem with the automatic shifting as if the car "neutrals" out then drops into gear. I am not able to make it repeat at will, but it is consistent in that it doesn't happen when taking off from a dead stop. Only when rolling through a corner and in 2nd/3rd gear range.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I have read similar posts on other VW models but not the Passat.

pokey1 · May 2005

I have a 2000 GLX with 99,500. Mine to sticks at 3/8 tank (this started at 96K) and I got the same dollar quote to replace a sensor. Seems in 02 there was a recall on this for select VIN numbers. I checked and of course mine wasn't on list. You may want to call VW and see if yours was on list. 800-822-8987

pokey1 · May 2005

2000 GLX with 99K. Seems my car bumps/hesitates between 25-30 mph, only when I am accelerating on modest hill. This does not happen on hard acceleration. Anyone know if this is attributed to the software issue from last year, or possibly an oil change is in order? No tranny problems to this point and have never changed tranny oil.

sathish · May 2005

Hi,
I drove a 2001 Passat V6 stick shift car of my friend and was very impressed. I decided to buy an used 2000-2002 Passat but reading on the web hasn't pleased me a lot as i come across lot of complaints. Is it really worth buying a 2000-2002 used Passat? I do understand that it is a beautiful sporty sedan and driving it is a pure pleasure. But i cannot afford to spend a lot on maintenance. I would be most probably getting it from a private party and so i've to spend for everything since i wont have warranty. Please advice me.

Thanks a lot

jick · May 2005

Hello,

I recently had my 2004 Passat (GLX V6) oil changed by the dealer @ 4000 miles.
I was going on a trip and wanted to ensure the oil was new. After the work was completed, I asked the service rep. what weight oil did they install? He replied 10w  30 semi- synthetic??
Is this acceptable or should I replace this oil (after driving 800 miles) with VW 502.00?

Please let me know

jick
:confuse:

jick · May 2005

I own a 2004 Passat V6 auto. What are the "2001.5 tweaks?

After driving 700 miles recently, when I came to a stop and the car shifted to first gear, I would get a strong KLUNK vibration? After the car was off the freeway, and in normal driving conditions for a period of time, no more KLUNK? Any ideas out their.

jick

altair4 · May 2005

Jick, i'm not that familiar with the 2.8 engine. First thing I'd do, though, is check to see exactly what does your owner manual recommend. That should be your starting point.

Second, there is a pamphlet that I picked up at my VW dealership that, IIRC, indicates that VW spec 502.00 is recommended for all VW engines in 1998 to 2004 engines (excepting the PD diesel, which has its own special spec). I don't have it here, so I could be wrong about the full extent of the coverage.

Third, you could the VWoA at their 800 number and simply ask the question: What is the recommended oil for your engine and model year.

Having said all this, I don't think that the 2.8 V6 is nearly as hard on oil as is the 1.8T. You have a larger sump and no turbo, so that should equate to less stress on the oil. Maybe others here have better advice.

ricky7 · May 2005

Hi All,

We are planning to buy a 2005 Passat GL Auto ..... This car is for my wife and she wants a very low maintanance car .... After reading reviews on this forum .... We have almost decided not to buy this car .... Any other opinions ?

fish8 · May 2005

Unfortunately, A Passat is NOT known to be a low maintenance car. That is the realm of Accord's and Camry's. Passat's provide a great driving experience, but tend to need more TLC.

joycep · May 2005

Is the class action still active? How do I find out more? I have 2003 beetle, it had a window problem in the beginning. Now I have a mold problem

Volkswagen Passat Maintenance and Repair

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles