8275 messages,
Last post on Mar 20, 2012 at 5:55 PM
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Volkswagen Passat Forum.
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Volkswagen Passat, Sedan, Wagon
#8176 of 8275 Re: Hello and... [L8_Apex]
by mark1154
Aug 07, 2007 (8:49 am)
My wife's 2000 Passat is (was) VW certified. The car has about 75K. There is an Emissions Workshop note on the read-out along with a Check Engine light lit. We took it to a local garage who fixes many of our car problems (I hate to take it to a VW dealer). They said the preliminary computer report said it was perhaps the catalytic converter. After reading many of the posts here and elsewhere it seems that this Emissions Workshop and Check Engine message is very general and could mean many things. Is the computer read-out the best source for an evaluation of these notices?
#8177 of 8275 Re: rear brake pads [altair4]
by njpassat
Aug 07, 2007 (11:34 am)
altair4,
I have a quick question on the rear brake project - I used to do all my own brake work but haven't worked on my '03 Passat which will need rear brakes soon. Are there any special tools required to retract the caliper or is that a pretty standrd process? Thanks for ant tips you may have -
#8178 of 8275 Re: rear brake pads [njpassat]
by altair4
Aug 07, 2007 (12:11 pm)
Good question on your part...this is going to save you some time. The rear brake piston needs to be turned and compressed simultaneously to retract the piston.
I rented one from Autozone for free (you pay $35, but it's fully refunded upon return within 60 or 90 days).
I've read about others using a c clamp and needle nose pliers to do this, but this tool makes it ssssooooo easy, why go through the hassle? Advance Auto and I think even Pep Boys may do the same kind of tool rental.
This was the first brake job I did in 20 years - it went very smoothly. Buy a small packet of brake grease at the counter of your favorite auto parts store. I'd also suggest coating the rear of the pads with brake quiet (I used the bottle, not the spray). If you google "Passat Information-base rear brakes" you might find some good instructions....
#8179 of 8275 Re: rear brake pads [altair4]
by njpassat
Aug 07, 2007 (1:13 pm)
Altair,
Thanks! Great information that should make the job alot easier - a good argument for the value of these forums
Thanks again -
Aug 11, 2007 (5:28 am)
Like many that posted before me I'd like the reassurance of strangers that my potential purchase is sound.
I'm looking at purchasing a 2001.5 1.8T Passat (manual) with 50K miles for just over $7k. I'll probably drive it today and if it looks good get a thorough inspection. It has a clear carfax report (2 owners).
I intend to use the vehicle as a commuter vehicle and will only put on approx 8k miles a year (suburban & highway miles). I need the vehicle to last at least 3 years.
I've read a few hundred posts (little apprehensive now) and realize the maintenance must be followed. I'll ask if maintenance records are available (I think the sludge extended coverage is transferable) but I doubt they are.
History:
We're a one vehicle family and I need to purchase another because of the school year starting (kids). We've recently moved to a new city so we'll be looking at buying a house within the year. I'll be paying cash for the vehicle because I don't want to adversely affect my debt/income levels when mortgage time comes...and being a one income family these ratios can get easily affected with two car payments
I've been tempted to just lease a new VW Jetta (and even a base 328i...very attractive lease rates) since the lease rates for 3 years come out close to the amount I'm thinking about spending...I've leased before and it's never worked out well for me...it's always a couple grand down...then loose a couple grand when trading in on something else (probably a bad decision to trade in...)
Also...I think the total amount of the vehicle you're leasing counts in your debt/income ratio for your mortgage.
Maybe I should just go get a 2003 corolla (yuk)
Question:
Have most of the early problems (the dark times) associated with the Passat been resolved? I'm assuming that at 50K miles all the recall items and issues have been addressed; obviously I'd confirm this before purchasing.
Does the price and mileage seem reasonable?
I did have a slight reprieve from my purchase anxiety...I talked to a co-work that owns a 2001 1.8T (manual) and they have had absolutely no problems. He didn't even know about the coil issues or sludge. They just take their vehicle in for regular service (he did say synthetic) and had any recall work done then. I supposed ignorance is bliss may come into play here
Suggestions?
#8181 of 8275 Repost/Multifunctional Antenna Questions
by jdhebert23
Aug 31, 2007 (9:03 pm)
I am interested in changing my OEM antenna on my 01.5 Passat to a shark fin antenna. I wanted to know if anyone could tell me where I can find a multifunctional shark fin antenna that will catch AM/FM + Satellite. I heard the BMW 7-series uses a multifunctional antenna, and possibly the Touareg as well as some Audis. If anyone can help me with this, I'd appreciate it. I know it would probably be a lot of trouble to set it up, but I still want to know if it can be done, and how.
One more thing--if there isn't a multifunctional shark fin available that I'm looking for, will the 06 Passat multifunctional antenna fit on mine?
#8182 of 8275 02 Passat GLX 30V w/4motion with throttle hes.
by tdstaat
Sep 01, 2007 (2:11 am)
I'm at a loss. I absolutely love this car, but sometimes love to hate it. Its the 30V 2.8L with 4motion and triptronic.
I accelerate as normal but when I get to around 2500 to 3000 rpms, it's like I let my foot off the gas, but I push it down harder and I get no response from the engine. It starts just slowing down to an idle. Then out of nowhere (with my foot still on the gas) it takes off like a jackrabbit. I'm defenitely a DIY guy to a point and like to figure out the problem before I take it in to a shop. But I don't even know where to begin with this one. Anybody with any ideas?
#8183 of 8275 Re: 02 Passat GLX 30V w/4motion with throttle hes. [tdstaat]
by altair4
Sep 06, 2007 (7:15 am)
I'm grasping at straws here, but the first thing I'd check for is vacuum leaks.
#8184 of 8275 new recall
by krzyss
Sep 25, 2007 (7:52 am)
I just got a letter stating that VW is replacing brake switch.
Krzys
#8185 of 8275 Re: new recall [krzyss]
by robr2
Sep 25, 2007 (8:58 am)
I got that about 3 weeks ago.