Ask the Car People.SM


Volkswagen Passat Maintenance and Repair

3340 messages,  Last post on Apr 25, 2013 at 10:07 AM

You are in the Volkswagen Passat Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Passat, Sedan, Wagon

    
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 203 of 335

#2013 of 3340 100,000 miles and Still Going Strong by jdhebert23

Sep 04, 2006 (12:14 pm)

My 2001.5 Passat 1.8T just hit 100k on Friday. I even had my camera ready. I watched it flip on the interstate and my heart literally fluttered. I bought the car in March 2004 with 35k (yes, that's right: 65k in 2 1/2 years). Anyway, I've written previous posts in here (power steering whine, etc) and I must say that I still consider myself lucky. I read about all the problems that my fellow drivers are having with their Passats and I really haven't had that many problems with mine. Yesterday before taking the 150 mile trip back home, I put a treatment into the gas tank (I was very selective due to the turbo) and I noticed the improvement immediately. It was also supposed to clean the throttle body, fuel injectors and whatever else gas treatment is supposed to do. I set my cruise at 75mph and I achieved 32.3mpg overall. Before, I was getting about 27mpg overall. I can't remember the name of it, but it was very good stuff. I know it came in a silver can with a white top and was very strong. If anyone knows what I am talking about, I would recommend putting that in your car. My turbo was lagging but now it launches like it is supposed to. I hated my Passat for a while, but after reading some of these posts, and aside from the CEL perpetually lit up, I love it now.

#2014 of 3340 What is happening by gold2001

Sep 04, 2006 (1:52 pm)

I recently got my v6 5speed 2001 passat from the auto body in which the drivers side rear quarter panel was damage not letting the trunk close or the rear door open. Since I've gotten my car back the first day it was over heating and the check coolant and service manual warning keep flashing. The next day I called the body shop to ask if any electrical work was done because I wanted to determine if it was a fuse/relay or water pump or thermostat that had to be replaced. When I was told to bring it in I tried to start the car it wont start the remote key wont lock my doors or open my trunk or will the trunk or gas door open from the door nor will the doors lock from the door lock. Is this defiantly an electrical problem or does vw have a shut down mechanism if the car over heats so that the engine doesn't burn out?

#2015 of 3340 Re: 100,000 miles and Still Going Strong [jdhebert23] by 600kgolfgt

Sep 05, 2006 (8:06 am)

Replying to: jdhebert23 (Sep 04, 2006 12:14 pm)
Good Job!!!
 
Did you replace the timing belt/serpetine belt/water pump yet?
 
I had the timing belt replacement done on my 2003 Wolfsburg Jetta 73,000 miles (which includes, the timing belt, serpentine belt, both hydraulic tensioners, and the water pump). Not because the timing belt or serpentine belt needed replacement (they could have easily gone another 25K-30K - based on the good condition of the belts), but because the water pump needed replacing (the plastic impeller was showing signs of disintegrating).
 
If you had the timing belt job done on your Passat, did you get the upgraded aftermarket water pump (with the metal impeller)? I have a feeling if the factory had used the metal impeller right from the get go, the timing belt change interval could easily increase to 100,000 miles.
 
Other than that, the Jetta is still running strong. I plan to have the water pump changed on my wife's 2003 Passat GLS (once it hits 70,000 miles) to the aftermarket water pump.
 
I wouldn't consider you lucky. I would bet that you maintained the car regularly (including VW 502.00 spec synthetic oil changes every 5,000 miles), used the proper grade of fuel most of the time, and drove it properly (in other words, you didn't drag-race the car or drive it like a maniac). You're getting out of the car what you put into it.
 
I wish you many more good miles

#2016 of 3340 Re: Wet Floor [papatsy] by antonio1g

Sep 05, 2006 (4:16 pm)

Replying to: papatsy (Aug 27, 2006 6:25 am)
The same thing happened on my 02 Passat a few days ago, on a day-long rainstorm. Mopped up and started the car. There was basically no brake power and white smoke started coming out of the exhaust. Clogged sunroof drain, the dealer said. I find that hard to believe since the ceiling, dash and seats were all dry. In any case, water got into the engine and into the brake system (how?). Total estimated cost of repair: $1,100. This car has been nothing but headaches from day one, migraines after the warranty ran out. The last one was replacing the ABS module ($1,750, although VW agreed to cover one-third). I'm looking to get an 07 Camry before the next rainstorm hits.

#2017 of 3340 Re: 1999 Passat - Water in Front Footwells [altair4] by antonio1g

Sep 05, 2006 (4:40 pm)

Replying to: altair4 (Jul 12, 2006 6:50 am)
Thanks for the explanation. The cost of fixing my 02 Passat for just this problem was $1,100.

#2018 of 3340 Re: What is happening [gold2001] by gold2001

Sep 06, 2006 (11:29 am)

Replying to: gold2001 (Sep 04, 2006 1:52 pm)
Hey I got my answer, boy its good to have a bunch of mechanics in the family. The auto body shop crossed my wires when replacing my doors so that caused the short and not starting my doors or allowing the car to start or the key remote to work. The body shop fixed the problem no charge. Now the over heating is due to my fan clutch going out 115.00 for the part other than that the car is still good.

#2019 of 3340 HELP! Need advice on buying a 2000 Passat by moonp786

Sep 06, 2006 (2:50 pm)

Hi!
 
i'm looking into buying a 00 passat glx has just over 92,400 miles. It is in mint condition with heated leather seats, premium sound system with 6 disc changer in trunk, power everything, 5 speed tiptronic transmission, electronic climate control, 190 hp V6, power seats with memory, traction control and wood trim. The car needs (2) oxygen sensors which is what i'm worried about. Is this the problem that many passat owners have been dealing with their emissions stuff. the owner says it'll cost about 500 to fix. is this true? what do you guys think, is this a good investment for $7000? thank you!!! please help!!!

#2020 of 3340 Re: HELP! Need advice on buying a 2000 Passat [moonp786] by fish8

Sep 08, 2006 (5:04 am)

Replying to: moonp786 (Sep 06, 2006 2:50 pm)
Don't Do It!!! That is an almost 7 year old car with allot (for a VW) of miles on it. The car sounds great, but the maintenance and repairs will drain your wallet. Was the timimg belt ever replaced? That is a huge expense that will raise it's head in the near future if it has not been replaced already!

#2021 of 3340 Re: HELP! Need advice on buying a 2000 Passat [moonp786] by altair4

Sep 09, 2006 (5:17 am)

Replying to: moonp786 (Sep 06, 2006 2:50 pm)
Wouldn't consider unless it had documented immaculate care. If the timing belt hasn't been done, then deduct about $1,000 off the price (or budget that amount) for the replacement. The O2 sensors - heh, maybe that's all it needs. Maybe not. Personally, I wouldn't touch it.

#2022 of 3340 Re: 100,000 miles and Still Going Strong [600kgolfgt] by jdhebert23

Sep 10, 2006 (4:17 pm)

Replying to: 600kgolfgt (Sep 05, 2006 8:06 am)
I had the timing belt replaced around 90k, as well as the water pump. I don't know what kind of water pump was put in. I know it was aftermarket, but I don't know if it has the metal impeller.
 
I haven't changed the serpantine belt yet. That is going to be next weekend when my step-dad comes to see me.
 
I get a fully sythetic oil change religiously every 5k-6k, which is usually every 2 to 2 1/2 months. I put a LOT of miles on my car. The oil change place I take it to is very reputable and knows the interval for my car, and I always request Mobil 1. I don't remember the weight they use, but I know it's in compliance with the maint schedule. It is still $50 per oil change, but I don't complain too much because everyone else I know has their oil changed every 3k for about $30, which means I am actually ahead by $10.
 
I also use 93 octane as MUCH as I can, but I usually slip up and use 87 every 5th or 6th tank on average just to save a little money when gas prices were $70+/barrel.
 
I will have to dispute, however, the comment you made about driving like a maniac...because I do drive like a maniac...lol I put Firestone Fuzion tires on it in July 2005, and they made the car handle SO well that I am already due for new tires. They are just about bald from peeling out at stoplights (after disengaging the ASR), cornering at more than double the posted recommended speed in curves, etc. I keep the RPM's far away from the redline though, which might help keep the car in good shape. I think I have a worn engine mount, because sometimes I hear a clunk in there when I drive over some roads. I know the symptoms of a worn/failing engine mount because I experienced similar problems with past cars.
 
I did, however, notice a slight tap in the lifters the other day. My step-dad knows enough about engines to help me get that taken care of.

Messages Page 203 of 335

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement