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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

    
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Messages Page 293 of 335

#2919 of 3340 Re: 2004 1.8T GLS 4MOTION PASSAT- Bad Deal [camperman] by altair4

Aug 19, 2009 (10:38 am)

Replying to: camperman (Aug 19, 2009 7:50 am)
I got a chuckle out of your post concerning Bosch electricals. Having owned VWs manufactured in three different decades, I never, NEVER, had that thought cross my mind. The exact opposite was often true where I thought, "Ya know, this car would be great if it weren't for the dang electrical problems!" True in the 1970's, 1980's and 2000's, at least from my perspective.
 
I tolerate it because my Passat wagon was the only car available at its price point with the combination of safety, fuel efficiency, space, and style when I bought it in 2002. As I look at the marketplace now, I see the Jetta wagon being the only real consideration for me.

#2920 of 3340 2008 Passat maintenance question by vwenthu

Aug 20, 2009 (2:30 pm)

According to the user manual, the 08 model need service every 10K miles. I take my car for service to the dealer and my dealer suggests service every 5K miles and sets the trip computer to 5K service interval. Is everyone else (2006-current VW owners) doing service at every 5K miles?It sucks because the carefree maintenance is not available on the 08 models and its not fun servicing every 5K miles....please advise.

#2921 of 3340 non-spec motor oil for the V6 2.8l engine by frank_c

Aug 20, 2009 (4:28 pm)

Apologies if discussed before (probably...).
 
I have a '05 GLX 4motion with the V6 2.8l engine. Low mileage car, I just hit 25,000 miles.
 
Recent oil change: I opted for synthetic, 5W40 (euro) at Jiffy Lube. I know this is not VW spec - but is this going to be an issue? Location is California so low temperature is not an issue.
 
Thanks,
Frank

#2922 of 3340 Re: 2004 1.8T GLS 4MOTION PASSAT- Bad Deal [altair4] by camperman

Aug 20, 2009 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: altair4 (Aug 19, 2009 10:38 am)
I have you beaten. My first VW was a '57. Then Several others including a Fastback and Rabbit. Now we have a '98 Golf which has given it's share of electrical problems and the Pissat which buying was a monumental blunder for me. 9 total but these 2 are electrical problems on wheels. When they are gone that will be the last.
Price point may be a consideration for buying but when the repairs start the price point quickly becomes moot.
Good luck to you with your beast.

#2923 of 3340 Re: 2004 1.8T GLS 4MOTION PASSAT- Bad Deal [camperman] by longo2

Aug 20, 2009 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: camperman (Aug 20, 2009 5:07 pm)
I too have had my share of VW's starting with a new 1959 Beetle ending with a 1971 Superbeetle, a yellow car that we called "Herman the German". It was the best of the bunch and is probably still running.
  
I am amazed at the variety of electrical and mechanical issues on this Passat Forum! (my first visit)
 
I have been looking at the 06' Jetta TDI's and thought perhaps the Passat would be just as good or better, but found they stopped making the TDI Passat in 2005.
 I have also found a much reported weakness in the 2 ltr Passat engines.
 
The engine counterbalance shaft run by a little chain off the oil pump that is prone to break. For several thousand dollars it can be converted to a gear drive for better reliability, if you happen to know a VW engine Guru who will do it.
 
After reading through the last 10 pages of horror stories on this Forum, I am running not walking from anything to do with a Passat.

#2924 of 3340 2003 Passat Transmission and Timing Belt by navyguy1990

Aug 25, 2009 (6:22 am)

This is Navy Guy again with my 2003 Passat. The Korean service center actually did me right by only charging me about $320 to solve my water intrusion problem. They installed a more rigid tubing for the sunroof drain and the front windshied drain. Plus, they replaced the rear brake pads ($75 for parts) and engine sensor ($40 for part). Considering that the parts were $115, the labor for everything was only $205.
 
Now, I've noticed a different problem. When I slow down from about 25 mph to about 5 mph (typically to go over a speed bump), the transmission shifts very rough when I speed back up. This happens once in about 10 times and typically during hot weather. Do I have a transmission problem? I don't know when transmission fluid was changed out last.
 
Additionally, all the discussions about timing belt replacement is getting me worried. I have 42,000 miles on the car, but it's been pretty much all city stop and go traffic in Seoul, Korea. Should I change the timing belt in order to put my mind at peace?
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Navy Guy

#2925 of 3340 Re: 2003 Passat Transmission and Timing Belt [navyguy1990] by altair4

Aug 25, 2009 (7:02 am)

Replying to: navyguy1990 (Aug 25, 2009 6:22 am)
Navy Guy -
 
Maybe I'm bringing you bad news, but the transmission control module is also located under the carpet, in the front footwell (I think on the left side, but don't quote me on that). Your transmission shift problem might be related to your water intrustion problem.

#2926 of 3340 Re: 2003 Passat Transmission and Timing Belt [altair4] by navyguy1990

Aug 25, 2009 (7:22 am)

Replying to: altair4 (Aug 25, 2009 7:02 am)
Dear Altair4,
I've replaced the transmission control module. I had it ordered from 1stVWparts.com for $1100 and provide it to the Korean VW service center. The $205 labor cost also includes that module replacement.
 
I don't know if the new module takes some time to get used to. . . or build my driving habit history or something?
 
What do you think about the timing belt replacement?
 
Navy Guy

#2927 of 3340 timing belt by krzyss

Aug 26, 2009 (12:18 pm)

VW did not post time requirement for its change, unluckily.
I know one car (I think 2000) that had 80K miles (so theoretically below 105K limit) and its belt broke.
 
I think that you should consider a change next year but could you ask service center to inspect it?
 
Krzys

#2928 of 3340 Re: timing belt [krzyss] by navyguy1990

Aug 26, 2009 (5:57 pm)

Replying to: krzyss (Aug 26, 2009 12:18 pm)
Krzys,
Thank you for your thoughts. I'll ask them to inspect the timing belt next time I take the car in.
Is there any way I can check the transmission fluid level? I was told that the transmission fluid was suppose to last the lifetime of the car, but in light of slight quirks with the transmission shifting roughtly I don't know if I should get the transmission fluid changed out.
 
Navy Guy

Messages Page 293 of 335

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