4744 messages,
Last post on Apr 25, 2013 at 10:12 AM
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Volkswagen Jetta Forum.
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Volkswagen Jetta, Biodiesel, Diesel, Sedan
#4717 of 4744 Re: Bad fuel gives me the Shudders [bpeebles]
by longo2
Nov 10, 2012 (2:29 pm)
"The pulley coming off the alternator is VERY COMMON"
That I didn't know!
From what I have now learned about it from checking this forum and others,
seems it's a "wear item" along with the serp' belt and tensioner that VW doesn't mention.
I now wonder, if for some strange reason...this worn out pulley acting up is the cause of my "shuddering" issues between 2000 and 2400 RPM. If it is causing a sudden alternator load on the engine when starting to pull up a grade on CC, then a different qualities of fuel, might..might, be able to create the shuddering effect.
It's a long shot, but so far the alternator clutch pulley is the only suspect I have.
#4718 of 4744 Re: Bad fuel gives me the Shudders [longo2]
by bpeebles
Nov 10, 2012 (8:33 pm)
It is EXTREMELY unlikely that an alternator pulley could fail in any way that you would feel it in the way the vehicle drives. I am confident you could cross "alternator pulley" off of your list of possible culprits. (or move it wayyy to the bottom of suspects.)
A for being a "wear item", this is simply a point of view. Eventually ALL machines will wear out. Using this logic... Your entire vehicle is a "wear item" too.
Another example- The Timing Belt has a specific replacement interval in miles. However...at the same time EVERY moving component that touches the TB is susceptible to wear and should be replaced at the same time the TB is replaced. These other components are not specifically mentioned in the TB replacement interval... but if you do not replace them, you are ASKING for failure before the next scheduled TB replacement. (Pullies, tensioner, bearings,waterpump, seals....etc.)
In other words -- the waterpump will NOT last as long as 2 Timing-Belts.... so it makes sense to replace the waterpump when the engine is torn apart to replace the Timing Belt. ( Because the TB needs to be removed to replace the waterpump) Most of the cost of TB replacement is LABOR...not parts. Would you want to pay for the same labor AGAIN before the next TB replacement? (along with the associated inconvenience of unexpected downtime)
Nov 19, 2012 (10:56 am)
I had a check engine light come on last week...
It was a throtle body that needed replacement this time, about $600. I had a pressure sensor go in May ($200) and a door lock mechanism ($400) go about a year ago. I'm considering trading in my '09 Jetta TDI sedan since it only has 77K miles and I've already had to shell out $1,200 in repairs. Not to mention that the 80K mile ($400) DSG fluid change is due soon.
#4720 of 4744 Re: Another Repair [rrollntdi]
by bpeebles
Nov 19, 2012 (7:06 pm)
I am curious - how can a "throttlebody" go bad? It is simply a ventrui in which a butterfly valve moves.
Fo rthat matter - What kind of "pressure sensor" costs $200?
It sounds to me you need to consider changing your MECHANIC.... not your vehicle.
Oh- I agree with you about the cost of maintaining the DSG xmission... this is one reason I always drive a manual xmission. In over a million miles of driving, I have never EVER had any xmission problems. (all the way back to 1979 VW Scirocco)
It seems silly to pay MORE for a fancy xmission and also have to pay MORE to maintain it.
#4721 of 4744 Re: Another Repair [rrollntdi]
by longo2
Nov 19, 2012 (9:00 pm)
Had my DSG fluid and filter changed at 40,000 miles and again at 80,000 the service writer almost hugged me saying hardly anyone ever does it and then can't understand it when a DSG replacement costs over $4,000 and VW gives them the bill.
Last change of fluid/filter cost $270.00 at the dealership, not cheap by any means, but a much better deal than a new DSG.
I think VW originally thought the DSG option could be sold to customers by claiming it was a 'lifetime fluid' set up. Same mistake of a lot of other new cars being sold these days with automatics.
One thing I know for sure, no a/t is "lifetime"...they produce iron filings, brass cuttings, melted plastic, rubber, aluminum shards, and fiberous clutch debris that when all combined is a circulating liquid sandpaper going through the tranny.
Then there is the natural breakdown of the fluid itself....through heat and pressure, it's like a baby, and needs to be changed often and for the same reason.
#4722 of 4744 Re: Another Repair [longo2]
by gagrice
Nov 19, 2012 (9:24 pm)
Good analysis. I see it as similar to oil changes on the engine. If you change every 10,000 miles as suggested it is about $50 or more. So after 40,000 miles you have spent $200. On my Toyota they recommend changing every 3000 miles. I used Toyota the first time and they charged $53 for dino oil cheap grade. Since then I use MobilOne and it is less than $50 every 5000 miles. Still about $400 every 40,000 miles. Insurance and evidence if something does happen.
#4723 of 4744 Re: Another Repair [bpeebles]
by elias
Nov 22, 2012 (6:01 pm)
iirc, the throttle bodies get clogged with carbon on the TDIs - gotta be replaced or have labor-intensive cleaning-process done.
#4724 of 4744 Intake Manifold clogging due to EGR
by bpeebles
Nov 23, 2012 (6:24 am)
It is not the "throttle body" that gets clogged with carbon... it is the INTAKE MANIFOLD (IM). There are places which offer a "swap" wheras they send you a 'cleaned' IM and you send them your clogged one. This greatly reduces the cost/time to correct this situation.
However, A simple change to the EGR settings thru the onboard computer can greatly limit this clogging. Also, with TDI, one *must* use FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION at least one time per tankful to keep the carbon-buildup cleaned out.
If you think having the IM cleaned out is expensive, try replacing a carbon-clogged turbocharger (over $1500 just for the part!!) It is far cheaper to blow the carbon out of the turbocharger with the throttle-pedal once in a while.
My TDI is over 150,000 miles and no clogging.... This is testament that I am doing something right.
#4725 of 4744 Re: Another Repair [longo2]
by fho2008
Nov 23, 2012 (10:56 pm)
I'll have to look at my records but is the DSG fluid/filter change part of the 40K service? I had the 40K done at the dealer, long weekend with relatives but I can look up exactly what was done later on.
#4726 of 4744 Re: Another Repair [fho2008]
by longo2
Nov 23, 2012 (11:44 pm)
The DSG fluid is expected to be changed every 40,000 miles on my 2006 TDI BRM engine, don't know what you drive but my other vehicle is a 2003 Honda Odyssey, notorious for transmission trouble.
AS a result of all the grief that comes with the Honda's I am paranoid about any transmission that has fluids and filters so on this service with the VW I just, do it. To make things interesting for the DIY'er out there, the VW fluid change is particulaly complicated. The Honda just gets a drain and fill every second motor oil change, takes about 10 min.
The VW fluid change on the other hand is a total PIA.