Fix your Passat misfire.
[ Posted by Dan on September 22, 2002 | 220 Comments ]
We interrupt this blog to bring you the method for fixing a misfire in the 1996 Volkswagen Passat. Little did I know when I bought said car that annoying, expensive and consistent problems would arise. Finding explanations and fixes for the problems I've had have come few and far between.
In an effort to Google bomb this explanation for fixing the misfire in the 1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX VR6, I am posting this blog entry, complete with keywords, such as...
- Volkswagen
- Passat
- GLX VR6
- ignition coil
- coil pack
- misfire
- misfiring
- engine sputtering
- $350 part
- repair costs
- outrageous labor costs
- do it yourself
- $3 epoxy
- i hate my car
- thank god i live only 4 miles from work
It took me several hours to find this article about the coil pack. Hopefully other unfortunate 1996 Passat owners will now find it more easily. Also, I recently found a nother relevant page about fixing your coil pack with epoxy. This page has more discussion on the suggestions made at the guide linked above.
Please post a comment below if this information has been useful to you. Also, if anyone is interested, I have the old cracked coil pack left over from my recent repairs. If anyone would like to buy it, just make me an offer (I mean, someone might want it, right?).
[edited Oct 3, 2002]
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The putative ignition coil problem turned out to be a faulty purge valve. The dealer was prepared tp outfit me with a rental, as the service manager explaned that ignition coil replacements are taking awhile to show up. I found the Service department at Minuteman VW in Bedford, MA (near Lexington and Concord) to be courteous, and very professional--which was the really good since I wound up having to take the day off from work. The Service manager, incidentally, initially suspected the ignition coils; he seemed genuinely relieved to show me the small plastic part cause the problem. Overall: good experience today at the Service department. Still, the reliability issue concerns me. When was the last time you heard of a brand new Honda or Toyota with 2K miles start showing the "check Engine" logo? I have owned two Accords and each car was extremely reliable. I have owned a 1972 Squareback Sedan--VW, a 1980 VW Rabbitt, and both were very problematic. My step-father in the 1960's drove around in a Beetle, but I don't know how reliable that tin can was. It will be a hard sell to convinve myself, now, that VW builds cars as reliable as say, Honda, or Toyota. If I lost my cool with my previous post, i apologize, but I really was not expecting car problems WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT IS COSTING ABOUT ME $365/month!!
-Posted by Keith R. Bond on January 7, 2003 07:03 PM
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I understand perfectly Alison's concerns. My two boys are a little older now, 5 1/2 and 4 1/2 years, but driving a car with a baby inside, during winter, with reliability issues of the VW Passat, can't leave one with warm and fuzzy feelings. Keep your cell phone charged, if you have this device; if not, consider obtaining a cell phone, emergency flares, keep a blanket in the car, and bottled water, and Cheerios, or something the baby enjoys eating. Heaven forbid that these measures ever have to be put into play.
-Posted by Keith R. Bond on January 11, 2003 11:44 AM
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Ditto, ditto, ditto...I have a 2002 Passat GLS wagon,and I've had 3 coils replaced - the only way to bump up the turnaround time at the shop/dealer is to threaten VW-America with the lemon law or a lawsuit. I loved this car, and that's no exaggeration. I loved the feel, the zippy driving experience and size...until it was back at the dealer for over a month in November. I just picked it up from the dealer today after coil #3 went bad on Monday. My attorney is getting the papers together for the lemon law filing. I'm so heartbroken, but I bought the car for it's reliability, and it doesn't have any...and let's not even get into the dismal "customer care representatives" you get on the phone. Just one hint, VW: do not ever, EVER say "I understand" to an irate woman who has not seen her car in over a month. You can bet that if I was late with a payment for over a month, they wouldn't "understand..."
-Posted by Paula on January 30, 2003 02:30 PM
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I have a 2000 Passat 4motion with everything you can get - I think it was the most expensive VW ever - and maybe the worst! At 17K, the fuel sending units (which were recalled - although nobody sent anything about that) malfunctioned and the fuel guage was displaying erroneous readings. My wife ran out of gas on the I-95, and but for the grace of God, made it off the road safely. 3 weeks later the FSU's showed up, and the shop that put them in wouldn't pick up the rental car bill without a fight. So, I gave them a fight they won't soon forget. Because I worked in Germany for a large bank for several years, I have 2 friends fairly senior in VW headquarters. I got the names, dates and details of every conversation I had with the dealer repair staff and with Michigans "Customer Care" drones. Then I fired off letters via Fedex to the 2 of the SVP's of Marketing, the President of VW America, and to the President of the dealership. That woke up some of the dealership staff, to the point where I was taking calls of apology from 2 of the jerks that had been abrasive in the outset of the whole event. My point is this - they are producing a recooked Audi that doesnt quite work, and the inability to admit guilt (eg they blamed the FSU problem on lower quality US fuel) is a corporate phenomenon. Oh yeah - also, at 40K, I had to get the wheels realigned, but because the tie rods were corroded, they tried to jam me with a $1,000 replacement bill. I fought that and they agreed to pick up the parts as a "goodwill gesture" Still it cost me 485$ for something that was defective and was recalled in cars that are 6 months older than mine. Crooked staff in the repair shop is almost as bad as lousy engineering. My motto is -Fight them hard enough and you'll get what you should - good luck !
-Posted by John on February 3, 2003 02:31 PM
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Gosh, I guess i was ahead of the curve with my 2001 Golf 1.8T that I purchased in Feb 01. DUring my 14 months of ownership, It spent over 17 days (and 4 separate visits) at the inept dealership while they tried to figure out why my car would sputter at startup, almost stall when coming to stops and idle erratically on cold mornings. They replaced the ECM, reflashed the ECU, changed the MAF--spent thousands of VW warranty dollars. So, the morning I go to get my car, I start it, and the ECU makes a grinding noise and sputters itself to a start. I just started laughing and drove the car home. Unfortunately, I don't think the coilpacks were ever tested; maybe that was my cars problem all along. I completely understand your frustration. I finally traded it in for a 2002 TDI (with no assistance from VWoA) and so far,this car has had 0 problems with 8300 miles. VW's popularity surge over the past two years has really caught dealers pants down. Their undertrained technicians (from what i read don't even have to be VW certified at hire) are incompetent; they're were always calling VW Tech Support for assistance on my 1.8T simply because these cars are computers when all is said and done. I know not everyone can trade their car in and lose a few grand. My advice is to find a competent independent VW shop. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the one just 5 miles from my home. The 1.8T is a fun ride and I still miss mine. It sounds like VW is in the hotseat now and hopefully will overcompensate to win back the favor of current owners and future buyers. Good luck
-Posted by Aaron on February 3, 2003 05:29 PM
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Dale,
I saw your Passat comments.
I also own a 2000 1.8T Passat. I have almost 28k miles and I bought the car in Nov 1999. (What engine code do you have? I have the ATW; there's also the AEB, AUG, and the AWM) In addition, I have had very similar experiences to you:
Twice (within the last 3 months) my car has had these "misfirings" (my car did not stall completely though); ... both happened within 5 min of starting the car. Each time the "problem" went away. I did take the car to the dealership both times and the car was showing a coil pack error. The first time, numbers 2 and 4 showed the error, the second time, number 1 showed the
error. The first time, we agreed to not do anything to the car. The dealership did replace the number 1 coil the second time. The service
manager told me that the coil packs that are failing badly are the ones on the AEB engine. The coil packs on the ATW engine bolt down, the ones on the AEB engine are not bolted down.
Also, twice the secondary air pump has been replaced. I could hear the problems early on, but the first one was just replaced in Nov 2002. The second one was replaced just last month in Jan 2003.
For the "coil pack" and secondary air pump ssues, I have not paid a dime. The only thing that I have paid for (~$65) is to have the clutch switch adjusted.
Just today, I was told by my regular (non-VW dealership) mechanic that the water pump would need to be replaced because it's leaking. I have a call into the VW dealership, but I do not expect this pump to be under warranty.
Thoughts?
- Bill
-Posted by Bill Cimino on February 6, 2003 05:21 PM
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I am one of the unfortunate owners of a 1999 VW Passat. Eversince I bought this car, I have been going through some failure or the other quite consistently, and everytime I take it to the dealer, I end up spending $ 400-500. Problems are various types that range from front brake pads, back brake pads, rotors, coils, wipers, lights, engine parts, etc etc. I had the Engine check light flashing at around 43000 miles, and I was charged $ 480. Now again at 500000 miles I have the same problem. What is even more unfortunate is that I have taken extended warranty for 7 years/100000 miles. So far I could not use that EVEN A SINGLE TIME, because the dealer says that my problems are not covered. Can someone advise whats going on. Thanks, Sam
-Posted by Sam on March 5, 2003 09:59 AM
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AFTER READING ALL OF THIS I WAS VERY CONCERNED TO SAY THE LEAST ABOUT BUYING A PASSAT. I LOVE THE CAR. I DROVE A BMW 3 SERIES, AND THE PASSAT WITH THE ESP HANDLES AS GOOD AS THE BMW. IT HAS THE SAME WARRANTY, AND THE SAME GADGETS THE BMW DOES, FOR AT LEAST 5,000 LESS.
REGARDLESS OF ALL THAT, I STILL WANT A CAR THAT IM NOT GONNA WASTE MY MONEY ON. SO I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN ARIZONA FOR SOME ANSWERS. "IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE DEALERSHIPS NAME EMAIL ME AND I WILL TELL YOU IT." I TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. HE TOLD ME THAT THEY NOW CHECK ALL NEW CARS PRIOR TO THEM BEING SOLD TO A CUSTOMER FOR FAULTY COIL PARTS. HE SAID THAT ONLY CERTAIN ENGINE TYPES ARE EFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT. BY READING HERE WHAT EVERY ONE HAS SAID, I AM TENDING TO AGREE WITH HIM.
THE 2 ENGINE TYPES ARE THE 1.8 AND THE VR6 ENGINES. THEY USES THE SAME TYPE OF COILS. THE V6 ENGINES AND THE W8 PASSAT USE DIFFERENT PARTS AND ARE NOT EFFECTED. I FEEL A LITTLE CONCERNED STILL ABOUT THIS CAR, AND WHAT I HAVE READ HERE, BUT HE ALSO ASSURED ME THAT THEY NOW REPLACE ALL COILS IF 1 GOES OUT. HE SAID VW NOW HAS LISTENED TO ALL THE COMPLAINTS, AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE GLAD THEY CAN NOW TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMERS LIKE THEY WANTED TO FROM THE BEGING. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL WITH YOUR PROBLEMS, AND I WILL STILL BE BUYING MY NEW V6 PASSAT.
P.S. DON'T BUY A CHEVY MALIBU. MINE HAS HAD THE ROTARS TURNED 3 TIMES, AND 1 OF THEM REPLACED. IT ALSO HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AND THE RADIATOR SEALS HAVE LEAKED. LUCKLY THIS WAS ALL COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, AND THATS MY 2 CENTS.
-Posted by FUTURE BUYER on March 12, 2003 06:49 PM
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Anybody have experience with repairing a Secondary Air Pump?
At 70k miles, my 1997 Passat VR6 starts acting up:
I have my car in the third time in three weeks for an
error code "411: Insufficient secondary air flow"
1st: Shop replaced oxygen sensor ($500)
2nd: Dealer replaced combi valve ($800)
3rd Same dealer wants to replace the entire secondary air pump ($850)
They say the pump overheats after a while of 20 min running in idle
and shuts down intermittently.
When you have no patience, you will never find the problem!
I realized the check engine light first to come on after hitting
a deep puddle with possibly lots of water near the air intake.
Overheating sounds like a root cause somewhere else
and continuously replacing the pump cannot be the right thing for me!
Does anybody have a clue on how they overheat ?
Can they be repaired ?
I'd appreciate your input!
Christian
-Posted by Christian on March 20, 2003 04:22 PM
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(Please see February 10, posting above) I had the fifth (Yes, that's 5!) secondary air pump replaced yesterday. This is since June, 2002! I'm sort of lucky because I got the first one covered under the 50K warranty and each of the replacements have been under the 12 month warranty on replacements. I've also gotten a free loaner car the last several times (because I complain and ask for one)
The dealer says that 3 out of the five times there was water in the pump (from puddles?) which may have frozen (cold winter north of Boston) and burned out the motor.
The initial time was last June - the pump started making noise for several days in the a.m., then just failed.
The fourth time it failed was within 24 hours of being replace the third time. They then found the output pipe to the catalytic convertor was blocked and replaced that pipe.
Yesterday, they replaced two pipes and the secondary air hose, although they could find nothing wrong with them, and replaced the pump again.
The pump on my car is located high on the passenger side of the engine compartment and the intake is near the rear top of the engine. No water should be getting up there!
ANYBODY HAVE ANSWERS.
Thanks to the 3 people who have responded so far.
-Posted by Bruce Aspeslagh on March 20, 2003 05:29 PM
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I also have the VW Passat (2000 1.8T ATW model, 53K miles) with the perpetual Always-On “Check Engine” light (maybe that should be “Chuck the Engine” light). Last December, it went on and since then the Secondary air pumps been cleaned of water twice. A new pump was installed (along with its hoses, a valve cover gasket, vacuum lines, combi valve). Since then it’s been drained of water once, the fuel filter replaced and more vacuum hoses. And after the last repair yesterday it took a whopping 15 miles of driving before the light went on again. My guess is that the pump has water in it again.
My independent repair shop called the dealer and they said they have no idea why the pump is filling with water. (That’s no surprise as when the dealer fixed it the first time, they called to ask if I had been driving through any standing water “like a creek or pond or something”) The dealer said they just keep cleaning the pumps out. My repair shop noticed that the water is extremely clean, like it’s condensing from somewhere, and isn’t grimy like it’s been sucked in from the outside.
I’d appreciate any input anyone could give me about potential causes/repairs and tips regarding Indiana Lemon Laws or dealing with VW about getting this fixed.
Thanks.
-Posted by Rob on March 26, 2003 08:53 AM
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This seems like the only spot I've seen for Passat service issues, so here's my tale of woe.
99 Passat GLS. Had it in for service countless times in the first two years I owned it, everything was covered under warranty so I didn't care (except for all of the lost time). One of the last things I had them look at was a squeaking noise coming from the front drivers side. sounds like a brake squeak, but is constant. Just driving along and the car is squeaking. They looked at it three times, convinced me to replace the front brakes ($550), eventually said that there was nothing they could do about it. So I've been living with the squeak ever since (1.5 yrs since it was last in) and it's maddening. Now, right at the 4 year mark, I have to replace the rear breaks ($550 at dealer, $300 at local import service shop) and have something like "cam spreaders" replaced under the powertrain warranty ($650 if not under warranty, however). Two days ago the transmission (tiptronic) started flaking out. On the dash all of the gears are highlighted, the car won't shift into 5th, and when coming to a stop it nearly dies before deciding to shift really hard into 1st. Can't wait to see what this is going to cost me. Oh, and by 45,000 miles all four tires were worn to the belt, had to replace those. Conversely, I have a '97 Saturn I use as a commuter (Chicago). I treat this car like crap - hard acceleration, hard braking, high speeds, oil changes when I think of it - yet have only had it in for service twice, costing me a total of $400 in six years. Even has the original tires (85,000 miles and they have decent, although sketchy, tread still)
The moral, to all who care, is stay away from VW. I loved this car despite it's failings in the first few years, and have tried hard to convince myself since that it's still a good car. But I can't deny it anymore, I was taken.
-Posted by David on April 8, 2003 01:00 PM
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Gosh, I love my 2000 1.8 Turbo Passat but these repairs are driving me crazy!!
But for the longest time I get these occasional Check Engine lights and Emissions Workshop lights. I bring it in to a VW shop (not dealer) and they do the 30K tune up and change out the spark plugs because they think this is the problem. On my drive home I got the check engine light again. So I call them up and they tell me it could cost hundreds to diagnose.
So I bring it to the dealer where at least if something comes up it will be under warranty and they said the mass air intake sensor was bad costing $450. I promptly called 1800DRIVEVW and complained enough that they covered the cost.
But now the light still occasionally comes on and I also get the hesitant engine. It usually occurs when I am in first or second and when I am pulling out into traffic. I have to readjust my pressure on the clutch and gas and eventually it will start running fine again. But this hesitation is horrible because I can't just zip around anymore safely. Could this be the ignition coils?!
I just brought it in for 40K tuneup and to have them look into a weird high pitched noise I get from a cold start. More than $300 later they had switched out my spark plugs again (when I told them not to) and told me I need a new battery, evaporative air pump (what is that), and outer tie-rod boots. They only did the 40K tune up and at $385 that seems ridiculous!!! And I still have to bring it back in for all the other things! I got them to reimburse me the cost of the spark plugs but come on!!!
I love my Passat but will this ever end?! I want to buy a different car but we have this one paid off, my husband is due for a new car....Arg....
Erica
-Posted by Erica on April 23, 2003 01:56 PM
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1996 Passat TDI, couldn't pay someone to get it out of my hair. My husband bought the TDI for its good fuel economy and it does get fabulous mileage, which is a good thing since that saved money and then some has to go to multiple engine repairs, not to mention the mechanical and electrical failures that constantly arise. We've already replaced two door handles and are facing replacing three more. Currently the only door that opens like it should is the rear passenger door. Thank goodness VW had the presence of mind to add the key/window feature, otherwise we'd be unable to even get into the car. The windows themselves are points of failure as well. They usually don't mind going down, but often refuse to go back up without some combination of turning off the ignition, opening and then slamming the offending door, and random furious clicking of the button. So even though the engine issues are bad, I'm more shocked about having two door handles come off in my hand in a month, and I'm a tiny person! Has anyone else had door issues? I might add that even though the door handle on the front passenger side is just fine, the door only opens from the inside due to the broken outer release mechanism.
-Posted by tangentgirl on April 30, 2003 12:41 PM
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My 2002 VW Passat has had 2 coils replaced, one oil spring and one entire new engine.
It currently is in the shop (has been for 14 days in the last month) and they now have told me I might need ANOTHER new engine.
Could take another 30 days!!!
My stop engine light comes on at high rates of speed (70 mph) on long trips (longer than 2 hours).
I, too, seem to break down in rural areas or the middle of the night.
The dealership has not provided me with a rental AND when I asked VW about a buyback they said no!
Any advice???
-Posted by Susan Nadolski on May 19, 2003 07:35 PM
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Hi Everyone -
I know I'm going to sound like a complete novice here - and maybe I missed it somewhere in the postings - but what exactly are the symptoms of the "coil" problems I keep seeing?
In Feb. 2002, I bought a 2002 VW Passat GLX 6cyl. Up until the past couple of months, I've enjoyed the car very much - it's been a pleasure to drive. However, recently it seems that the car is 'hesitating' and then lurching into gear when I press the gas pedal. I thought maybe it was because I'd used midgrade gas a couple of times (I know, I know, Premium is what the manual says - I was trying to get by with what would work). Anyway, I'm now wondering if this is a bigger problem. I just turned over 20,000 miles on this car, & it's time for service - So I want to be armed with information when I go in - which unfortunately is sometimes difficult when you're a woman. ANY ideas about this would be SO MUCH appreciated!
On another note, I have had to have both of my low beam headlights replaced before the car was a year old. It seems that it tends to happen when we have very cold weather/snow. I asked the VW mechanic about this - e.g. "Is this normal?" and his response was that VW's so 'focused on saftey' and that this particular type of light 'burns more intensely' than normal lights, plus it's smaller, etc. Whatever.
Thank you everyone :-)
Amy
-Posted by Amy in North Carolina on May 23, 2003 02:36 PM
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New info from VW!
I loved my 2001.5 1.8T Passat . . . until two days ago when it misfired. I've had no problems up until now and only have 16,000 miles on it.
I used the VW Roadside Assistance & had it towed to the nearest VW service station for free. My dealer verified that indeed, it was one of the coils, and is replacing all of them at no cost. Fortunately, it looks like VW is stepping up and agreeing to replace ALL coils at no cost. They are also offering free alternative transportation.
From the VW web page: http://www.vw.com//VwSFB/index#
(Under "Contact VW"):
"Q: What is the latest development on ignition coils?
A: In a customer service action, Volkswagen of America is now replacing all ignition coils in 2001 and 2002 model year cars equipped with 1.8 liter engines, including the Volkswagen Golf, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle and Passat; 2001 and 2002 model year Jetta and EuroVan models with VR6 engines; and some 2001 and 2002 Passats with W8 engines.
To best serve the most affected customers, we designed a staggered approach. Customer letters will be sent in "waves" beginning in early June and continuing through December. These waves will be made up of a combination of customers throughout the United States and Canada with an initial concentration of customers driving vehicles that have experienced the higher failure rates. "
Hope this info helps!
-Posted by Kathryn on June 9, 2003 01:52 PM
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Hi everyone,
I just wanted to post some information that I got from Consumer Reports:
Volkswagen, Audi recall
Problem:
Some 530,000 2001 to early 2003 Volkswagen and Audis have been recalled because of potentially defective ignition coils that could lead to a partial loss of engine power, according to the automakers.
Through dealer service reports, the automakers noticed that the coils in the suspect vehicles were failing
at a higher-than-normal rate. If a coil fails, the "check-engine" light will blink and the car's performance may become rough, possibly to the point of losing some power. Neither Volkswagen nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consider the coil failure to be a safety issue. VW says that roadside assistance is available for anyone who does not feel comfortable driving with a car that has a failed ignition coil.
Products:
The recall includes the Audi TT and A4, Volkswagen Golf/GTI, Jetta, New Beetle, and Passat--all with 1.8-liter engines. The recall also extends to the Passat with W8 engine, all Volkswagens with the 2.8-liter VR6, and all cars with an Audi 3.0-liter V6. The 2.8-liter V6 Passat is not affected by this recall. The majority of affected vehicles are 2001 and 2002 models. Only about 36,000 2003 vehicles are involved.
What to do:
Letters went out to consumers at the end of January 2003 notifying them of the problem, Volkswagen spokesman Steve Keyes said. Car owners should make an appointment with their dealer. At present,
VW is giving priority to those who have had an ignition-coil failure: broken coils will be replaced immediately. If the car has suffered a second failure, all the coils will be replaced. By March 2003, VW expects to be able to replace all ignition coils on a car if only one has failed.
In order to minimize inconvenience, Volkswagen and Audi dealers will offer alternative transportation at no cost while repairs are made, the company says.
For more information call Volkswagen at 800-822-8987 or Audi at 800-822-2834.
I read in a recent (I believe it was May) Consumer Reports issue updating this story that many consumers were having problems getting an appropriate response because this is considered a "service action" or "service bulletin" (as Kathryn noted above) NOT a recall.
Anyway, I called about mine - both VW USA & my local dealership, and both verified that my particular model is not affected by this recall --- ooops! SERVICE BULLETIN. I don't know how "The 2.8-liter V6 Passat is not affected by this recall" but I guess I got lucky this time. My car is still acting a little peculiar, so I'm not sure what's up with it.
Anyway, just make sure when you call the dealership, you use the phrase "service action" or "service bulletin" - - trust me, it will save you a lot of headaches - hopefully.
I hope this helps someone out there.
:-)
Amy
-Posted by Amy in North Carolina on June 14, 2003 07:41 PM
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Canadian (Ontario) experience; Check engine light at 70,000 kilometers. ( approx 44,000 miles). Dealer indicated secondary air injector pump failure; VW paid 50% cost of new pump, Did not offer relief on labour costs. Anywy on way home from dealer Check engine light (Emissions Workshop) came on. Back to dealer (Kanata), got stuck with cost of diagnosis and told that the technician thought that the cause was carbon build up that I should purge engine. Several tanks of gas later no change.
Scheduled fot emissions test for license renewal, should be interesting. If the car fails- will have to see what options exist here in canada.
Anyone with a Canadian experience that applies.
Thanks.
Other vehicles I have with no major failures (wear and tear only)
1983 Mazda 626, just turned over 360,00 kilometers. My Nephew now customizing it to his taste and intends to drive it for a few more years.
1990 MPV 4x4 r over 380,000 km, will probably get some body work done and hang onto it.
-Posted by rob on July 19, 2003 09:07 PM
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While driving my 2001 Passat this weekend, the "check engine oil, STOP DRIVING" message came on. I got out, checked the oil - it was full - called my dealer and asked if this sounded like a severe problem, or had the Passats been having sensor problems. They said they'd had a few sensor problems, but since the car had plenty of oil, just to keep an eye on it.
I drove a few more miles but the light remained on. Since I was over 100+ miles from home, I decided not to chance it & pulled into a rest area. As I was slowing down to park, the car completely died, never to restart again.
The car was towed to VW, who are now saying the crankshaft has seized up and that in order for VW to cover it under the 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty, they need copies of all my previous oil changes/services.
Granted, it's easy to see I was foolish now for not keeping those. However, I do have a copy of my last oil change 1-1/2 months ago. There was oil in the car at the time of this problem. Has anyone else experienced this?? It sounds to me & plenty of my friends like an oil pump problem. I have a feeling I'm in for a long battle. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
-Posted by Kelly on July 22, 2003 02:38 PM
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Hi,
Just thought I would let you Know from The other side of the channel the UK. I own a 1999 Passat 1.8T saloon (sedan), which I purchased in September of 2002, with 134000 Km (81000 miles). To date the Passat has totalled 172000 Km (104000 Miles) without a single problem. Its been fully serviced by main VW dealers until September 2002 and now is looked after by a small independent specialist. No coils have packed up, Never had a headlight replaced. I cannot fault this car and would recommend it to many. As For owning other cars I also own a 1996 Toyota Carina (corona in some markets) and I have had more problems with that than any other car I have owned i.e. misfiring (comes and goes), warped rotors (new ones only last about 6000 miles before warping). Blows headlight/ rear taillight bulbs like no mans business. That is what happens when you let the French Companies do all the electrics for the car instead of the Japanese. So would buy another Toyota or Passat??
LIKES
As good as a BMW or a Mercedes costing £1000’s less.
Quick for a family car.
Looks good without attracting too much unwanted attention.
DISLIKES
Radio reception on Fm is Brilliant, But terrible on Am. (That is the downside of having a bee sting Arial)
Does love the Juice averages (UK) 22mpg city and 33- 37 Motorway. Remember that petrol is 0.75p/Litre and will be going from next month so it works out to be very expensive. But it’s comparable to other cars of similar performance.
Uses half litre oil between services.
The insurance is expensive.
NOW THERE IS ARUMOUR GOING AROUND IN THE TRADE IN THE UK THAT THE REASON FOR THE COIL PACK FAILURES WAS THAT VW GERMANY DECIDED TO OUTSOURSE THERE MANUFACTURING OF COIL PACKS TO A TUNISIAN COMPANY AND THAT IS THE REASON FOR THERE FAILURE AS THE QUALIY OF THE PRODUCT WAS NOT 100%.
NOTE THAT THE ORIGINAL COILPACKS OF THE EARY VW/AUDIS COST £50/£60 EACH ON AVERAGE, WHERE AS THESE LATER ONES WERE ONLY COSTING £12/£15 EACH IN THE UK. SO CHECK THE MAKE OF COUNTRY BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY COILS FITTED.
-Posted by Sajad Khan on September 26, 2003 02:19 AM
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I have a 2002 1.8L auto Passat. Coil nightmares like everyone else posted here (5 1/2 weeks I was in a rental the first time, after only having driven my brand new Passat for three moths -- all the whil still making my payments....), rattles from everywhere, stereo keeps coming loose from its bracket and not working, and you cannot lcok the doors with the driver's side lock switch, making me feel very vulnerable in dark parking lots....
Three weeks ago, my STOP BRAKE FAULT light started coming on intermittently, but VW says not to worry and just continue driving it until they can fit me in (which would have FINALLY been five days from now)
Yesterday, while driving home from work, I realized I was spewing white exhaust from my tailpipe, so I pulled over and parked it. Took 4 1/2 hours for tow truck to come via Roadside Assistance, and driver tells me sounds like I blew my head gasket.
I don't know much about cars, but I know a head gasket is serious business. How does this happen, and do you think VW will cover it under my warranty (I have 1k left on it).
I ask because VW is closed until Monday (it's Sat nite) and I am biting my nails thinking about the fight I am probably going to have to put up to get any kind of service whatsoever....
Like everyone else, I love VWs, but can't justify buying them anymore. On top of evrything else, I'm sick of the comments from friends and co-workers who warned me about buying one ie "I told you so" I feel like a sucker.
-Posted by Jenny on January 10, 2004 09:36 PM
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Ok, I purchased a 2002 Passat in August 2001. By June 2003 the ignation coil and other serious (engine light) problems began. After 10 days in two dealers the supposedly fixed teh problem.
Nov 2003. Driving down the highway the engine loses power, breaks, steering as the ignition light flickers on solid. off... off. on solid. By the grace of god i was near an exit ramp which blessedly has a VW dealer at the bottom.
After 50 days in the dealership, three weeks of persistent calls to VW "Costumer Care "Advocates". The care is still not operatinal.
Sent a lemon law letter to
VW Customer Care
Dawn Dameron
3499 West Hamlin Raod
Rochester HIlls , MI 48309
(248) 754-3000
Still have not heard back from Ms. Dameron after one letter and two calls.
Does anyone know of an ongoing class action lawsuit against VW?
Does anyone want to participate in a class action lawsuit?
Does anyone know an exceptional lemon law attorney in NJ?
-Posted by Jersey Dude on January 13, 2004 02:20 PM
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I have been reading all of the posts and I wish I would have known this before I bought my Certified Piece of a 2000 Beetle. I bought my car 5 months ago after,I was hit by a drunk driver. I had a 92 honda that never gave me any problems and it had 140k miles. My Beetle has had 18 different repairs since the day I bought it. It qualified under Texas lemon law with the previous owner. But because of the way that Volkswagon reports the warentied repairs it didn't show up for the dealer I bought it from. I have had, brake problems, hesitation, broken sun roof, fuel door, blinkers, oil leak, new battery( after a week) plus other repairs. I feel for everyone on here. I got a lawyer and I received a settlement letter 2 days ago for a measley $1000. Drivers Wanted? They treat their customers like you know what! I will never buy another Volkswagon. If you are looking at buying a Certified Used Car, DON"T! I thought that I would be fine, its certified! I drove the car off of the lot with problems and did not know it, it finished inspection the day before I bought it! I thought that my car didn't have a light in the trunk for 4 months, till it turned on one night! If anyone has any advice or problems with their New Beetle please let me know! Mine has the heated seats, does anyone have any info about the seat catching on fire? I read someone's post from a while back that had a problem with that. Should I worry?
-Posted by Anderson Pool on January 19, 2004 06:04 PM
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