My A/C stopped working this weekend... seems that the A/C relay had an
intermittent short. The mechanic says that he's seen this a few times on the
engine control system, but not on the A/C (until today).
I saw a few Passat TDIs on the highway this weekend; still no Jetta TDIs. And
the (gas) Passat wagons are available now :-)
tg.
> Perhaps that's why I got such a good deal
($16,000). See my previous post for more details on the price I paid. Perhaps
interested buyers may find it worth the trip to MA to buy a TDI Scott A. Farrell
98 Jetta TDI w/1600mi
02/21/98 03:39:41
| Name: Tom Poe |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Haw River |
Province/State: NC |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 96 TDI Passat |
Comments:
I've had my TDI Passat for almost two years and it's a great car. Only one
real problem that started about six months after I got the car and I still
haven't gotten it totally fixed. It started with the smoking problem. I had to
wait about six months f r the back ordered computer to come in. When I finally
got the smoking fix installed the check engine light started coming on
immediately after the new computer was installed. The dealership was completely
CLUELESS about the cause of the engine check li ht coming on. They're fix was to
install another computer that took another four months to get it shipped to the
dealer. When this new computer was installed, things went from bad to worst. Now
not only does the check engine light come on, but the Glo lug light comes on and
blinks continueously! If the check engine light wasn't bad enough, now I got
another light that is blinking. With the first and second computer, acceleration
at speed was great, now with the third computer the car's got no power. On a
couple hills on the interstate highway, the car can't hold it's speed. I've got
an appointment at the dealership this coming Monday. They claim that a
temperature sensor has failed and the computer thinks that the engine is too
hot. We'll see...frankly I think my dealership is way over their head with this
car's technology If any one has any suggestions, I would appreciate if you would
forward them to me. I'd love to get this problem fixed once and for all. Tom
02/21/98 02:00:31
| Name: Ron |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email
Me |
Province/State: MD |
| Country: USA |
Your VW/Audi: 86 Golf
Diesel |
Comments:
Great Web page! Anyone know
about good injector cleaner fuel additives, if necessary, how often, etc? My
Golf has 145K miles on it and gets 45+ mpg driving thru the potholed streets of
DC. Thanx for any info you may be able to provide.
02/20/98 00:40:33
Comments:
TDI
turbo recall VW - TK code - campain
It has come to my attention that VW has
found a problem with the turbo supplied for the 96 TDi motors in certain cars
sold the US of A. The problem is that the turbo can loose oil to the bearing
when the engine is cold or at startup and boost is applied by overreving the
motor.
This would cause a pre mature failure in the seal or bearing. Or it
would cause smoking at best and excessive oil consumption at worst. The
manufacture of the problem turbo is KKK they (VW)are replacing these with Garret
turbos.
The VW recall campaign is under a code TK - you can call VOA to see
if you car needs the recall - the 800 # is 800 822 8987 as usual the VW of A
clerk couldn't tell me what the code or recall campaign TK was for - that I
gathered from the service manager at Bob Lewis VW in San Jose.
So know you
know..
JEA
02/19/98 14:13:14
| Name: Philip Rose |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: South Easton |
Province/State: Massachusetts |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
A friend of mine urged that I
go test drive a new Jetta TDI. Great advice!! Thanks Keith! This is my first VW
and my first Diesel! I love it! I think the motor is definitely the best part of
the car. I drove the gas version after the diesel and thought th diesel was
quieter and had better power charecteristics. I hope to own and enjoy this car
for many years to come. Intial mileage has ben in the mid 40's!!
02/18/98 01:30:09
| Name: Fred Voglmaier |
My URL: Visit
Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Maple Ridge |
Province/State: BC |
Country: Canada |
| Your VW/Audi: '96 Golf GL |
Comments:
Anyone have some time, even a little bit...Looking for someone to put some
of the common TDI questions into a little mini-faq.... If so email me.
Thanks
Fred
BTW if any of you want to format your messages you can put html codes in the
message.. ie < B R > without the spaces gives you a cartage return or
enter...
13:17:53
| Name: Nathan Tennant |
My URL: Visit Me |
| City: Stratham |
Province/State: NH |
| Country: USA |
Your VW/Audi: 1996 VW
Passat |
Comments:
Here are some comments from
that VW site that Brian mentioned. It looks like the TDI demand in Europe is
hurting us in the U.S.A. (and Canada).
Where do you see Volkswagen five years from
now?
Through the year 2000 you're going to see growth through Volkswagen from
about 20%-25%, so I think if you did the mathematics based on selling 138,000
cars in 1997, we are projecting to sell over 200,000 units, both VW and Audi in
U.S. and Canada. You can see that we have some pretty big expectations the next
few years. Obviously we think we have a strong new product lineup. The new
Passat is a really strong product for us. There is a lot of momentum in that
product both in the dealerships and in the sales numbers. As far as the momentum
is concerned, we're on our way to establishing ourselves as a really significant
player in the import car market.
Does VW see itself as competing with Mercedes here in
the U.S. as well?
Absolutely. I think where Volkswagen is headed is upscale. That they
recognize that there are people out there that do drive a Volkswagen like the
new Passat and say, "Hum. Why should I look at a Mercedes C-class. What
distinguishes that car from this car?" People that want a little bit more value
perhaps. People that aren't looking for the pretense of a luxury name plate and
I think really make a more cerebral choice about the car they are driving. So I
think, you can see that.
With the restructuring of VWoA, how is that going to
affect the dealer level?
If you look at the way the company is structured, and we made this change in
1994, we flatten the organization. Which is a harsh way of saying that we
decided to take the executive level people and put them closer to the customer,
closer to the dealers. So right now your looking at what we call seven Area
Executives around the U.S. and Canada, and they are empowered to make executive
level decisions that go beyond just region manager. They have discretionary
funds, they have the ability to help the customer out from a customer relations
standpoint, to do things that a typical region manager would not have been able
to do in a typical hierarchical, beaurocratic structure. So I think that's very
important. I think that has helped out our very loyal dealers. Right now were
not looking necessarily to expand our dealer buy. It's possible that we will
look at certain points with franchises, but we are not setting a goal to double
our dealers or increase them by 20%. What we're looking for more is quality over
quantity. And so it's very important for us to make sure that the dealers CSI
ratings are good and they devote the space and marketing attention to the
Volkswagen brand. I think a product like the New Beetle and the new Passat, and
the momentum that we've created over the last several years, has gone a long way
in doing that. I think they know that we're serious about the market, if you
surveyed the dealers or the public four years ago, they would have questioned
whether we would have been around today. I don't think anyone would say that
now. Most people now recognize that we're serious about this market.
There seems to be some variations in the level of
customer service, product knowledge and general image at some dealers. Is this
also something VWoA is working to improve?
That's something that we recognize and something that we are working very
hard at bringing to a certain level, so that people don't see those major
differences when they go from one dealership to another. That's why it is very
important for us not to look at just expanding and expanding and creating more
points. Rather to make sure that our relationships with our dealers are such
that they begin to devote more attention and more share of mind to the
Volkswagen brand.
With the obvious success of the New Beetle as a
publicly demanded vehicle, will Volkswagen take this approach more often to
determine future model additions?
As with any major company we do a lot of market research to determine what
our future products are going to be, but the New Beetle was the exception to
that. When they introduced the Concept 1 in Detroit four years ago, if you
polled the company, the majority of the people would have said that we will
never build this vehicle. It's a nice idea. It helped bring a little passion to
the brand by showing it, reminding people of Volkswagen's presence in the market
from the past, but it didn't fit. But the reaction was so overwhelming not only
here in the U.S. but in the rest of the world, they were really forced to build
the car and would have disappointed a lot of people. It's something we think is
very positive for us here in the U.S. But whether or not we're going to show
concept cars and ask the public it we should build it, and one example is the CJ
Coupe. It was important to get public reaction from that, but I can tell you
going in that we had already made up our minds that we are going to enter that
market. Incrementally, from an A-platform perspective, that made sense.
What is Volkswagen's standpoint on the SUV
market?
It's something that we are seriously considering. Whether it is with another
company like Porsche is still undetermined. But, it is a good possibility in the
future that we will have something like that. Whether it is a true SUV or
something unique to Volkswagen remains to be seen.
Along those same lines, what does the future hold for
the Eurovan segment of VW? Will we see a Sharon here in the States?
The plan with the Sharon has always been for Europe only where it is doing
well. So we won't see it here. As far as the Eurovan is concerned, the plan is
to bring another version here other than the Camper and with a VR6, but we are
still months away from that and they will likely be an early 1999 model.
How about the TDI market here in the U.S.? Will we see
more of this technology finding it's way into future models?
The TDI market, as you know, is an impassioned one, a submerged market with
people just sitting out there waiting for the next diesel. The problem with the
TDI is that it is extremely popular in Europe and they can't build enough of
them there, with some of the models accounting for 60% of the sales. It accounts
for less than 4% of our total sales last year and we don't make much on them. It
is currently available in the Jetta and will be available in the Passat probably
as a 1999 model. There are several new TDI motors that Volkswagen feels would be
more suitable for the Passat applications. The TDI is one of my favorite cars.
Why did Volkswagen cancel the TDI motor in the 98
Passat?
Volkswagen felt that particular motor combination (Ed: 90hp TDI) was poorly
suited to the new Passat in this market. This also is based on U.S. sales and
marketing figures and the high European demand that I previously mentioned.
There will be a future Passat TDI model that will feature a new line of TDI
motors probably sometime next model year.
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02/17/98 03:50:08
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
Hey TDI fans, I was browsing around and found a great web-site with some
good TDI gossip. Check out http://www.vwvortex.com/ and go to their news section. According
to these people an expanded line of TDI engines will make it to North America.
But as we all know, what VWoA promises is not always what VWoA delivers. Let's
just say I'll believe it when the cars are on the dealer's lots. That web-site
again: http://www.vwvortex.com/ check it out and keep your fingers
crossed!
02/17/98 01:45:40
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
The fuel filters on our TDIs are not preheated. The fuel picks up heat from
the engine as it is recirculated back from the fuel injectors. Simply put: cold
engine, cold fuel; hot engine, hot fuel. Also, the electric block heaters work
by heating the engin coolant. This will only heat up the block and head. The
fuel system does not get any heat, the fuel pump is mounted too far from the
engine. It has been too warm this winter for anyone anywhere to have fuel jell
problems. Oil usage is normal in a new eng ne but the amounts used varies quite
a bit. My car used no more than a pint during the first 3000 miles. Other people
have stated oil usage as high as a quart per 1000 miles. If the usage is that
high after 5000 miles I would suspect the turbo seal is lea ing by. Expect to
gain 1/2 MPG per 1000 miles until the engine is broke-in, which is around 10,000
miles. My car returned 40 MPG on the first fill-up and topped out at 47 MPG by
10,000 miles. At the auto show I was told there would be Passat wagons this s
mmer with gas engines only. My theory is the TDI engines for the Passats went to
Mexico for New Beetle production.
02/16/98 22:20:52
| Name: C. Peyton |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Lexington |
Province/State: Kentucky |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1997 Jetta
TDi |
Comments:
For those of you with jetta
TDi's looking for performance chips...Automotive performance systems or
"Neuspeed" as it is mostly known, says their chip will be available by (if not
before) summer. I believe they are allready available for the Passat. The jettas
use a new 32 pin chip which might be the reason for the delay. European Car
magazine reviewed a Passat with the Neuspeed chip and CLAIMED it produced a max
of 102 hp at 4000 RPM and 181 lb/ft torque at 2000 RPM. The issue date is
January 97. They were quite vague about milage changes. I am going to get the
chip as soon as it is available, i'll keep you all posted with milage and
performance changes.
02/16/98 02:54:51
| Name: Scott A. Farrell |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Buzzards Bay |
Province/State: MA |
| Country: USA |
Your VW/Audi: '98 Jetta TDI |
Comments:
I haven't seen many comments on glow plugs. Here are my cold weather
observations: This morning it was about 12 degrees out. It took 12 seconds for
the glow plugs to warm up (usually takes 1-2secs) and it idled a LITTLE roughly
for about 5secs. I supp se that was the amount of time it took for the gelled
fuel to get out of the fuel line between the pre-heated fuel filter and the
engine (about 6 inches). After that, all was normal. I suppose Canadians may
have better (colder) stories. :-) Scott ke4wmf@aol.com
02/15/98 17:26:15
| Name: Dave Ryall |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Calgary |
Province/State: Alberta |
Country: Canada |
| Your VW/Audi: '98 Jetta TDI |
Comments:
I've had my TDI for 2 months now and I am very pleased with it. I haven't
been keeping tabs on mileage but I do know it goes a long way between fill-ups.
(Mileage was at the lower end of my priority list when I bought the car.) I am
curious about oil cons mption. I have gone through two litres in 6,000 km. Can
any one tell me if this is normal for the TDI? (I'm thinking there may be a long
break in period.)Also, what is the normal break in period for these motors?.
02/14/98 23:45:19
| Name: John Simick |
My URL: Visit
Me |
| My Email: Email Me |
City: cockeysville |
| Province/State: md |
Country: USA |
Comments:
Sellers of
New Complete TDI engines
02/14/98 23:09:55
| Name: Jeff DeKoter |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Minneapolis |
Province/State: MN |
| Country: USA |
Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
After putting 4400 miles on my
98 Jetta TDI bought last December, the check engine light came on. The dealer is
trying to replace the engine computer on advice from VW. He says that the
computer has to come all the way from Mexico as each computer is buil specific
to each car. What is going on? Is this true?
02/14/98 19:14:13
| Name: Charles Deters |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Mascoutah |
Province/State: Il |
Country: ST.Clair |
| How you found this site:: By
Chance |
Comments:
The information could be
printed in a booklet for the benefit of TDI owners. Information on lubrication,
and repairs, etc. plus certain comments would be a great seller. Thanks for
keeping it alive, Chuck Deters
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02/14/98 01:29:15
| Name: Joel Hembel |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email Me |
City: West Bend |
| Province/State: Wisconsin |
Country: USA |
Comments:
I really
don't think anyone has to be a special person to own a TDI. I have a 96 passat
TDI and have logged 63,000 miles thus far. It is winter here in wisconsin and I
never worry about starting in the cold. My last tank of fuel took me over 905
miles, t ats in excess of 47 mpg. Not bad for winter driving (mixed city and
highway). Love the power and effortless cruising up hills and highway speeding.
TDIs are not for those who like to visit the gas station. I've owned many VW
diesels and this one is the b st yet. I can guarantee my next is a VW TDI too!
Sold on 900 plus miles per tank, VW relaibility and spunky power to peel rubber!
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02/13/98 21:35:10
| Name: Howard |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Sterling |
Province/State: Va |
Country: USA |
| How you found this site:: Searching under
TDI |
Comments:
Wanted a new Passat TDI in
1997. Settled on a Nissan. Was concerned about the Passat's dependability. It
appears there are problems with the TDIs. German cars are great to drive, but it
seems it helps to be an auto mechanic(or married to one) or you wi l be facing
expensive repair bills. Still hope to own a TDI someday when they get the bugs
out.
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02/13/98 20:16:20
| Name: Scott A. Farrell |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Buzzards Bay |
Province/State: MA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 VW Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
Hi, I just picked up my TDI on
Jan 31st. I love it! I was lucky enough to trip over this site while using Lycos
search strings. I didn't think there was ANYTHING out here about TDI's. I'm very
pleased to have found this. Great Site!! I have two thi gs to post... a
question, and an answer: Q: One of my concerns about making sure my TDI lasts is
proper lubrication. A friend (who's paranoid, BTW) tells me not to believe the
owner's manual about oil choice, maintenance intervals, and whether to warm up
the car (manual says start and drive aw y... no warm-up). He feels that car
companies do NOT want their cars to last because they'll lose money in the
maintenance arena. Therefore, they recommend no warm-ups and thinner oil for
less protection. I'm not sure I agree. But I do agree that a pr -luber would be
beneficial (esp for the turbo). He warned me that without a pre-luber, the turbo
continues to spin without oil pressure after shutdown... up to 80,000 rpm if you
shut down after blasting into a rest area from 65mph. I saw a post in here
omewhere about a pre-luber, but can't find it. Can anyone help me out? Further
opinions on this topic are greatly appreciated. A: Someone posted that the
dealers are not bargaining very much with customers because of the demand for
TDI's. This person also requested some pricing info. Here's what I paid for
mine: TDI with Destination Fee, A/C, Premium Sound, Classic Green Metallic
Paint, MA Emissions, and $200 Dealer Prep retailed for $18,090. Invoice for this
car is $16,646 (according to www.edmunds.com) including Dealer Prep. I paid
$16,600 for mine and the de ler added a 4-piece set of floor mats and gave me
7.5% financing (without back-end profit... I calculated). I intend to add the CD
player (undecided on OEM or aftermarket... I have Sony in the other car), and
splash guards to protect the paint from tar a d grime. I'm looking forward to
years of enjoyment out of this car. I may even buy another TDI in five years to
replace my aging Nissan. Keep up the great Forum here!!! Scott A. Farrell
ke4wmf@aol.com
02/13/98 09:04:12
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
The March issue of Car & Driver magazine has a good story about two of
the magazines nutcase editors and a Jetta TDI. They put a 70 gallon fuel cell in
the trunk and drove from New York to San Francisco nonstop. They had themselves
sealed in the car and h d made some interesting alterations to the car to handle
'personal body functions'. I would avoid buying at a slightly used/abused white
Jetta TDI in the New York area.
02/13/98 08:38:28
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
The New Beetle sales info listed an automatic with a TDI. EPA city/highway
mileage numbers are something like 36/44. Dealers should be getting sales info
in now. Regarding the fuel filter info that I posted earlier, only the Passat
has to have the intake duct removed. I think the Jetta has plenty of room around
the fuel filter because the intake duct is different and is not in the way.
Regarding high performance modifications for the TDI, there are only two things
one can do: install a K&N air filter and hot chip. Other than that there is
nothing that can be done to improve the HP. Sometime in the future, maybe
someone will market a low restriction exhaust. You lucky Europeans can buy an
Audi A6 with the 2.5L V6 TDI! Keep the faith TDI fans.
02/13/98 00:13:40
| Name: Eric Upton |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Atlanta |
Province/State: Georgia |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 73 Beetle |
Comments:
Has anyone heard any specs on the TDI New Beetle? I was thinking about
picking one up this summer, but I also want an automatic. I noticed VW doesn't
offer automatics with the Golf/Jetta TDI's and I was wondering if that was
because of acceleration proble s or something else. I thought that the TDI, with
its lower torque peak, would be well suited to an automatic transaxle, but I
have never even driven a diesel, so I don't know. Any suggestions?
02/12/98 13:51:12
| Name: Mike |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Newport |
Province/State: Gwent |
Country: UK |
| Your VW/Audi: Golf GLTDI |
Comments:
I am having problems trying to find if it is possible to improve performance
of my car. As it is the TDI is very good, but seeing TDI performace cars I know
it can be improved. Can anyone shed some light on this.
02/12/98 13:13:02
| Name: Nathan Tennant |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Statham |
Province/State: N.H. |
Country: U.S.A. |
| Your VW/Audi: 1996 Passat
TDI |
Comments:
Regarding Import of TDIS,
Brian is right on the money when he says that TDI engine production is at its
max. From talking with my father in-law in Austria, Engine production in Germany
is maxed, and they are having trouble meeting current TDI demand in Europe.
These engine go in the Golf, Passat, Vento(Jetta), Sharon Van, Audi 4, and Avant
Wagon. So, from what I can decipher, this is the main reason that they did not
advertise the vehicles in the U.S.A. Demand was high enough with out it. It
seems that once they are able to ramp up engine production further, they will
again ush TDIs in the U.S.A. In the mean time the Jetta TDI is still out
there...
02/12/98 07:10:23
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
Checking the fuel filter is easy. The intake hose has to be removed.
Compress the two clamps with some large pliars and move them to the middle of
the hose. The hose is very stiff but it will move. The filter is held to the
strut tower by a metal band. Th band has to be loosened. Use a #3 phillips
screwdriver. I use a #3 phillips socket, $5 at Sears. The return fuel line has
to be removed or the fuel will not drain out. The fuel return line is held on to
the top of the filter by a metal clip. Remove the c ip and slowly pull the
plastic tee off. DO NOT remove the fuel lines from the plastic tee. Some fuel
will drip out so keep some rags handy. Lift the filter up a few inches and put
some kind of a shallow container under it. Slowly open the drain. You only ave
to turn it maybe one turn. Only drain a few ouces out, if there is no water then
you don't have any. Close the drain, retighten the band, push the return line
back on the filter, and reinstall the metal clip. Put the intake duct back on. I
haven't fou d any water yet with 23,000 miles on my car. If you decide to remove
the filter then you will have to buy some small fuel line clamps. Do everything
as stated before, but remove the metal bands from the fuel supply side only
using a small screwdriver or n edle nose pliers. Install the new clamps and
tighten when you put everything back together. If you replace or completely
drain the fuel filter, it should be filled before starting the car. Use a very
small funnel and fill through the return line hole. It olds about a pint. Keep
some rags handy. There are several messages already about oil and filters. Check
in the Oct. to Dec. 97 messages and some ealier posts from Jan. 98..
02/12/98 06:00:24
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
Three of us TDI fans went to the Chicago Auto Show yesterday and there was
only one lonely Jetta TDI there. VWoA's theme is New Beeltle mania. They had a
booth set up to sell New Beetle souvenirs and business was brisk. Six Beetles
were on display and f ur were being abused by the public, no TDI Beetles were on
display. It's a very cute car but if you need rear seat head room and a real
trunk, buy a Jetta or a Golf. Six Passats were on display, only one was the new
V6. Passat TDIs will arrive in 1999, b t in VW lingo that probably means 2000.
The people running the exhibit are not VW employees but a firm that specializes
in staffing trade shows, this week cars, next week computers. They had no
technical knowledge or answers about future TDI plans. They id say that TDIs are
50% of VW sales in Europe and engine production is at its max. The US market
gets shorted to keep European orders filled. Sorry TDI fans, this is the best I
could get out of them.
02/11/98 23:37:49
| Name: Richard Rhoda |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email Me |
City: Tegucigalpa |
| Country: Honduras |
Your VW/Audi: 98 Passat |
Comments:
Plan to move to Mexico, where they only have service on VW, Nissan, and
Detroit cars. Want to buy a 98 Passat TDI wagon all wheel drive, if they bring
them. Know and like VW (my first three cars were two beetles and a bus), but
don't know that much abou diesel. Some reviewers say that diesel only appeals to
a special type of driver. I'm trying to figure out if I'm "special". I know I'm
really impressed with dependability and high mileage - does that make me
special? I like some zip (so I can pass a ruck on Mexico's two lane roads), more
than I used to get from the beetles and bus back in 60's and 70's. But I'm not
interested in dragging from the stop light, I prefer a smooth, relaxed, high
mileage acceleration. Am I "special" enough to wait for th TDI or should get the
1.6 liter turbo wagon when it comes? PS. The Mexican truck drivers always signal
when you're clear to pass and move to the right to let you through - real
cooperative chaps, I'd say.
02/11/98 14:09:31
| Name: John Stangenberg |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Maybrook |
Province/State: NY |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 98 Jetta TDI |
Comments:
Would someone please advise me how to drain water from the fuel filter on
this car. Also some advice on oil and filters to use. The owners manual is
useless on these matters. Thank you.
02/10/98 16:50:41
| Name: Bob Grant |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Terre Haute |
Province/State: IN |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: Passat TDI wagon-if/when it
arrives |
Comments:
Does anyone out there have
any more information on whether we will see the TDI Passat this year? I was
planning on buying the wagon version this spring or summer, but it looks like we
might not see TDI Passat's at all. I have three kids and the Jetta is too small.
I'm not in a hurry, but if we get to fall I may have to consider an Accord or
Camry. Anyone heard anything else? VOA is singularly unforthcoming.
02/08/98 19:46:24
| Name: George |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Virginia Beach |
Province/State: Virginia |
Country: USA |
| How you found this site:: Via Passat
list |
Comments:
Waiting (impatiently) on my
'98 Jetta TDI now... We were looking for a '98 Passat TDI, but gave up when they
said it was one or two years off. We tried the Jetta just to see how it felt. We
were so thoroughly impressed with the "feel" of the TDI, and ho well the Jetta
seems to be screwed together we decided to go for the smaller car. Something
about a bird in the hand... It certainly is not your father's diesel. Will be
watching the comments here to keep up on what to do to keep the car running in
to form for years to come.
02/07/98 03:43:07
| Name: Dalton Van Buren |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: St.Paul |
Province/State: MN |
Country: US |
| Your VW/Audi: 96 passat tdi
sedan |
Comments:
Hello, For anyone
interested. My passat now has 54,000 miles on it and is in great shape. The only
problem that I have had is the ignition switch went out last week. The repair
came to about$126.00 but that is still less than extended warrenty. There have
be n many cold weather starts (the coldest being -43 F) with no problems. I have
measured the milage for the last 15,000 miles of in town(25%) and highway(75%)
and have recorded an average of 46.23 mpg. As for the myth that the TDI is a
snail, I've been u to a sustained 123mph. There was more left but how fast do
you really want to go anyway. Great car and well worth the investment. Those of
you who are in the colder states and find yourself at a truckstop that offers
only #2 diesel, you may want to us a antigel addative called Power Service.
Seems to work well for me. It was recomended to me by my Father who drives a
semi coast to coast. thanks for reading through all of my blah and feel free to
leave me a note. Dalton
02/06/98 17:05:18
| Name: Doug Overton |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Palm Beach Gardens |
Province/State: Florida |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 84 Rabbit GTI |
Comments:
Ask your dealer why we can't get the 2.5l V6 TDI engine in the new Passat
here in North America. If it will fit in the AUDI A4 it will fit in the Passat!
02/05/98 02:38:14
| Name: Doug Savill |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Rossland |
Province/State: B.C. |
Country: Canada |
| Your VW/Audi: 92 Jetta |
Comments:
I've got a 92 TDI with 300,000KM on it with no work done to the turbo or the
engine, mostly highway. It still appears to have good power and makes no
"expensive" sounding noises. Does anyone have a feel for how much longer I've
got before a rebuild.
02/03/98 16:41:36
| Name: H. Bergknut |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email
Me |
City: Vollsjö |
| Country: Sweden |
Your VW/Audi: 95 Passat Var.
TDI |
Comments:
125000 km in just just under
two years. Only problem I´ve had is a broken ABS-sensor at 100000 km! Average
consumption: 0.55 l/10 km. Best car I´ve ever had.
02/02/98 18:56:30
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
Hey TDI fans, next week a few of us are going to the Chicago Auto Show and
give VW some grief about the lack of 98 TDI Passats, general support, and dealer
knowledge. Anybody who can make the trip, please drop in on VW and help us get
it across to them th t we are less than impressed with VW's effort with bringing
TDI models to the US market. This is a great opportunity to let VW's corporate
marketing dweebs know where the company is a little thin! I hope I see a lot of
TDI fans there.
02/01/98 17:08:58
| Name: Jay Wassall |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: West Chester |
Province/State: PA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 98 Jetta TDI |
Comments:
I have been looking at TDI's for a couple years and finally bought a 98
Jetta TDI last week. I got the comfort group, A/C, and radio in it and could not
be more pleased. What a fantastic car to drive. I got 43mpg on the first tank
and have not found an flaws in the car so far. The build quality looks very
good. The only thing I still want to do to it is add the CD changer. VW switched
to a new style radio in 11/97, someone from VW told me it is now a Panasonic
instead of a Clarion. The price on the CD changer through the dealer is supposed
to be $295, I have been trying to see if any of the after market changers are a
direct replacement. Crutchfield said they are looking at the new radio to see
what fits.
01/29/98 21:20:25
| Name: Frank Marcoux |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: San Francisco |
Province/State: CA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
I just bought a 1998 Jetta TDI
and I was wondering if anyone knows a good place to have minor service done
around the BayArea, preferably the East Bay or the San Mateo area. Also, this is
my first Diesel and I am kind of clueless on the special maintenan e it
requires. The VW manual is not much use at all. I read about fuel filter change,
water in the gas tank, fuel additives, timing belt changes, etc... If anyone can
fill me in I would very much appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
02/01/98 22:43:47
| Name: Barbara Butterton |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Oceanside |
Province/State: California |
Country: US |
| How you found this site:: Passat group
posting |
Comments:
No comment right now
except that I am glad a TDI page exists! Thanks.
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01/29/98 23:02:34
| Name: Bill Hood |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Morehead City |
Province/State: NC |
Country: USA |
| How you found this site::
Surfing |
Comments:
Great Site. I am looking
to buy a new diesel beetle.
![]()
01/24/98
01:13:51
| Name: Tim Beck |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Antioch |
Province/State: Tennessee |
Country: USA |
| How you found this site:: Searching,
Searching |
Comments:
Best information on the
net about the TDI. Living in the southern United States, I have never had a need
for a diesel. Unleaded gas is plentiful and cheap. But, I am really interested
in what everyone loves about the VW diesels. I must confess a lack f knowledge
about the subject. Do these cars really last 200k and 300k miles?
![]()
01/20/98 00:44:39
| Name: JOHN |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email
Me |
City: Seoul |
| Country: Korea |
How you found this site::
Yahoo |
Comments:
What kind of Engine oil does
the Jetta TDI take? Can i just put Regular Convetion oil or do i have to put
some Special Diesel oil in? thanks, cool page man
![]()
01/29/98 01:11:37
| Name: Jerry Kammholz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Holtsville |
Province/State: New York |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
I recently purchased a 1998
Jetta TDI and I too noticed that the oil consumtion the first 1000 miles was
something to be watched.It used a little over 1 quart for those miles.I
currently have about 1800 miles on the car and I am totally delighted.It is a
efreshing change in performance from my 1986 Golf diesel that I still own.The
car handles like a dream, very tight. I also own 2 other diesel vehicles.One a
1982 suburban 6.2 and the other a 1997 suburban 6.5 liter turbo diesel.At
present the cars have al been using Shell Rotella T 15w-40 oil but I have been
looking into switching to the one of the synthetics.If any of the readers have
any information about their experience with this please get back to me on
E-Mail.
01/28/98 04:14:50
| Name: Clay Peyton |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: lexington |
Province/State: ky |
Country: us |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 jetta tdi |
Comments:
What is this "smoking" i am hearing about? I know my car belches out a nice
little black cloud at full throttle from a dead stop, and when flooring it on
the interstates after the car has been cruisng for a while, but i thought this
was normal for diesels. It is also my understanding that it is no mal for direct
injection diesels to produce some blue smoke until the engine warms up, which my
car does, only at start up and full load though. Should i be concerned? Is this
"smoking" problem more than what my car produces? the car has 12,000 miles on it
and i would appreciate any responce from anyone.
01/28/98 03:34:38
| Name: Clay Peyton |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: lexington |
Province/State: ky |
Country: us |
| Your VW/Audi: 97jetta TDi & 95 GTi
VR6 |
Comments:
What a great page! I got my 97
jetta TDi back in August and i love the car. I love iy so much that it allready
has 12,000 miles on it. I can't get over how much usable power it has, and i
can't complain about the 40-42 miles per gallon. Diesel is even costs less than
gas here (only at the truck stops though.) I would like to let all the TDi
owners know that they might want to keep an eye on there oil filters. I have
been doing my own oil changes for several years now and i found out that if the
filter is not put back on realy realy tight it can vibrate loose just enough to
leak oil only when the engine is running. I lost 1 quart of oil 100 miles after
the change was done , but no damage was done. Good luck everyone and enjoy your
cars!
01/27/98 19:37:14
| Name: Jeff Anderson |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Port Washington |
Province/State: WI |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1997 Passat
TDI |
Comments:
Great car, no starting
problems and it stays outside. Went to the largest Wisconsin dealer last
weekend, am interested in the new 1998 Passat TDI wagon. The dealer had just
recieved a fax stating that the TDI is cancelled for 1998. If the TDI comes in
999 it will be the 90hp version. So I tried the V6 Passat and the 20V Passat.
The new Passat is a little quieter. The V6 5-speed gets up to speed in a hurry,
I looked down and was doing 80mph at 4500rpm in third gear. Top gear at 80mph
was close to 30 0rpm, so it's geared rather tall. Top gear acceleration at
60-70mph is similar to our TDIs, and the TDI accelerates better in top gear
compared to the 20V motor, also a 5-speed. One dissapointment with the new
Passat is that the doors close with a mushy oorly fit sound, not like our
Passats with the characteristic German "thump". The front doors even sounded
worse with than my 1991 16V Passat with 122,000 miles. Don't know why that is,
or even if it's necessarily bad. Hope to get a TDI wagon when they a e
available. The TDIs are selling well in Europe and it's apparently hard to say
if we will ever see them over here so you better keep your TDI. Also, the Beetle
is now available and can be ordered with a 90TDI and includes the "sports" and
"convience" p ckage for $17,600. The dealer here expects delivery from Mexico in
March. The TDI Beetle is about 100lbs heavier than the Jetta and is rated at
48mpg highway.
01/26/98 14:45:38
| Name: Myles |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email Me |
City: Springhouse |
| Province/State: PA |
Your VW/Audi: 97 Jetta TDI |
Comments:
The good folks at VW Diesel Parts in Ohio can supply TDI owners with genuine
Bosch oil filters ($5.50) and many other parts for alot less than dealer cost.
Minimum order is $25. Email or fax orders only. vwdiesel@bright.net Fax
937-544-6858 Check out their web site http://www.brightnet/~vwdiesel/
01/26/98 00:25:52
| Name: JERRY KING |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: FALLING WATERS |
Province/State: WV |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1996 PASSAT
TDI |
Comments:
THANKS FOR THE INFO ON TDI
SMOKING . I FINALLY FOUND A DEALER WHO WOULD FIX THE WHOLE THING UNDER THE
EMISSION WARRENTY
01/25/98 01:00:53
| Name: Shawn Wical |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Culpeper |
Province/State: VA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 jETTA
tdi |
Comments:
Firstly, I apologize to all
who have written me. I am sort of anti-techno, despite that is how I make my
living. Don't have Web access at home. Sneaking into my network now via remote
access. Please mail me at above address. YOU MUST LOCATE MOBIL DEL AC 1 OIL !!!!
Hit Mobil's site @ Mobil oil corp.com. Select commercial lubricants. Hit Delvac
1. You will be pleased that this oil exists My Jetta TDI was getting 38 mpg at
1200 mi. I changed to Delvac 1 after this, and my mpg jumped to 45 mpg after 1
tank full. Wait until it has broken in... Find the heavy diesel equipment
dealers in your area that sell Mobil Products in your area, and they will be all
to happy to hook you up with this 5w/40 fully synthetic oil. My engine was quite
a bit quieter, t o. I bought it at $78 per 4 one-gallon container case. I cannot
reccomend any oil to anyone more highly. I had been using Mobil 1 15w/50 in all
my 4 (yes, 4) vw diesels. I will Use Delvac 1 from now on, simply based on my
last oil change. To cover my ass legally, use whatever oil you want. This is
purely my opinion. I am just detailing my experience. The Mobil site will convey
the rest. Check out, in particula,r the testimonials. That should allow you to
form your own opinions. Myles: I am sorry I did not get back to you regarding
motor oil for your TDI, so here you have it. I finally saw a full billboard ad
pushing Devac 1 at the Baltimore, MD toll plaza on I-95, billing it as the
"million mile oil". This oil is a 5w/40. It will pump quickly in low temps, as
well as flow freely in your TDI crankcase to allow maximum iol pickup. It
allegedly has a significantly extended drain interval for our supercharged semi
friends, so should perform nicely in your TDI. Amsoil, in my hands on
experience, hasn't out performed Mobil 1. I removed cylinder heads from two of
my 1.6 L turbo diesels and did not measure any significant bore
scuffing/polishing in either engine, yet. THE WHOLE KEY IN KEEPING YOUR ENGINE
IN TOP CONDITION IS P OPER FILTERS AND HIGH QUALITY OIL, CHANGED AT A MAX IMUM
OF 5000 MILES, AS WELL AS PROPER FUEL FILTRATION. DRAIN YOUR FUEL FILTER EVERY
TIME YOU CHANGE OIL, AND REPLACE AS SPECIFIED BY VW . DON'T FORGRT THE FUEL TANK
DRAINING. AIR FILTER TOO !!!. B th my 1.6L turbo diesels have approximately
230,000 mi and will go many a mile more without major overhaul. I think Delvac 1
will deliver as promised by Mobil. You be the Judge. P.S. Who sent the mail
regarding genuine VW oil filters from Mann/Bosch@ $5.50/ea from some place in
Ohio, PLEASE post their ph #. The VW filters are indeed superior to ALL
aftermarket suppliers, but their cost from a VW dealer eats away at the fuel sav
ngs we attain from driving diesels. POST THE PHONE # !!!
01/19/98 17:33:24
| Name: Shawn Wical |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Culpeper |
Province/State: VA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
Greetings All: I just changed
the oil on my Jetta TDI. It wasn't pleasant. Wrestling with that skid pad was
like trying pry a plastic snow sled from under the car. Next time I will put the
car on ramps and remove the skid first. Also, the original oil filter on my 1998
TDI is taller and smaller in diameter that those used on the 1.6L diesels. I
beleive I have found an oil that will delight all you TDI drivers. It is called
Mobill Delvac 1. It is a heavy duty 5W/40 fully synthetic oil specifically
designed for diesels. I pay $78 per case. There are four 1 gal. jugs in each
case. Hit obil oil corporation's web site, go into commercial lubricants and be
prepared to be amazed. Some semi trucks can go 80,000 miles before changing oil
when they use Delvac 1!!! You can't get this stuff at Wal-mart, etc. Your best
bet is a Caterpillar de ler, etc. that sells Mobil products. I am going to use
Delvac 1 for the life of my TDI. I will keep you folks posted with any other
useful stuff I scare up.
01/17/98 15:07:50
| Name: Ade |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Ottawa |
Province/State: Ontario |
Country: Canada |
| Your VW/Audi: TDI Soon I
hope |
Comments:
I was at a local VW dealer
the other day hoping to test drive a Jetta TDI. However they had none in stock.
Apparently their shippment had been delayed from Montreal due to the ice storm.
I was very disappointed. The sales man showed me the Jetta with he previous
Turbo Deisel engine. He had stated that it had both lower Hp and fuel economy. I
am concerned with both and would prefer the TDI. Though the sales man trying to
make a sale said that the turbo deisel Jetta would be much cheaper. Money is a
so a concern for me. As I plan to keep my eventual purchase for most of its life
(300k + kms) the premium paid for the TDI would more than pay for its self. Does
any one have any comments about the major differnces between the two engines
over the life pan of the vehicle? My current situation leaves me flexible about
replacing my current vehicle (1994 Mazda B3000 pickup). I would even consider
waiting until the 1999 model is out. As I understand both the Jetta and the Golf
will be moving to the Audi 3 platform and will both will be available with TDI.
This leaves me with more questions. The 1999 models will be slightly larger.
However, as with most cars with changes, problems need to be ironed out it the
production. I don't want a lemon. Then I w uld have to chose between the Golf
and the Jetta. Is there much information published about the 1999 Jetta and
Golf? I would appreciate some advice from anyone.
01/16/98 01:27:07
| Name: Krosnoff |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email
Me |
Province/State: FLORIDA |
| Country: USA |
Your VW/Audi: 1996 Passat
TDI |
Comments:
Looking for confirmation for
notice on the cancellation of the PASSAT TDI . . . EVERYONE MUST EMAIL VW &
SUPPORT THE TDI!!!!! What a bloody sad day --- I hope VW doesn't let us down
like this. This Web page has a notice regarding this (in the passat
section) :
01/14/98 22:04:50
| Name: Dave |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Shrewsbury |
Province/State: Shropshire |
Country: England |
| Your VW/Audi: Passat TDi |
Comments:
I have a problem with my TDi. Its an intermittent missing at about 3000rpm.
No faults are registered on the computer diagnoses. Therefore the VW garage says
there is no problem. But there is! Does any body have any solution?
01/14/98 17:37:06
| Name: Nate Tennant |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Stratham |
Province/State: NH |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1996 Passat
TDI |
Comments:
Well, from every VW guy I have
talked with VW is committed to keeping the TDI in the U.S.A. but it would not
hurt if everyone who reads this can e-mail VW at www.vw.com and express your
interest in the model. I would hate to think about buying anything but a TDI.
01/14/98 03:08:51
| Name: jerry |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email Me |
City: fallingwaters |
| Province/State: wv |
Country: usa |
Comments:
can any
one tell me where i can find tdi mods
01/14/98 00:26:44
| Name: rgp |
My URL: Visit Me |
| City: Knoxville |
Province/State: TN |
| Your VW/Audi: 98 Jetta TDI |
Comments:
Sad news about the '98 Passat TDI (see previous post). Can anybody else
confirm this? I got nervous waiting for the Passat and bought a 98 Jetta TDI.
Kept thinking about VW's last diesel endeavor - 2 model years, as I recall
(90-91 ECO Diesel). Regretted not buying one then. Previously owned two diesel
Rabbits - couldn't wear them out ( he engine anyway). Hope VW has a long-term
commitment to diesels here, but based on before mentioned track record, if you
want one, you'd better get it....
01/13/98 20:15:43
| Name: David Brownlee |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Bedford |
Province/State: Bedfordshire |
Country: England |
| Your VW/Audi: VW Vento TDI
GL |
Comments:
I have had this car since April
1995 and can truly and honestly recommend it to anyone looking for a fast,
economical and luxurious vehicle. I consistently achieve 50miles per gallon on
trips to Scotland. The boot (trunk) is as large as a Mercedes S cla s. I
particularly like Volkswagens attention to detail e.g. the way you can keep the
key in the door lock to shut the windows and sunroof is helpful. I am replacing
my Vento next year and am undecided whether to go for the 110bhp new Vento
(launching in UK late in this year) or the Passat.
01/13/98 08:26:13
| Name: Stan Smith |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Malibu |
Province/State: California |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 82 vanagon
diesel |
Comments:
I have an '82 Vanagon
diesel which I would like to transplant a TDI engine into. Please let me know of
any available (and if the ECU and injectors have been updated) or if anyone
knows of any other sources / information on turbo diesel engines /conversions. A
friend of mine believes the transplant can be done, but it will be involved /
costly. Any info would be greatly appreciated. please Email me and Iwould be
glad to call you back - world wide. Thanks, Stan
01/13/98 08:22:52
Comments:
01/13/98 00:55:47
| Name: Karl Mahn |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email Me |
City: Belgrade |
| Province/State: Montana |
Your VW/Audi: WAS 98 PASSAT
TDI |
Comments:
Sad news folks. Just got a
call from my dealer and he informed me that the 98 Passat TDI that I had ordered
had been cancelled and that VW will not produce any TDI Passats for the U.S.
this year. I am truly bummed out, now I might have to go buy a Dodge cummins or
something.
01/12/98 20:56:39
| Name: Bob Grant |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Terre Haute |
Province/State: IN |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 Passat TDI wagon (when it
arrives) |
Comments:
As far as I know, the new
Passat TDI will have the same 90hp engine. The 155 foot-pounds in the Passat is
for the pressured 1.8 litre gas engine. The 110 horsepower TDI engine is the 1.9
litre engine with a different turbo (with flexible vanes). I don't think VWoA
want's to certify two engines for the DI (one for the Jetta and one for the
Passat), so they will probably just use the same engine for both.
01/12/98 20:06:59
| Name: Casey Vanlandingham |
My URL: Visit
Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Ames |
Province/State: Iowa |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: '98 or '99 Beetle
TDI |
Comments:
I'm looking seriously into
getting a new Beetle this fall. I want to get the TDI in it as well. I'm looking
for information regarding how well the TDI performs in cold weather. Are they
hard to start in cold weather (around 0F), how long does it take fo the glow
plugs to warm the engine in very cold weather? Any cold weather tips? Please
contact me via e-mail at: cvanland@iastate.edu Thanks
01/10/98 17:38:31
| Name: f. menninger |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: new city |
Province/State: NY |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1996 TDI Passat
Wagon |
Comments:
ATTN: TDI'ers *TDI 4 Sale!*
1996 TDI Passat Wagon (green), original owner, excellent condition, low miles
(21,000),still under VW warranty and purchased fully transferrable 100,000
extended mile warranty, 40-47 mpg, have all records, paid $22,000, best
reasonable offer takes it! To make appt to see and drive it please email me at
imgenfm@aol.com
01/10/98 17:38:13
| Name: f. menninger |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: new city |
Province/State: NY |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1996 TDI Passat
Wagon |
Comments:
ATTN: TDI'ers *TDI 4 Sale!*
1996 TDI Passat Wagon (green), original owner, excellent condition, low miles
(21,000),still under VW warranty and purchased fully transferrable 100,000
extended mile warranty, 40-47 mpg, have all records, paid $22,000, best
reasonable offer takes it! To make appt to see and drive it please email me at
imgenfm@aol.com
01/10/98 17:28:18
| Name: F. Menninger |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: New City |
Province/State: NY |
Country: usa |
| Your VW/Audi: 1996 TDI Passat
Wagon |
Comments:
ATTN: All TDI'ers! I hate to
part with a great car but my business is growing and I need a larger car/van.
So, my TDI Passat is for sale! Here's the info: 1996 TDI Pas
01/10/98 01:35:52
| Name: Dave Zajano |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Phoenix |
Province/State: MD |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 89 Jetta
diesel |
Comments:
Been tracking TDIs for 9
months now and have questions about 110 hp? I have heard that turbo vaning is
different and that gears are beefier than 90 hp. Anyone able to confirm this?
Also one dealer has told me that 90hp TDI coming in Passat in US is actu lly the
110 European engine adapted for US. That torque is same as 110. (I hear 155
ft/lb in '98 versio of 90 hp which is not what the 110 puts out.) He also states
that the '98 Passat TDI is a different engine from the '97. Is he correct? I'm
ready o buy a TDI Passat as soon as one is available, but would wait several
more months for 110 hp version. Could it be that 90 hp version we have now is
the best we'll see this year or next? Been driving VW diesels since 1977 and
wouldn't want anything else but the thought of being able to pass something
other than a gas station is exciting after all those years.
01/10/98 01:18:26
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
| Country: USA |
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
The 'shelf life' of diesel is about one year. Only the farmers who would
have fuel sitting around in large quantities for several months have to worry
about fuel going stale, and I haven't met one yet. Diesel fuel is 'hydroscopic':
it attracts water like rake fluid. It takes several hundred gallons or more to
attract a pint. Our fuel tanks are plastic and too small for any of this to be a
problem. I drain my fuel filter every time I change my oil. I have not noticed
one drop of water yet. The refiners can t afford to have inventory sitting
around in tanks anymore. Most fuel leaves the refinery around one month or less.
01/09/98 21:01:15
| Name: OETTINGER |
My URL: Visit Me |
| City: Friedrichsdorf |
Country: Germany |
| Your VW/Audi: VW.SEAT.AUDI |
Comments:
We just like to add a Link to the best TDI Website we could find. For REAL
POWER go to, http://www.OETTINGER.com we offer the Horses you seeking for!
01/09/98 15:46:18
| Name: Bob Norris |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Seattle |
Province/State: WA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: (Hopefully soon) 98 Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
Great site! and thanks to
everyone for all the interesting info. I'm hoping to get a Jetta TDI within the
next year when financial situation allows it. I was wondering if anyone knows if
diesel fuel degrades over time in the fuel tank. I drive relatively ittle so
with the mileage, some of the fuel would sit in the tank for up to a few weeks
before being used. Would love to have a diesel again, I had an 82 diesel vanagon
with a 5-speed manual that I really liked...had to give it up when merging into
70mph raffic at 40mph got too hairy...happy dieseling!
01/09/98 01:33:06
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
Low lubricity is not a problem anymore. When low sulfur diesel fuel came out
in 1993, the older VW diesels with the Bosch VE fuel pumps had a lot of
failures. So did Stanadyne so they came out with a line of fuel additives. The
lubricity additives are mea t for those older pumps. Some oil refiners were
sloppy about how they hydro-treated their diesel fuel to remove the sulfur, and
this affected the lubricity of the fuel. The oil companies got their act
together back in 1995 with the lubricity issue, but t e fear remains. If anyone
with an older VW diesel (pre TDI) has not had a fuel pump failure by now, they
do not have to worry. It gets even better, sometime in 1998 there will be
international standards issued for lubricity in diesel fuel. In the USA, the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets the standards. The
Canadian National Standards Board (CNSB) follows the ASTM. In Europe, the
Association des Constructeurs Europeens de l'Automobile (ACEA) is working with
the ASTM and the CNSB. ACEA eplaced the Committee of Common Market Constructors
(CCMC). The tests for lubricity have been formalized and accepted. There are two
tests used, both are very similar. Two metal plates, or a ball bearing on a
plate are rubbed together with a film of diese fuel in between. Pressure is
increased until severe scuffing occurs. One test messures the pressure in grams
that was used, the other test messures the depth of the scratches in mm. This is
a very simplified explanation, but it is the best I can do here. The only time
we have to worry about low lubricity is if someone is blending diesel with
gasoline, alcohol, white gas, or any of those really thin fuels to make winter
diesel. One might put themselves at risk if they were using 100% kerosine. Most
anti-je l additives include lubricity additives because very high blends of
winter fuel (over 50% kerosine) could have lower lubricity. Sorry TDI fans, I
can't recommend if anyone should or should not use additives, or which brands.
The ASTM and ACEA are also dev loping higher motor oil standards for diesels.
Look for the CH-4 rating to appear later this year.
01/08/98 17:57:33
| Name: Simon Garner |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Hartford |
Province/State: CT |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: VW Corrado
G60 |
Comments:
Regarding diesel fuel
additives. There is only one additive tested and recommended by VW for diesel
fuel:- Stanadyne Lubricity Formula. VW part number is ZVW 340 001. It comes in
an 8oz bottle, designed to treat 15 gallons of diesel. Also available in big er
containers (more economical) Other diesel additves made by Stanadyne are also
approved by GM, John Deere, Mercedes, Navistar etc. For further information,
call Stanadyne at 1800 842 2496. Mention you saw this on the 'Net.
01/08/98 04:16:23
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
There are several messages about oil changes in the September to December 97
section which is mislabeled 96. I posted a message back on 10-16-97. Oil filters
are hard to find sometimes. The plastic pan is held on by three bolts and 4 Torx
screws size 25. he drain plug is 19mm. The hardest part is figuring how to get a
filter wrench in there. I use a metal strap type with a flexable handle. The
metal strap type without the handle works well, it's the type that has a square
hole for a 3/8" extension. If you do not overtighten the drain plug, the copper
washer can be reused several times. I also remove the plastic cover off the oil
pan. It is held on with one 13mm bolt. Oil tends to drip into the cover and
collect. Later it begins to leak and you might think you have an oil leak
somewhere. It takes me about an hour to change oil. One guy says he takes the
oil filter off from the top so he does not have to remove the plastic pan. I
thought about that, but I wondered how he cleaned up the drips. I am one of th
se neat freaks who can not stand to have oil dripping off the engine. The
plastic panel under the engine quiets the diesel clatter, the engine will be
louder if you leave it off. Also in many European countries, to have a car
dripping fluids is not tolera ed. No messy parking lots over there. I also like
how clean it keeps the bottom of the engine and tranny, no road grime collecting
under there. My cheesy browser can't read the 'My Email:' so if anybody has
questions, contact me at: colbk@ceco.com or bria .p.kmetz@ucm.com. I have
answered questions for several people.
01/07/98 16:56:17
| Name: Shawn Wical |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Culpeper |
Province/State: VA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta
TDI |
Comments:
Bought my Seude Silver Jetta
TDI 11/22/97. All has been great so far with the exception of the upper
windsheild/roof seal. The seal does not lay in the channel properly. It is sort
of "wrinkly". Alerted dealer of this, so they are replacing it. No le ks, minor
problem, but I am picky. If you but one of these TDI's, check the engine oil
VERY FREQUENTLY during the first 1000 miles, as they comsume much more oil
during this period. I have been a VW diesel driver since 1982, and this is the
best yet !!! I have always done the work on my own cars. I am going to change
the oil soon on my new TDI. Does anyone have any tips, torx sizes, etc. that are
helpful??? If this is anything like my 1985 turbodiesel, I can expect an armpit
full of 15/50 !!!
01/07/98 06:44:50
| Name: Terry |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Milwaukee |
Province/State: WI |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: VW Jetta TDI,
'97 |
Comments:
Hello..I just had my 1997 TDI,
with about 4000 miles on it, repaired at the dealership for a "frozen" right
rear brake. A few days ago, in very cold weather (about zero F) my Jetta was
very slow to move, acting as if there was a great deal of resistance i the drive
train. After a half mile I heard a loud "POP" sound and the resistance was gone.
Since then however ive heard a loud rhythmic popping sound from the right rear
of the vehicle. The VW service dept found my right rear brake cylinder/shoes in
a state of disintegration with chunks of metal loose. They were at loss to
explain how this happened. They said that somehow the brake "froze and then
subtantial heat developed, and the brake disintegrated. Obviously they replaced
the brake entirely and it was covered by warranty. Has ANYONE ever had such a
problem with ANY vehicle??? Thank you for any replies, either here or by email.
I DO lo e the TDI however and have had gas mileage between 40 and 47 mpg.
-----Terry
01/06/98 04:34:18
| Name: tom |
City: charleston |
| Province/State: sc |
Country: usa |
| Your VW/Audi: 91 jetta GL; 98 jetta
TDI |
Comments:
I got my Jetta TDI about 3.5
weeks ago and have racked up 2100 miles. Mileage is up to about 48 mpg with over
500 miles between refueling stops. The car's a joy to drive, and just hums along
on the highway. Even loaded down with friends it jumps ahead of traffic at the
lights. It feels like it outperforms my 100 hp GL (with 150k miles), though that
might be my imagination. The manual's not too good; I'm still very confused
about routine maintenance requirements. And those WARNING: sections... I think
I'd be better off driving with nuclear waste in open vats of gasoline than I
would be driving with kids and airbags. Sheesh. tg.
01/06/98 00:45:46
| Name: Brian Kmetz |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Streator |
Province/State: Illinois |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI |
Comments:
Redline additives will work just fine in a VW. A diesel is a diesel,
regardless of who made it. There are only a hanful of companies who make all the
additives for diesel, gasoline, and motor oil. Most companies buy from someone
else and do their own blen ing, packaging, and marketing. There are not that
many different additives, and most companies use the same ones.
01/05/98 23:42:53
| Name: Tim Wilson |
My URL: Visit Me |
| My Email: Email
Me |
City: Brooklyn Park |
| Province/State: MN |
Country: USA |
Comments:
I'm very
interested in the '98 Passat TDI. They haven't found their way to the Midwest
though, and I'm curious to hear from someone who's driven one of the 90 hp
versions. Can 90 hp feel sporty? I sure love the fuel economy, but I'd like to
have some fun oo. Can anyone compare the 1.9L TDI with the 150 hp, 1.8L 4-cyl
turbo?
01/05/98 21:49:36
| Name: Paul Forbes |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: Rockville |
Province/State: Rhode Island |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 88 Jetta, 96 Passat
TDI |
Comments:
Hello, I have a 1996 Passat
TDI which I purchased new. At 8000 miles I got the "smoke". It got so bad, (my
wife was stopped by the police), that I had the recall work done. Sadly, my car
has never run the same since. It now has 42000 miles and surges hen
accelerating. It still runs strong, but not "jusr right". It has been back to
the dealers many times, but they seem to be at a loss as to what to do. Anyone
else have this problem? This is my 10th VW and the most disappointing one.
Thanks
01/04/98 06:54:24
| Name: Bob |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Danville |
Province/State: CA |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: 97 Jetta TDI |
Comments:
Just bought a 97 Jetta TDI, last one on the lot. This is my second diesel, I
also own a 1984 Mercedes 300SD turbodiesel with 165,000 miles. For the 300SD I
have been using Red Line diesel fuel additive to raise the cetane rating. Does
anybody know if this fuel additive is acceptable to use in the VW turbodiesel? I
have always used Red Line in the 300SD and it works great.
01/03/98 07:53:28
| Name: JERRY KING |
My Email: Email
Me |
| City: Cleveland |
Province/State: TN |
| Country: USA |
Your VW/Audi: 96 TDI |
Comments:
Great site .I just got a used 96 TDI I have the smoking problem that others
have talked about VW said they would fix the ECU but I would have to pay for the
injectors .any help on this? For the people that want remote door locking call
Advanced Motorsports at 714 515 1672 they have modified the stock VW unit to
lock unlock doors unlock trunk and roll up windows and sunroof at $249.95 its an
easy install and works well , if anyone knows about engine chips or mods let me
know.
01/02/98 16:35:46
| Name: joel hembel |
My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me |
| City: ocomowoc |
Province/State: wisconsin, 53066 |
Country: usa |
| Your VW/Audi: 1996 passat
tdi |
Comments:
I really enjoyed lookin thru
all the tdi messages.I now have just turned 60,000 miles on my TDI and it is
great. I did have a problem early on with blue smoke on deceleration- like
comming off a freeway ramp. Opon reacceleration a huge cloud of smoke woul
billow out- sort of embarrising! It did not effect driveability or mileage. It
took a little time for vw to find the answer (especially since I was the first
to own one in my area with higher mileage). They replaced the electronic
controll module and fue injectors. No more embarising clouds! Anyway I just love
this car! Mileage is in the low 40mpgs in the winter with an average of about 50
during the summer months. Power is very good. I have owned many (over6) vw
diesels and this one is my all time favorite.
01/02/98 02:36:20
| Name: Gene Cremeens |
My Email: Email Me |
|
| City: El Campo |
Province/State: Texas |
Country: USA |
| Your VW/Audi: Looking........... 98
TDI |
Comments:
Hi folks, In reading your
notes my mind is being told to look more into the TDI Passat, 98 model. Being I
drive 4500 to 5200 miles each month, I guess I need one. The fuel savings will
make most of the payments. I'm told the handling is like a sports car. Looking
to getting to one, in 98. I do feel like the 110 hp model needs to be here. Will
look and the Houston Auto Show next month.
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