VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT: Questions and answers

Volkswagen Passat 2002

My Volkswagen Passat has developed a vibration from the glovebox area that sounds like a mobile phone ringing on vibrate. Are there any relays behind the glovebox or anything else it may be? Please advise. (1 9 tdi 130)

Answers

I took my VW in for the exact same thing last week. They claim to have traced it back to a spring on the fuel filter. It will be replaced on Monday, hopefully solving the problem. Hope this helps - Jim Kench from Netherlands

Volkswagen Passat 2001

My Volkswagen Passat has never given me an ounce of trouble until lately. I have noticed that once my car reaches over 2000 revs the car takes off and nearly drives itself. Even when I take my foot off the throttle the car continues on driving on it`s own power, while also shuddering a sharp series of jerks. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this?

Volkswagen Passat 2000

My Volkswagen Passat 1.8t 5 speed will cut out while I am driving, but if I ride the clutch and rev it it wont die, if I don`t it will die. It will start back up and if the car has stopped as soon as I come off the clutch it will die again unless I rev it and burnout. I am a mechanic myself and I`m stuck. The turbo seems okay. I am debating whether to just rebuild it but I think it is something else causing this. Please can anyone help?

Volkswagen Passat 2006

Hi. How difficult is it to change the chrome parking sensor on my Volkswagen Passat? I have been quoted £165 plus VAT at my local dealer. Also where would you suggest is the cheapest place to purchase one please? Thanks. (tdi)

Volkswagen Passat 2005

My Volkswagen Passat 2005 new model won`t start straight away when I put the key in. The yellow engine warning light comes on and a yellow coil. Also a red cirlce with a line through it comes on and nothing happens. I have to take out the key and slowly put it in and wait for the lights to come on, then wait until they go off and try to start it again. Sometimes I could be waiting 5 or 10 minutes for the car to start. Any ideas about why this is happening?

Volkswagen Passat 2007

Does a 57 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 tdi have a lambda probe?

Volkswagen Passat 2007

My Volkswagen Passat`s dashboard lights are all working fine except for the front vents and the vent between the two front seats. I have looked at all of the fuses but they all seem fine. Any suggestions? (1.6 fsi)

Volkswagen Passat 2007

All the dash lights are working fine except for the front vents and vent between the two front seats. I have seen all the fuses but all seem fine. How do I fix? (1.6 fsi)

Volkswagen Passat 1999

The nearside front and the offside rear breaks keep locking up and lock on harder the more you drive. I have replaced the ABS unit with one from another car suspecting this was the problem but they have locked again. Would it be an electronic sensor that is causing it or have I changed a defective ABS unit for another defective one? Can anybody help!!!

Volkswagen Passat 2003

My friend`s Volkswagen Passat has a knocking noise on throttle lift. This noise does not appear when revving slowly but is very apparent when your foot is taken off the throttle quickly. The noise appears to come from the camshaft area. Can anyone help? Thanks. (1.9TDI)

Volkswagen Passat 2008

How long should it take to fit the egr cooler on my Volkswagen Passat? (SE)

Volkswagen Passat 2005

When I change gear my Volkswagen Passat struggles to find the gear and sometimes it doesn’t go into gear at all?

Volkswagen Passat 1999

My Volkswagen Passatt 1.8 sometimes sounds like a diesel. Why would this be? (1.8)

Answers

Possible low oil pressure - Nick Jones from Yorkshire.

Volkswagen Passat 2007

The heater in my Volkswagen Passat keeps blowing cold when on the hot setting and then hot again? (tdi).

Volkswagen Passat 2002

About a year ago my Volkswagen Passat started losing power. It went ok again but then it went off and on, but now when it hits 4000 or 5000 rpm it loses power?

Answers

I have the same problem on my 2003 Passat tdi. When driving above 3000rpm, the turbo dies. If I quickly restart, the car power returns. HELP - Azeem Mohammed from England

Volkswagen Passat 2000

What is the component name that the headlight assembly is plugged into? This component was stolen from my car, and I don’t know hat it looks like or the name...

Volkswagen Passat 2003

On my Passat there was smoke coming out of the emergency light switch, then my blinker lights stop working. What does that mean?

Volkswagen Passat 2007

Hello, I have VW Passat 2007 1.99-litre diesel. Is it possible to change the Audio system and put in a Satnav and DVD system? Also, I have connection for Mobile phone function as well. Thank you.

Volkswagen Passat 2004

I have lost the display on my Volkswagen Passat dashboard, just a bright red light, also a warning light like an upside down light bulb has come on. The manual says it’s a fuse but no fuses are gone...

Answers

I have had this happen twice. I have figured it out. First, find the fuse for the display. Just take them out on at a time replacing them as you go, until you find the one that makes the display light go out. After a few seconds replace this fuse and the light should stay off. You may then wish to reset your service light if it is one. To do this with the ignition switched off, press and hold in the odometer button, keeping it pressed in turn on the ignition, then, with it still pressed in, turn the clock know to the right and hold the service light should then be reset. To test turn ignition off then on again. You should be back to normal - Steve Bell from Lancashire

Volkswagen Passat 2001

Is the clock and mileage on a Volkswagen Passat supposed to go off when I turn the car off? I just purchased this car and I have no clue if this car might an electrical problem.

Volkswagen Passat 2004

I just replaced the relay switch to the fuel pump on my Volkswagen Passat. Is there a reset switch or sequence that I need to do now for the fuel pump to regain power?

Volkswagen Passat 2000

Is the steering rack / power steering pump the same on a petrol Passat as the diesel Passat?

Volkswagen Passat 2002

My Volkswagen Passat’s turbo pipe came off whilst driving at low speed. I have put it back on but the car seems slower and there is a flat spot at approximately 1,200 rpm. Anyone any ideas?

Volkswagen Passat 2000

I was driving along at 80mph and the rev counter was intermittently dropping off. A flashing warning then appeared on the dash telling me to STOP. I pulled in and turned off but could see no issues. I then continued my short journey and the rev counter still dropped off now and again but no warning light this time. Any ideas anyone?

Volkswagen Passat 2006

Hi. I was driving my Volkswagen Passat on the motorway the other day when my car’s immobiliser kicked in and the car rolled to a stop. There are no error messages on the dash, no warning, it just stopped. It restarted first time. It has done this once before about three weeks ago. Has anyone any ideas? It is booked into the dealers but I don’t trust a word they tell me as it is always an expensive problem with them. (2.0 TDI)

Volkswagen Passat 2000

My Volkswagen Passat keeps cutting out while driving and then my steering locks. It’s very dangerous as it cuts out every 10 -15 seconds. Please help!

Answers

I had same problem in my VW Passat est 57. It’s the fuel pump under the back seat behind the driver seat. They fail in these cars common fault, get it changed, its dangerous. Buy the part from VW and fit it in yourself, it’s an easy two minute job - Rikki Jhagra from England

Volkswagen Passat 2001

Water temp readings are low and my Volkswagen Passat is using more fuel. How do I replace temp sender unit? (150 V6 TDI)

Volkswagen Passat 2001

An orange flashing round light with a triangle in the middle has come on and I start to lose power - what does this symbol signify?

Answers

That is your engine management light. You need the car to be plugged into diagnostics to figure out the fault - Simon Ware from Yorkshire

Volkswagen Passat 2006

The gas tank door on my Passat wont open. When I pull the lever it sounds as if it unlocks but doesn’t open. Can anyone help?

Volkswagen Passat 2000

My Volkswagen Passat started to run very rough then died out. I towed it and it started to rev up on its own. It won’t start at all now, even checked the timing and its OK. Could it be the fuel pump?

Volkswagen Passat 1998

My Volkswagen Passat’s engine runs fine from cold up until 5 minutes when the engine stalls significantly a couple of times and after that the engine loses power, revs max at 5,000. Every 3 seconds the engine has a noticeable dead spot, not significant, but can be noticed - exactly every 3 seconds. Changed air mass sensor, oxygen sensor (lambda), temperature sensor, coil, plug cables, spark plugs, inspected the accelerator housing . The error is occurring at exact same spot and in the same way every time I am testing the car. Now I am stuck - any ideas? (1.6 l)

Answers

95 Passat 2E - (gas=same problems - but motor even stops, if you have diesel you could chech EGR valve http://www.obd-codes.com/p0403. Have you solved the problem? Huuka from Essex

Volkswagen Passat 2000

How do I remove to EPC light so that the car can start? The car was fine all of a sudden it is not starting any more. Please advise.

Answers

The EPC light would have nothing to do with the car not starting, that’s a stability/traction control light. Perhaps that’s come on from a flat battery? - Bill Norris from Herefordshire

Volkswagen Passat 2001

Were is the diagnostic socket located on a 2001 Volkswagen Passat?

Volkswagen Passat 2001

Why do the hazard lights on my Volkswagen Passat flash continuously after locking? (1.8 t sport)

Volkswagen Passat 2007

How many miles to the gallon does a 2007 Volkswagen Passat do?

Volkswagen Passat 2005

How do I change the driver’s door lock on a 2005 Volkswagen Passat? I can’t get the outside handle out, apparently it slides out, but I can’t move it.

Volkswagen Passat 2005

Hi, I bought a 2005 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T about two months ago. My "STOP Check coolant" light comes on every day. I put more coolant in and it has gone. I had the head gasket replaced. There are no noticeable leaks. Also, the car is surging. I had the coil replaced and also replaced spark plugs, twice within 2 weeks. I have replaced several parts in this car. What should I try next?

Answers

Try changing the radiator - Raj Agha from England

Volkswagen Passat 2005

Hi, can anyone tell me what’s wrong with my 55reg tdi Passat? About a month ago an orange light started flashing on and off and I lost my turbo. I parked up at home and restarted the car - there was no flashing light and the turbo was back on and running fine. Today, driving home it happened again. When I parked up and restarted the light was off and once again running fine. Can anyone help me on this problem? Thanks a lot. (tdi)

Answers

If the car goes into limp mode after 3000 revs, it’s the turbo needs replacing. Happened to me. When you turn off engine and restart the car the fault clears but comes back as soon as you hit 3000 revs. Cost 800 and usually turbo goes any time after 90,000 miles - Raj Agha from Yorkshire

Volkswagen Passat 2006

I bought a Volkswagen Passat about 6 months ago second hand from England. About 2 months ago we changed the clutch, pressure plate and thrust bearing. Now I am encountering another problem. While I am driving in 3rd gear it is not engaging. When the engine is switched off the gear is not tight to engage. Can you please give me any indications as to what’s wrong? (1.9 TDI)

Volkswagen Passat 2006

Hello, I have a 2006 VW Passat 2-litre TDI SE, 140bhp. When starting from cold the engine is a bit jerky or jumpy but will stop after revving it a few times. Anybody know why? Thanks.

Answers

I think it’s the duel mass flywheel. Happens to mine too - Raj Agha from England

Volkswagen Passat 2000

The ETC unit wiring was cut. There are four wires of different colors. I don’t know which ones go to the terminals of the temperature control unit, which was replaced. I have a 2.0 4cyl engine. Right now, the temperature gauge on the dash reads cold all the time. Can anyone help?

Volkswagen Passat 2007

Can somebody please tell me where you can actually find the blower heater resistor on a 2007 Volkswagen Passat. Is it under the bonnet or behind the glove box?

Volkswagen Passat 2007

There is intermittent power to the radio on my Volkswagen Passat when it has been first started from cold. Lights on radio pulse on and off... then OK after 5 to 10 mins. I hear a click in sequence with the pulses, is there a relay on the power line to the radio?

Volkswagen Passat 2005

An orange / yellow light came on in my Volkswagen Passat - it’s round, with an exclamation mark in middle and pointy lines going out. Can you tell me what it is and if I need to do any thing? Thanks.

Volkswagen Passat 2003

I have a clicking noise coming from brake pedal on my Volkswagen Passat, every time I press the pedal. Does anyone know why this might be and whether it could siginify a serious fault?

Volkswagen Passat 2008

How can you populate the Volkswagen Passat phonebook with numbers from your cellphone? (Komfort 4Dr sedan)

Volkswagen Passat 2009

What determines when the stop start system kicks in on a Volkswagen Passat? It worked when I got the car but now does not kick in - the dealers says there is no fault showing on the diagnostic - any ideas anyone? (2.0 TDI bluemotion)

Volkswagen Passat 1998

The battery in my Volkswagen Passat keeps dying despite it being a new battery. What could the reason for this be?

Volkswagen Passat 2003

Hi, I have no power going to the glow plugs on my 1.9-litre 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The fuse is OK, I have disconnected the temperature switch and the feed comes back. It’s just happened since I replaced the head. Do you think it’s the temperature switch or the control unit? Cheers!

Answers

Hi, I would suspect the loom that feeds both the injectors and the glow plugs, it runs in the head and in hot oil, a really stupid design, it’s about £80 to replace, it’s connected by means of a large twist connector on the end of the head. It’s also worth checking the glow plug relay, remove the battery and shround and it is screwed to a sliding bracket under the fuse box. Best of luck - Gary Wykes from England

The 1.9 pd engine has a different loom than the one mentioned by the other chap. The glow plugs only work from cold and being direct injection only need them for emissions not starting unless they’re very cold! - Emlyn Tilley from Somerset

Volkswagen Passat 2006

Hi. I ran out of diesel on my VW Passat. I put some diesel in and then it didn’t start. The AA came and he didn’t manage to solve the problem. He said that the injectors are possible gone. Has anyone had the same problem?

Answers

You must prime the fuel filter. Get some fuel in a small bottle and remove the spring clip from the top of the fuel filter and pull that fitting with hose on both sides straight up. Then fill it with fuel and replace fitting and spring clip and try to start. You may have to do this several times. It is very difficult to start a cold engine like this. Two small shots of starting fluid into the air intake hose which is easily remove with a pair of channel lock plyers and it will take right off - Frank Kampert from United States of America

Volkswagen Passat 2008

I have just had a new clutch and flywheel fitted to my 1.9litre diesel Volkswagen Passat. The mechanic disconnected the battery and, when reconnected, the steering gear warning light (yellow) refuses to go out when driven, yet there is no fault with steering or any audible message. Does anybody know how to put this light out without going to dealer? I have tried dissconnecting battery again but with no joy.

Volkswagen Passat 2008

Does a Volkswagen Passat CC GT TDI have a timing belt or chain? Thank you in advance for any help.

Answers

Definitely a belt which needs replacement every four years or 60k miles - Peter Buisseret from England

Volkswagen Passat 2001

Hi, how much would you estimate the cost is of replacing the oil sump on a 2001 VW Passat TDI?

Volkswagen Passat 2006

A red battery light came on the dashboard of my Volkswagen Passat and the car stopped and it will now not start again. What should I do now? What is my best course of action?

Volkswagen Passat 2000

Hi, my Volkswagen Passat’s engine suddenly stops while I am driving, especially when the air conditioning is on and when I’m trying to start it. I removed one terminal at the battery for 10 -15 mins and then reconnected and tried again. What would be the possible cause of this trouble? Thanks.

Volkswagen Passat 2000

Hi, when driving my 2000 Volkswagen Passat diesel after the engine has warmed, the temperature guage starts to climb to an overheating point. I have changed the thermosat and there is a good flow of water through engine but it is still overheating. Can anyone help? Thank you.

Answers

Check the viscus fan is working when hot. Other than that, it could be the head gasket - Pete the man

Volkswagen Passat 2007

Hi, my 2007 VW Passat 57 heater is not working. I checked the fuse and that’s OK. Can you help?

Answers

I have had a similar problem where the heaters worked but not very good, so I did the same, checked the fuse that was okay, then I checked the pollen filter which was rammed full with cr*p. I bought a new one of those and replaced it and now works beautifully. Hope this helps - Paul Smith from England

Volkswagen Passat 2006

Does my Volkswagen Passat key fob need recoding, as my car won’t start right away and sometimes it takes two or three goes to start. Thanks in advance.

Volkswagen Passat 2006

Hi. Does anybody know where I might find the glow plug relay on my 55 reg Volkswagen Passat 2.0 tdi 140? Thank you in advance.

Answers

Hi, remove your battery and surround and it is under the relay box , but you must get the battery out of the way to get to it, the bracket it is screwed to slides into the underside of the relay box - Gary Wykes from England

Volkswagen Passat 2005

How many pins and bushes are on a Passat on each side?

Volkswagen Passat 2003

I have a 2 litre petrol 53 plate VW Passat. 12 months ago, the engine management warning light came on for no apparent reason. I have had three diagnostic tests and had a number of sensors replaced but light comes on a few hundred miles once reset. The car is running fine I just think I am paying out for sensors for no apparent reason. Am I best to just leave the light on and carry on as I say has been coming on and off for the last year?

Answers

I have the same problems since two years. I did the tests and everything was ok. I learned somewhere in the forums that in the gas tank is a sensor which measure the pressure inside. I re-locked the gas tap and after 100 km the warning light was disappeared. But after some time it appeared again and I have no clue (even the mechanics do not) what is happening. But everything else is working great - Oltion Hyso from Albania

Volkswagen Passat 2007

When switching off the engine on my VW Passat 2.0tdi, sometimes it will not restart. I have to take key out leave it for 30 sec and then it restarts. Why?

Volkswagen Passat 2008

Could someone tell me should the white symbols on the airvents light up when you switch the lights on or not? Every other symbol around the dash seems to! (Diesel 2.0 140 Highline)

Volkswagen Passat 2000

My VW Passat seems to have lost power, it does not drive more than 50mph, had my clutch replaced, still the same problem. Does not make any unusual noise and has a high mileage (181,000). Any idea what’s causing this issue?

Answers

Sounds like your Ecuador (on board computer) has gone into limp mode and isn’t coming back online. Try a new Ecuador from a scrapyard, souls only be £100 - Chris from England

Volkswagen Passat 2008

Has anyone experienced a rattle from the driver’s airvent? Because there are NO other rattles or squeaks from the dash, it just gets annoying on a drive. (2.0 Diesel highline 140)

Volkswagen Passat 1999

I have changed the timing belt and now the car won’t start. No compression, how do you set camshaft timing?

Answers

If you have changed the timing belt and not set the timing up correctly and tried to start, you will have bent the valves, that is why you have no compression. There will be timing marks on the covers that will tell you where to line it up - David from Scotland

Volkswagen Passat 2005

At what mileage does the cambelt need changing? (2L tdi sport)

Answers

Every 60,000 miles or every 4 years which ever comes first is a good guide and better be safe than sorry - Raj Agha from England

Volkswagen Passat 1993

Where are the timing marks on a 1993 VW Passat 1.9 turbo diesel? There are two points I can see through the looking hole on top the tranny near fly wheel. Which mark do I use? The first or the second going clockwise?

Volkswagen Passat 2010

How do I gain entry to car when the battery is flat and I have a keyless entry system? (1.8)

Answers

Hi, on your key there is a button on side press this and pull and there is a key inside. You have to take the drivers side handle of and place key in to open - Andy from England

Volkswagen Passat 2001

Can anyone help? I love my VW Passat 2L Sport. It drives fine and then every few weeks, the engine light comes on, still drives fine and then when you turn it off. It won’t start for about 10 mins then smells of petrol, smokes a bit and then it’s fine and the light goes out. It’ll drive fine for another few weeks before starting the cycle again. What can it be? It doesn’t do it all the time and the light goes out again.

Volkswagen Passat 2006

Hi, I have a problem. I changed 4 glow plugs and wiring loom but it is still coming up with all 4 glow plugs on diagnostic machine. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Volkswagen Passat 2003

How do I remove the service now text from my dashboard?

Answers

Get a service? - Al from England

Switch off the ignition then press and hold the trip reset button beneath the rev counter. Switch on the ignition and release the reset button. The service message will appear in the display. Turn the reset knob clockwise and the display will return to normal. Switch off the ignition to complte the reset procedure. Hope this helps. Works on my Passat! - Richie from England

Volkswagen Passat 1999

I have just bought a Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI. After driving it for a week, the boot would not open with either the key fob or manually. Also, the rear near side door will not open from the outside, even though the lock is in the open position. Can anyone help please? Thanks.

Volkswagen Passat 2003

Hi, I have a VW Passat TDi 130bhp and I have smashed the sump up. I wish to change but need to know what has to be done to change it. I’ve been told you have to remove the gearbox? And sub frame? Please help!

Volkswagen Passat 2006

My engine management light came on and on the dash it says "emissions garage". Any idea what’s wrong? It’s a diesel.

Answers

Hello Izzy, I have just had the same problem on our Passat tdi 2006 - turns out the auto chap found a fault with a turbo sensor, cost £47 plus labour - total £145. There are other sensors but ours said the same as yours, emissions faliure, and there was a lack of any real power - hope this helps - emissions - Scot Lawes from Buckinghamshire

Volkswagen Passat 2004

What is the name of the rubber under the engine cover which absorbs vibrations from engine?

Volkswagen Passat 2006

My cars AC doesn’t start cooling until I have accelerated to about 40-60miles per hour. You can only hear the compressor sound after driving for sometime, else it’s hot air you get all the time. I have changed the compressor ones because of this problem. What could be responsible and what can I do to solve it.

Volkswagen Passat 2001

It was -3 C, I was driving to work in snow at 10 miles per hour, my glow plug light came on and the message engine workshop came up. I drove home, the message did not come up again. Does anyone know what it means? (TDi)

Volkswagen Passat 2004

I have just bought the VW highline Passat 1.9 diesel. The car alarm seems to be working fine except when I have tested the interior movement sensors inside the car it will not trigger the alarm. Do the sensors needing replacing or can I reset the alarm? Also, on this model, should the seatbelt fasten sign light up with a warning "beep" when seatbelt is not fastened? If so, this is also not working.

Volkswagen Passat 2005

The engine managment light came on and then a sudden loss of power that lasts until I stop the engine. After re-starting the engine everything seems to be fine... this has happend many times... what can it be? (2.0 tdi 140 hp)

Answers

It might be a crank shaft sensor. You are resetting the system when you turn it off and start again - Dean Linegar from England

What is your mileage? It sounds just how our problems started with out 20TDI 170 Bhp at 140,000. Took VW £2000 to find the problem, after changing many parts they decided it must be the DPF filter. My advice is, if you can afford, get rid of it. We are stuck with ours for the time being, but it does seem OK now. Good luck - Anthony Fletcher from Lincolnshire

Well, it just happened to me now the same thing was driving with the 3 speed. I gave gas when it have reach 90km suddenly I had the feeling that the motor got broken it doesn’t take the gas and makes me so scared. What could it be? - Bongo from Switzerland