Ok. So i have always wanted a TDI (I have a Jeep CRD). I bought at an auction a 2009 Jetta TDI, with 49,500 miles on it, in pristine condition. One owner. I bought it for $4,500 + sales, tax, and title through an auction broker/dealer. Car is in great shape, like it truly has been well maintained.
So, what a great deal! Wait, I bought it knowing that the engine would not start. No further information provided. Dead Engine. So I figured that even worst case, I put $5,000 into it, and still a respectable deal - especially considering the mileage. I knew that it would not be a cake walk at all and was hoping it was something like an engine rebuild (which I can do). I assumed it would be a major issue, as someone would not walk away from this with a blocked fuel filter or bad mpg!
So, after a few days…this is what I have (after replacing the battery and the fuel filter). It is running, and appears to idle ok. Sorry, my technical manual from Ebay hasn't arrived.
1. Awful oil leak. I noted a spot in the oil pan where the oil is leaking significantly. It appears that the oil pan can come out without removing engine…is this true?
2. I found the big problem, I think. I think it is the computer (which is my handicap). It is running, but all of the dummy lights on the dashboard are lit up. Particulate sensor, flashing glow plug light, steering, engine workshop (?) etc. It appears to be in limp mode, as I tried to drive it around a bit and it acts like limp mode. When i got it back into the barn running, all of the sudden it started smoking fairly badly, like the injectors were off time. When I shut it down, reset battery, smoking disappeared.
I have tried the my memory fixes, like unplugging the battery for a bit, etc.
Questions:
1. Does this sound, to You, like a fried computer?
2. I have heard nightmares about VW service, and if it is the computer, are there alternatives to the VW (local trusted shop) to address ECM.
3. This vehicle came with a 5 yr/60,000 mile warranty. I fit under the miles and I am in the fifth year. Is there a chance that this indeed falls under the warranty? Or does being the second owner somehow violate this.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions or help.
Sincerely,
Mike
So, what a great deal! Wait, I bought it knowing that the engine would not start. No further information provided. Dead Engine. So I figured that even worst case, I put $5,000 into it, and still a respectable deal - especially considering the mileage. I knew that it would not be a cake walk at all and was hoping it was something like an engine rebuild (which I can do). I assumed it would be a major issue, as someone would not walk away from this with a blocked fuel filter or bad mpg!
So, after a few days…this is what I have (after replacing the battery and the fuel filter). It is running, and appears to idle ok. Sorry, my technical manual from Ebay hasn't arrived.
1. Awful oil leak. I noted a spot in the oil pan where the oil is leaking significantly. It appears that the oil pan can come out without removing engine…is this true?
2. I found the big problem, I think. I think it is the computer (which is my handicap). It is running, but all of the dummy lights on the dashboard are lit up. Particulate sensor, flashing glow plug light, steering, engine workshop (?) etc. It appears to be in limp mode, as I tried to drive it around a bit and it acts like limp mode. When i got it back into the barn running, all of the sudden it started smoking fairly badly, like the injectors were off time. When I shut it down, reset battery, smoking disappeared.
I have tried the my memory fixes, like unplugging the battery for a bit, etc.
Questions:
1. Does this sound, to You, like a fried computer?
2. I have heard nightmares about VW service, and if it is the computer, are there alternatives to the VW (local trusted shop) to address ECM.
3. This vehicle came with a 5 yr/60,000 mile warranty. I fit under the miles and I am in the fifth year. Is there a chance that this indeed falls under the warranty? Or does being the second owner somehow violate this.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions or help.
Sincerely,
Mike