New to TDIClub? Introduce yourself here!

Paddyboy · May 24, 2007

Thank you bikeprof for the heads up. It seems to me that these vehicles are readily available in CA,TX and a few other states as well as Canada and some countries overseas. I reckon I'll have to have a vehicle shipped but I'm a little leary about purchasing over the interweb...

Paddyboy · May 24, 2007

I found this one here but it looks kind of sketchy http://baltimore.craigslist.org/car/311141788.html

Seems like a good deal but the vehicle was in a wreck...

MandyJet · May 24, 2007

Just another newbie -

I bought my new pride and joy (a 2005 VW Jetta TDI) 4 days ago and I'm totally in love!! Wanted to connect with other people who enjoy and possibly know quite a bit more about TDIs - their maintenance and capabilities, etc.

Hope this site/forum is what I'm looking for!

revkev · May 25, 2007

Newbie and prud of it !!!

Hello all,
I have been reading your posts for a couple of years and finally decided to join. I am a fomerly ase master tech but have only done the minimum when it comes to my TDI . Here is my dilema, I have driven older vw turbo diesels before, again only doing the bare bone minmum to keep them going. I would like to get this great car back up to snuff (running wise) and need a starting place and a track to follow Is there a link or previous post that I can go to , or would one or some of you be willing to get me started? 96 tdi 110k new timing belt at 80k bought it wrecked with 55k. I need a new front converter (one piece to manifold) which I cannot find and have not done any other other maintenence other than lof and fuel filter changes (sorry to say that i have used non syn and 3500-4000k (old school) ) thanks again for this great resource

Eric Cartman · May 29, 2007

N00b

Just bought my new 06 Jetta TDI this past sat 5/26/07...
Thanks to Lucas TD!

I am lovin every minute of it.

XLR8R · May 30, 2007

BikeProf:
The timing belt on my Jetta was just changed. I don't think the lifters have been touched. What should be done to them and when? I put my first tank of fuel in, it was Chevron ULSD at the low, low SRC (Socialist Republic of California) price of $2.99/gal. (That's cheaper than gas!!!) I haven't had any time to mess with it yet but I just love this car!!!

xlr8r
'01 Jetta TDI 5-spd blue 68k miles and counting!

XLR8R · May 30, 2007

Anyone got any recommendations for synthetic oil? I was looking at Mobil 0-40W. It was the only Mobil syn I saw that said it was diesel compatible. What does everyone else use?

Thanks,
xlr8r

TornadoRed · May 30, 2007

XLR8R said:
Anyone got any recommendations for synthetic oil? I was looking at Mobil 0-40W. It was the only Mobil syn I saw that said it was diesel compatible. What does everyone else use?

Hello XLR8R, welcome and congratulations on your new (used) TDI.

Mobil 1 0w40 will work just fine in your 2001 model (those built in 2004 and later have a different requirement).

Mobil 1 5w40 may be better (I think so); if you can't find it on the shelf, I think you can get next-day delivery at NAPA and CarQuest.

If you ever make it down to San Diego, you might look at the Lubro-Moly offerings. ( www.interautopartssd.com )

Shell Rotella T 5w40 is usually available at Walmart, and is a popular choice. Not quite in the class of Mobil 1, but fine for your engine.

KaBoom21 · May 30, 2007

Hello:

Heard great things about this board and decided to join. Was turned off by another VW site that seemed to have way too many subforums and it always seemed like I didn't know which specific forum to ask the question, did check FAQ or didn't do a search. I have a 2001 1.8T Wolfsburg.

I've driven VWs since college and love them, but I'm not much of a tech-y car guy.

I'll do my best to learn how this board functions, so bear w/me. I live in the Chicago area (live near Rosemont, work near Northbrook) and need to find a good VW mechanic. Anyone know of one?

Just today my check engine light came on and the car stalled 7-8 times on the way to work (only when accelerator wasn't engaged, left it idling at Starbucks and it stayed on). Any ideas what this might be? I want to at least sound like I know what's going on!

Also, If these ? were better off in another forum, please let me know.

XLR8R · Jun 1, 2007

I have been checking out the sight and can't remember where to find threads on 5th gear changes. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have had the car a week and just love it!!! I am still on my first tank with 500+miles and still about a 1/4 tank left. This is awesome, good-bye rice burners!!!!!

xlr8r
'01 Jetta 5-spd, stock, 68k miles and counting

LeBude · Jun 2, 2007

Your posting efforts are appreciated

I've read all the FAQs and threads over the past 3 years about new oils and such and have replaced fuel filters correctly (filled with power service), changed oil numerous times using the latest rendition for the vehicle (replacing the oil nut washer each time, also), replaced the brake switch without breaking it, and replaced the tires with the correct OEM. All of this without asking a question. Thank you all for posting such direct, clear, and unambiguously illustrated threads about regular car care. Your efforts are appreciated and have helped many folks, who may not have had time to post such comments. I bought the car because of the beauty of how diesel engines work, the extra gas mileage was a bonus. It would not have been possible to repair it feasibly without your help.

Thanks,

Anthony

luv4jetta · Jun 6, 2007

Mechanic in Virginia?

Hi there -

Can anyone recommend a good diesel mechanic in the Shenandoah Valley area? Northern Virginia isn't really convenient, and I'm having a hard time finding anyone local.

Also, can anyone provide a ballpark figure for replacing a timing belt (and anything else that is required along with it) on an 02 Jetta with approximately 161,000 miles? I have gotten a few estimates and all seem high, but maybe that's the going rate. By the way, it has already been changed once around 80,000 so scolding will not be necessary

Thanks in advance for all suggestions and advice!

TornadoRed · Jun 6, 2007

luv4jetta said:
Can anyone recommend a good diesel mechanic in the Shenandoah Valley area? Northern Virginia isn't really convenient, and I'm having a hard time finding anyone local.

Paramedick is in Versailles, Kentucky, and that might not be too far from you. It would be worth traveling 100-150 miles to get the job done right, and then not have to mess with it again for 100k miles.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/member.php?u=10190

gfd486 · Jun 6, 2007

Hi all, i am now the proud owner of 2 1999.5 tdi jetta's...on one of them however, the previous owner just had the t-belt done at a stealer right before i bought the car. i just found out that the following items were not replaced: motor mount bolts, water pump and who know what else...but it is supposedly a 100k upgrade...i know the part numbers to look for but am wondering what is the best way to get the stealer to replace these parts at their cost...would it be worth it for me to mark the t-belt itself and force them to re-do it all because the t-belt appears "defective"...or can anyone think of any other ways...thanks

Greg

luv4jetta · Jun 7, 2007

TornadoRed, thanks for your reply. I should have mentioned that I am looking, more specifically, for a mechanic in the Winchester area, since the Shenandoah Valley covers a lot of ground

Again, suggestions welcomed/needed...thanks!

xenoakhur · Jun 9, 2007

Just got my TDI

I just got a red 98 Beetle. I'm loving it so far. Also, does anyone know where I could find the owners manual for my car for free or cheap? Something below $50... if not, whatever, but it would still be nice... Thanks

54chevygirl · Jun 17, 2007

fuel, fuses, recalls

hi- I'm new to this thanks to a guy who saw me trying to check the fuses while in menards' parking lot. I recently paid almost $800 to have my air intake cleaned- what caused it, was it that biodiesel fuel? did I get totally ripped off? why does my radio fuse blow every 5-6 months, and why isn't it clearly marked on the fuse box? my jetta is going to the dealer for a recall on the brake light wiring, any other recalls out there for the 02 jetta tdi?

estalzer · Jun 17, 2007

Help

I bought 2005 Jetta TDI a year and half ago and it now has over 98K. I drive 150mi per day to and from work. Recently the car will not start. Unfortunately I got stuck in MA (live in NH) and brought to a VW dealer near my job. Now new TDIs are not sold in MA, but in NH. So far they are scratching their trying to figure this one out. I told them that I thought the fuel pump or relay is bad. Could I be correct. WHen the car starts I can hear what I think is a pump back in the tank, but when it fails I hear nothing. I know this model has the Pumpe duese. Can someone advise before I go crazy. I hate bringing this car to anyone else but near where I live, but I forced to due the distance to my home. Thanks!

bicyclewagon · Jun 17, 2007

2005 wagon back to dealership/ courtesy car?

Yesterday, Saturday, my jetta had a small bang, and lost acceleration on the freeway. Lots of smoke and the engine light came on. i got it home on local streets with periods of heavy smoke out of the exhaust. Has only 30,000 miles. I will take it to the authorized dealer tomorrow. My question is under what conditions does the dealer give you a free courtesy car?

TornadoRed · Jun 17, 2007

54chevygirl said:
I recently paid almost $800 to have my air intake cleaned- what caused it, was it that biodiesel fuel? did I get totally ripped off? why does my radio fuse blow every 5-6 months, and why isn't it clearly marked on the fuse box? my jetta is going to the dealer for a recall on the brake light wiring, any other recalls out there for the 02 jetta tdi?

Hello chevygirl. Your Jetta's intake probably got clogged from the non-ULSD that it received before 2006. Cleaner diesel available since about this time last year should keep it from clogging again, and the same with biodiesel.

Get the brakeswitch replaced, but don't let them do any other work if you can help it. You might introduce yourself to other Minnesota TDI owners in this thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=124706

If you need any work done, like the timing belt every 80k miles or so, contact DeafBug:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/member.php?u=2872 or
http://home.comcast.net/~deafbug

estalzer said:
So far they are scratching their trying to figure this one out. I told them that I thought the fuel pump or relay is bad. Could I be correct. WHen the car starts I can hear what I think is a pump back in the tank, but when it fails I hear nothing.

You may be on the right track -- your TDI PD has a lift pump in the fuel tank, and many of them have failed. I'm not sure if there's a recall or TSB for this, but it should not be that hard to diagnose, or replace if it's not working.

estalzer · Jun 17, 2007

You may be on the right track -- your TDI PD has a lift pump in the fuel tank, and many of them have failed. I'm not sure if there's a recall or TSB for this, but it should not be that hard to diagnose, or replace if it's not working.[/quote]

Thanks much! I didnt think I was hearing things, but I dont trust these guys at that particualr dealer, so I guess I have to wait and see. Again thanks! This forum is so great!

TornadoRed · Jun 17, 2007

bicyclewagon said:
Yesterday, Saturday, my jetta had a small bang, and lost acceleration on the freeway. Lots of smoke and the engine light came on. i got it home on local streets with periods of heavy smoke out of the exhaust. Has only 30,000 miles. I will take it to the authorized dealer tomorrow. My question is under what conditions does the dealer give you a free courtesy car?

Since your Jetta is still under warranty, they should give you a free rental or loaner.

It's impossible to say for sure, but your problem could be that a clamp has come loose from the pipe leading to the intercooler, and you've lost nearly all your boost. They might be able to correct the problem in a few minutes. But sometimes the plastic knurl on the end of the pipe is worn smooth, the clamp won't hold, and the pipe has to be replaced.

Has any work been done on the car lately, that might have required the removal of this pipe? Or have you struck anything on the road?

estalzer · Jun 18, 2007

estalzer said:
I bought 2005 Jetta TDI a year and half ago and it now has over 98K. I drive 150mi per day to and from work. Recently the car will not start. Unfortunately I got stuck in MA (live in NH) and brought to a VW dealer near my job. Now new TDIs are not sold in MA, but in NH. So far they are scratching their trying to figure this one out. I told them that I thought the fuel pump or relay is bad. Could I be correct. WHen the car starts I can hear what I think is a pump back in the tank, but when it fails I hear nothing. I know this model has the Pumpe duese. Can someone advise before I go crazy. I hate bringing this car to anyone else but near where I live, but I forced to due the distance to my home. Thanks!

Well everyone! The dealer figured it out after I told them several times what the problem was. I told them there is a pump in the tank of this model TDI and after several hours they realized I was correct. My car is fixed and I hauled ass home to NH. Thanks to several members I was able to arm myself and make a good fight and win.

Thanks
TornadoRed
dieseldorf
daedalus
Lug_Nut
K5ing
and most of all, Chris Hill, who took the time to talk to me by phone. Thanks all.

dythama · Jun 19, 2007

Hi, I look forward to chat!!!

TwoValveKid · Jun 20, 2007

Hello from VA! was given the URL to this site by a friend. Wife and i have a 05 TDI golf. Looks like there is a ton of info on here. I love sites like this. Definitely checking out the increase mpg threads.

cruisin · Jul 1, 2007

Greetings from Texas--y'all

Grettings everyone,

I just joined here a couple of hours ago with a question in the 101 section. I scanned through the list at the beginning of this post and boy do I have a lot to learn. The Jetta is my first diesel and I want to do it right, so I may be lurking here more than posting with stupid questions.

0311_DoC · Jul 6, 2007

links not working

Alot of these links for the newbies (such as myself) are not working or no longer in existance. can they be updated?

eschady said:
I think there should be a starter post for newbies to help answer many of their initial concerns. Here is a list that I came up with that many newbies have concerns about, or should be informed about:

Take some time and read through the TDIFAQ and the forums.

Consider the EGR modification:

Who has Vag-Com and where: (They are nice people, and can help with the EGR mod)

Read up on the Break-In period . This is important, and can save you many problems down the road!

How To Drive a Stick - Shifting Points

Most recommend that you DO NOT change your oil prior to 5,000 miles:
Do not change prior to 5,000
Do not change prior to 5,000

Diesel 101

Try to use Premium Diesel

Or better yet, try BIODIESEL

Can't get premium or biodiesel, consider adding an additive:

If you are experiencing "poor" mileage:

Another Poor Fuel Economy Post

Come to a GTG and meet your fellow TDI'ers, they can help you out.

Here is a picture of the TDI engine with many important components labeled:

Some general maintenance items:

GeWilli's How To Page
GeWilli's site has lots of good information including: relay 109, MAF analysis, bulb changing (harder than it sounds), any many more!!!

Link to Useful PDF's
This links to a post with a bunch of downloadable PDF files on some procedures.

More How To's

How to do an Oil Change
How to do an Oil Change
How to do an Oil Change

How to change the Fuel Filter

How to clean the Snowscreen
How to clean the Snowscreen

Testing Glow Plugs

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement

Intake Manifold Cleaning

MAF Failure Analysis

Some add-ons/modifications to consider:

Skidplate

Fumuto Valve

Ventectomy

Mufflerectomy

CCV Mod

Evry Mod

Custom Boost Gauge

How to Buy a Used TDI

Anyone else have something to add that all newbies should read up on? Are there better posts out there that I didn't include?

One last hint... scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the Favorite Thread link. This will add a link to your "My Home" so you always have a quick link to it.

pietb · Jul 18, 2007

Bleeding of fuel system

Hi everyone !!!
As a newby, here`s my story. I am the owner of a 2001 Jetta 1.9 tdi. All the years I`ve done my own services on all of my previous (petrol) vehicles. About seven months ago it was time to do my first service on a diesel. (I`m the type who always learns the hard way due to the lack of funds to pay somebody else to do my services). All went well after the oil and diesel filters were replaced. Now for the unknown. I replaced the amount of diesel that came out of the fuel filter into the new one and tried to reduce the possibility of letting air into the fuel system. I dont know if its my imagination or what but after the service, it seems that the engine doesn`t start that quickly as before. In winter it also starts with a bit of a shake before it runs smooth. My question now is, is it neccesary to bleed the fuel system and how ? What did I do wrong when replacing the fuel filter ? All your experienced awnsers will be greatly appreciated.
Whaiting to hear from you all .
Cheers]
pietb

rdkern · Jul 18, 2007

If you car starts (enen roughly) then the air should naturally "bleed" out of the system when running as long as you didn't introduce a leak. Give it a few miles as long as you just "think" it "may be" harder to start. When it IS harder to start, start being concerned.

pietb · Jul 18, 2007

Bleeding fuel system

Thanx rdkern for the quick response. I did the service a long time ago but its time for the next service and I just thought I must ask if its neccesary to bleed the system or not.

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