My head is spinning!!!

Hi - I am new here, just bought a new (to me) 2003 Jetta GLS TDI with 62K miles. After looking around here, I am a bit annoyed at myself for not having it checked out with a good TDI mechanic before I bought it, but that is the thing about hindsight! I know little to nothing about cars, but really want to treat my new Jetta right, as I am hoping to have it around for quite awhile.
I have been looking around on this forum for HOURS, and I feel like my head is spinning! There is so much information, jargon, and I feel like alot of it is over my head. If I could get some guidance as to what some good first steps would be to make sure I am going about things correctly, it would be greatly appreciated.
One thing I noticed right off is that the pervious owners had not been using synthetic oil when doing oil changes. I was thinking that is one thing I will probably need to change right away.
Also, I read alot about the VAG-COM, not exactly sure what it is, but know that it checks things on the computer to let me know if there are things I need to check out. Is this something I should look into having done?
I have started my Jetta on Biodiesel, so also know that changing the fuel filter is something I may need to be doing soon.
Any other words of advice for an eager but slightly mechanically impaired newbie? (I am still mad at my dad for talking me out of taking shop in HS!)
Thanks!

MestizaBio said:

Hi - I am new here, just bought a new (to me) 2003 Jetta GLS TDI with 62K miles. After looking around here, I am a bit annoyed at myself for not having it checked out with a good TDI mechanic before I bought it, but that is the thing about hindsight! I know little to nothing about cars, but really want to treat my new Jetta right, as I am hoping to have it around for quite awhile.
I have been looking around on this forum for HOURS, and I feel like my head is spinning! There is so much information, jargon, and I feel like alot of it is over my head. If I could get some guidance as to what some good first steps would be to make sure I am going about things correctly, it would be greatly appreciated.
One thing I noticed right off is that the pervious owners had not been using synthetic oil when doing oil changes. I was thinking that is one thing I will probably need to change right away.
Also, I read alot about the VAG-COM, not exactly sure what it is, but know that it checks things on the computer to let me know if there are things I need to check out. Is this something I should look into having done?
I have started my Jetta on Biodiesel, so also know that changing the fuel filter is something I may need to be doing soon.
Any other words of advice for an eager but slightly mechanically impaired newbie? (I am still mad at my dad for talking me out of taking shop in HS!)
Thanks!

Click to expand...

Not synthetic at all? What oil did they use?

oil used...

Lets see-

Looking over the records the last oil change they did right before I got the car they used Kendall Superb 10W30. Looking over the records it looks like OCASSIONALLY they had synthetic oil used, but it was more the exception than the rule, not very often.

How well does the motor run?

It seems to be running fine, although I don't really know what else I would compare it to. I just want to do what I can to prevent any future major issues if possible.

Given it's an 03, you can run any oil that meets VW 505.00 or better. This includes VW 505.01, 506.00 or 507.00. I run Castrol Syntec 5w40 that meets VW 505.00. It's available at AutoZone around here. Around $5/liter.

The damage may already be done though

What kind of damage might have been done?

Change out the oil. Any damage that's done is done. You might need a turbo sooner than you would have otherwise - but might not.

VagCom is software that allows you to communicate with your car. You also need a cable, but a complete setup (less the computer, of course) runs, new, about $250 or so. You may or maynot need it - depends on whether you're planning on maintaining your car yourself, or if you find a good tdi mechanic to do so. Who ever does the actual work on this car should have VagCom or its equivalent.

Glad you found this site. Keep on reading - things will make sense sooner or later. Don't worry about looking like a fool - we all have, and many of us still do on a regular basis.

rdkern said:

Glad you found this site. Keep on reading - things will make sense sooner or later. Don't worry about looking like a fool - we all have, and many of us still do on a regular basis.

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I'll second the part about looking like a fool. I've done it for sure

Regarding VAG-COM, it depends on how in depth you want to get. See
http://www.ross-tech.com/ to get info on what it can do for you. Also, look here http://www20.brinkster.com/beowulf9/tdi/vagcom/ to see if someone in your area has it and can show it to you by checking out your car. You will have a better sense of whehter you want it or not.

Even without, don't be afraid to do your own oil and filter maintainence. You will save money, and have a chance to bond with your new baby. AND you will know it is done the right way.

Bottom line: welcome, and enjoy your TDI

Be glad its not an 02 or 03+,
Obviously, change the oil out, if any damage has been done and makes itself noticeable later, well, fix it then, no use worrying about it now. You can use Rotella T Syn 5w40 from wal-mart without a problem.

Fortuna Wolf said:

Be glad its not an 02 or 03+,
Obviously, change the oil out, if any damage has been done and makes itself noticeable later, well, fix it then, no use worrying about it now. You can use Rotella T Syn 5w40 from wal-mart without a problem.

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It is an 03.

If you have read here that much then you know about the timing belt and how important it is to maintain properly (change on time).

It seems that I recall reading about a GTG in the SFB area soon. Check out the West coast section. That would be a great way to get started learning about your car.

Yeah, not sure on this one either...maybe meant 04 or 05+? Clarification, please.

Fortuna Wolf said:

Be glad its not an 02 or 03+,
Obviously, change the oil out, if any damage has been done and makes itself noticeable later, well, fix it then, no use worrying about it now. You can use Rotella T Syn 5w40 from wal-mart without a problem.

Click to expand...

Welcome to the TDI-Club !!!

Don't get frazzled... you'll learn at your own pace... just don't think of it as cramming for an exam...

As Whitedog said, keep your eyes on the West Coast forum http://forums.tdiclub.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31 to see if any Get-Togethers (GTG's) are coming up and try and drop in! you'll meet a bunch of great people and learn a LOT about hot to maintain your car...
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=150689
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=154406

Change that oil ASAP !!! Given the abuse that your engine has already suffered, I would go straight for Mobil Delvac-1 (5W-40) or its current incarnation, Mobil 1 Truck & Diesel Oil (5W-40)... change the oil and filter, and do it again fairly soon - 5000-8000 miles... Filter kits are available online... check the links at the bottom of this post...

BTW: how many miles on the car (I'm thinking of the timing belt... 100,000 mile rating on the 2003's, but many here would encourage you to cut that back a bit...)

All the best,

Yuri.

Parts Suppliers:
www.metalmanparts.com
www.tdiparts.com
www.dieselgeek.com
www.worldimpex.com
Bleached Bora’s reference list: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=97080

How-To's:http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=569892 (Wingnut's "how-to" message thread)
Timing Belt replacement procedure (download the file... just for your info, although it doesn't include the water pump replacement - considered essential!!!) http://pics.tdiclub.com/pdf/a4timingbelt.pdf
Quick-Time Videos:
http://pics2.tdiclub.com/video/cincitdi/oilextraction.html
http://pics2.tdiclub.com/video/cincitdi/snowscreen.html
http://pics2.tdiclub.com/video/cincitdi/fuelfilter.html
http://pics2.tdiclub.com/video/cincitdi/coolantmigration.html

**
PS:

my advice is to ready the FAQ 3 times.

Thanks for all the input. I will definatly get to changing the oil ASAP. I saw there was a gtg near here this weekend, but unfortunatly I will be out of town this weekend, but I will be keeping my eyes out for others!

Also, I am up to around 63K miles. I know normally they say to do the timing belt at 100K, but if I were to cut that back some, around when might be a good time to do that?

If you want to be safe, many people would say run it to 90,000 miles or even 95,000.

Oops, yes, my finger slipped. An 02 or 04+,
The 02 has soft cams from what I hear, and the 04s are the PDs.

I've never heard of premature timing belt failure except when something was rubbing against the belt or the water pump or injector pump seized (aka, not really the belt's fault).

MestizaBio said:

I will definatly get to changing the oil ASAP. I saw there was a gtg near here this weekend, but unfortunatly I will be out of town this weekend, but I will be keeping my eyes out for others!
Also, I am up to around 63K miles. I know normally they say to do the timing belt at 100K, but if I were to cut that back some, around when might be a good time to do that?

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I believe that Bay Area GTG has been postponed until November, so you won't miss it unless it gets cancelled entirely.

As for the TB, plan on changing it between 95k and 100k miles. But... unusual noises from the roller/idlers, or any sign that the waterpump might be going, and you might have to expedite the TB change. (As you've probably already discovered, this involves replacing all the parts in the TB pathway, and should be performed by a TDI pro.)

As for motor oil... you need a quality synthetic 5w40 meeting either the VW505.00 spec (or better), or the API CI-4 Plus spec (or better). Mobil Delvac 1 is the gold standard -- Mobil 1 5w40 Turbo Diesel Truck is the same stuff in a different bottle. You can get Delvac 1 at truck parts stores or truck stops. Or you can get get Turbo Diesel Truck at your nearest NAPA or CarQuest, but by special order so it takes a day or two.

As for fuel... stick to B20 or less until you get a good baseline on the fuel economy.

Edit: the latest word is that the Bay Area timing belt GTG is back on for this weekend, in Millbrae, and there may still be a slot or two open.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=1492249

There's not much reason to go beyond CF spec oils. TDIs don't accumulate enough soot in the oil for it to matter, and ULSD will cut down on that even more. But it is important, very important, that synthetic diesel oil is used. Like said, Rotella T Synthetic for $14/gal at Walmart works. I'd recommend ELF 506.00 oil though.

Fortuna Wolf said:

The 02 has soft cams from what I hear, and the 04s are the PDs.

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Has there been any definitive proof of the '02s having soft cams, and what VIN range?

This isn't proof or anything, and its just what I've heard.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=138768