Are there any "free" mods that people do

Gulfcoastgolf

New member
Joined
Aug 24, 2015
Location
Port Charlotte FL
TDI
Mk7 golf
Like it states free stuff like removing intake sound canceling pipes or anything like that? I for one every time I get a new car I remove the engine covers so I can see the engine and watch for leaks or buildup of any kind.
 

WiszMaster

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2002
Location
Fort Myers, FL, USA
TDI
'02 Jetta TDI - Silver, '06 Golf TDI, '06 MB 320 CDI
Bryan?
Keep an eye on the DEF injection, on top of the DPF unit, some of us have had leaks.
There are some VagCom mods, like key fob windows up/down, one touch turn signal count, passenger mirror dip on reverse, refill gallons in MFD, battery volt check on MFD, etc.


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oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
Remove the engine covers???? :rolleyes:


I always disable the DRLs, disable the clutch start switch, disable any auto lock/unlock nonsense, and on a NEW car I get underneath and clear everything I can get to. I also installed extra sound deadening around the engine area, like Dynamat above the hood insulation, removed the foam from under the front fenders and clearcoat/undercoat the entire area under the fender liners before putting them back on. I think the newer cars could benefit from some more sound deadening in that area as well.

I like gravel guards, too. And Monster mats.

None of this is really "free" though.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
There isn't anything to see that you couldn't see during a normal service. How often are you opening the hood?
 

Bikebits

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 7, 2015
Location
Southwestern Ontario
TDI
TDI Sportwagen 6MT
You can change the 12v accessory sockets from turning off with the ignition to being live all the time. Move the #40 fuse behind the left hand dash cubby hole to be in line with the adjacent fuses, rather than out-of-line, and the sockets will always be live.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
Not sure on the newer ones. On the old ones you just install a jumper wire on the clutch pedal switch.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
Do you do this so you can move the car with the starter motor in a pinch?

No, my engines always start right up. :)

I use it to allow starting in neutral without pressing the clutch. No force exerted on the crankshaft's dry thrust bearings at startup, plus sometimes it is nice to be able to reach in and start the car without having to actually get IN the car. Like for servicing when the car is on a lift, etc.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
Like that will be the first thing that will need replacing/fixing anyway... :D

Nah, probably not. But I have taken apart enough engines to know that thrust wear DOES happen. It is not of much concern on VAG inline engines, though, you're right. But to those of us that have cars in the half million mile range, every little bit of help can add up in the engine.
 

JKC_NC

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Location
Raleigh
TDI
'15 Passat TDI DSG | '15 Passat TDI SE Manual (sold 7/2018) | '10 Jetta Wagon TDI manual (sold 4/2015)
No, my engines always start right up. :)
I use it to allow starting in neutral without pressing the clutch. No force exerted on the crankshaft's dry thrust bearings at startup, plus sometimes it is nice to be able to reach in and start the car without having to actually get IN the car. Like for servicing when the car is on a lift, etc.
Not what I expected, but...thanks! My dad has a '69 911 he bought new the year I was born. I drove it some in my late teens. I had poured over the owner's manual as a child. When I was about 10, Dad mentioned that the starter could be used to move the car in 1st or R. Most of my cars have been manual but all required clutch pressed to start...but not the old Porsche. Since Dad's comment, I have wondered about moving a car with starter motor, but never have had reason or opportunity. Saw your post and wondered if this is what you had in mind. Cheers.
 

20IndigoBlue02

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 22, 2001
Location
Was North NJ, now SoCal
TDI
2002 Golf TDI-- deceased
Like it states free stuff like removing intake sound canceling pipes or anything like that? I for one every time I get a new car I remove the engine covers so I can see the engine and watch for leaks or buildup of any kind.
If you already have (or know someone) with a compatible VCDS, then you have free mods available.
 
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