NMS/B7 - Passat '12+ FAQ & Maintenance HOW-TO

[VeeDubTDI]

At kromicacid's request, I'm starting a sticky FAQ thread for the 2012+ Passat (NMS/B7).

kromicacid will be responsible for updating Post #2, so keep your eyes on it for updates.

-Lawson

FAQ #1:

Q: What is the difference between the NMS and a B7?

A: NMS stands for New Midsize Sedan, which is the project code name for the North American, Saudi Arabian and Chinese 2012+ Passats. B7 is a bit of a misnomer (it's really more like a B6.5), but refers to the European Passat, which is a completely different vehicle from the NMS. The B7 and NMS share practically nothing between them. While VWvortex and other sites commonly (and incorrectly) refer to all new Passats as B7s, it is technically incorrect.

Because TDIClub has a number of international members and prides itself on correct model identification, please use the proper terminology to refer to your Passat while posting here.

Summary: B7 = European Passat. NMS = North American, Saudi Arabian and Chinese Passat.
If you live in North America, you do not have a B7.

 

[kromicacid]

Please PM me for updates and suggestions. Please provide documentation or a link for a quick cross reference.


How to search the forums - http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=133579

FAQ:
Timing Belt Change Interval - 130,000 mile intervals for timing belt and water pump stated in the owners manual
Break-in Period by Drivbiwire - http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=252501&highlight=drivbiwire+breakin
Engine Fan running after shutoff - http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=344500
Light Bulb information - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...-Bulb-List&p=77997050&viewfull=1#post77997050
RNS510 Firmware & Maps Info Thread

Turbo Failure Discussion:
General Discussion Thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=360617
Failure Reports Thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=375789
Data Collection Thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=381481

DIY Service: (If you do something, and document it, please let me know so I can post it for the masses...)
Oil Change/ 10k service video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO8Qpv7P_QE
Cabin filter change - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW0MD7XyezQ and http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=403318
Fuel Filter Change - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwkxiIbI0Qc
Urea/Adblue Exhaust Fluid - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5rXEWIeGCU
Coolant flush
DSG oil change -
Reset TPMS - http://my.vw.com/2012-passat/performance/tire-pressure-monitor
10,000 mile service video - http://www.crdsite.com/3.html [no-blue-screen]
A/C condenser cleaning video http://youtu.be/IxxP3RuPyQQ [no-blue-screen]
Remove ECU bracket http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=410144 [AARodriguez]
AdBlue Fill procedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5rXEWIeGCU
Replacing the Adblue Heater: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=438458 by docmanny
Heater core replacement: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=450667 by 767wrench

DIY Mods: (if there are lots of modifications I will subdivide to make it easier to find. ie: body, electrical, etc.)
Fog Lights - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...y-do-i-need-a-harness&p=75403809#post75403809
VAG-COM Tweaks - http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...S/A3%29_Tweaks
More VCDS Tweaks - http://forums.tdiclub.com/showpost.php?p=4059022&postcount=141
Rain Closing Windows - http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/b...ctivation.html
Trunk Hinge Cover (for Right Hinge) http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5557252-Trunk-Hinge-Cover part #561-971-821-82V
Diesel Geek Shortshifter - by EatPasta - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATy7ZIhIrEY
Reverse Camera for RNS-510 - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...Camera-Install
Custom front tag holder. No holes or drills - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foaZ_ADFECQ
Install Dash Cam http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=474333

VWVortex B7 FAQ/DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5199106-The-Official-B7-Passat-DIY-and-FAQ-Thread

As with most Internet forums, the people with the most problems speak the loudest. Rarely do people come on to sing the praises of something that's working well on a regular basis. If you have questions, please search for an answer and ask questions. Your experience may differ greatly from those posted on this forum.

 

[no-blue-screen]

Custom front tag holder. No holes or drills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foaZ_ADFECQ

 

[no-blue-screen]

Oil Change/ 10k service video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO8Qpv7P_QE

 

[FormerOwner]

I spoke to my dealer's master technician today regarding fuel filter changes. He said to first, remove the torx screws, and then pry off the lid. Next, he said to remove the filter and inspect the housing. Next, he said to insert the new fuel filter into the housing properly (I'm going to learn this @ my 20K service). Finally, you prime the pump... I asked him how he does that: He said that all you do is turn on the key 3 times in succession (without firing the engine). This will prime the pumps (we have 3 fuel pumps on our cars, as some of you know).

So, perhaps, we don't need Vag-com / VCDS to do this procedure, and thus, saving some $$$.

 

[tdiatlast]

Hmmm...so they've gone back to "turn the key to prime the pump", which DOES NOT work on 09>>>CR TDIs. That's very curious, and would be very good to know, if it's true.

Also, to empty out any sediment, or accumulated water that the filter has removed, you MUST remove the canister, invert it, and wipe it clean. If you don't, after several FF changes, you could quite possibly build up a good bit of sediment, and possibly water.

Please ask this master technician if the 2012-2013 Passat common rail TDI is different than previous VW CR TDIs, and be kind enough to post his response here.

Thanks.

 

[FormerOwner]

When I return for my 10K service, I'll be sure to ask him about that aspect. I'm sure that he probably does that too... I'll ask him about whether or not our CKRA TDI is different than the other CR TDI's.

 

[no-blue-screen]

Same with the PD. There is a lift pump that pressurizes the system when you turn on the key...hence the three key turns is just to make sure you have the system void of air. Don't forget to check for leaks after you complete the job. I have not done this on mine yet.

 

[MyAvocation]

you MUST remove the canister, invert it, and wipe it clean.

I use a turkey baster from any dollar store. It's part of the spare filter kit I keep in the trunk.

 

[Softrockrenegade]

I spoke to my dealer's master technician today regarding fuel filter changes. He said to first, remove the torx screws, and then pry off the lid. Next, he said to remove the filter and inspect the housing. Next, he said to insert the new fuel filter into the housing properly (I'm going to learn this @ my 20K service). Finally, you prime the pump... I asked him how he does that: He said that all you do is turn on the key 3 times in succession (without firing the engine). This will prime the pumps (we have 3 fuel pumps on our cars, as some of you know).
So, perhaps, we don't need Vag-com / VCDS to do this procedure, and thus, saving some $$$.

I have the understanding that the passats fuel system only has 2 pumps rather than 3 like the jetta/golf/Jsw ! Also cycling the key may be in his head from pre CR tdi generations ( perhaps they changed this on the passat?).

 

[FormerOwner]

As I said previously... I'll ask to verify all of your concerns when I return @ my 10K service.

 

[tdiatlast]

I have the understanding that the passats fuel system only has 2 pumps rather than 3 like the jetta/golf/Jsw ! Also cycling the key may be in his head from pre CR tdi generations ( perhaps they changed this on the passat?).

...uhmm...that would be 4 years ago.

Interesting question (key prime or not). I'm anxious to hear the answer.

 

[Vmwalker]

Kessy?

Just push the start button with foot OFF the brake 2 or 3 times?

 

[no-blue-screen]

Put some fuel or some powerservice in the fuel filter canister (fill it up) and just start the thing up.

 

[no-blue-screen]

A/C condenser cleaning video:

http://youtu.be/IxxP3RuPyQQ

 

[quinby1]

So has anyone found the answer to the original question? "can the '12-13 Passat fuel filter be primed by turning the key three times, or do you need computer access or to hot wire pumps?"

 

[FormerOwner]

I will have your answer NEXT WEEK when I return for my 10K mile service.

 

[no-blue-screen]

You don't need to prime it folks. When you turn the key you should hear the canister fill.

 

[TomB]

Funny on the oil change video he says your-ea instead of you-rea.

The dipstick is not a good indicator of oil level during a drain. After about 1 -2 liters having been removed it will show as empty on the dipstick.

As well you should remove the filter and open the oil cap before you drain. This always frees up additional oil to drain out of the engine.

 

[FormerOwner]

You are correct, no-blue... they simply remove and install new filter element. They don't dump the diesel out of the housing either. A visual inspection is done... and then the new one is inserted. Turn the key to on for a few moments and then crank the car.

 

[Softrockrenegade]

This is good news! Sure makes things easier . I just went out to my new Passat and def here something running in the back when cycling the key !

 

[jrm]

Any link to DSG maintenance? I have owned them before and now that im the first owner of this car I want to drastically over maintain the DSG

 

[gforce1108]

Any link to DSG maintenance? I have owned them before and now that im the first owner of this car I want to drastically over maintain the DSG

Here is a link I found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBYQnjur_wg
Looks like this is on a Golf/Jetta - can't imagine that it's much different on the Passat. Hopefully someone else can confirm. A coworker bought the refill kit and I helped him change his. Pretty easy - just make sure the car is cold first. After a couple of hours, the fluid temp (after changing) was still too high to check level. It warms up pretty quickly so start stone cold if possible.

 

[jrm]

Since every rig I own has at least 200,000 miles on it I need this NMS to be a half million mile car- so I plan to do the top fill method at 20,000 miles just to be 100% sure the fluid is metallic free and assembly RTV free. I have never had to tear down a engine or trans on my rigs in my entire life but have rebuilt family and friends autos several times- rule of thumb is if it isn't broken fix it
I know im comparing apples to pickles here but I dropped the oil on my Honda ATV at just 100 miles (1,000 was recommended) and the filter was completely packed with orange RTV- causing low oil pressure when operated at redline.
I feel that $60 oil change 100% saved the engine.
Take care guys, Joe

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Looking for RNS 510 navigation firmware and map updates or information? See the following thread...

RNS510 Firmware & Maps Info Thread

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I just added the following information to post #2:

Turbo Failure Discussion:
General Discussion Thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=360617
Failure Reports Thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=375789
Data Collection Thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=381481

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Added the link to the cabin air filter change How To thread in post #2. Thanks dubStorm!

 

[vw2011]

How to prime furl filter canister using VAG-COM

Found video on you tube ,did mine fuel filter at 20000ml
-remove old filter
-emptied filter housing
-install new filter
-add liquid moly diesel purge
-connect vag-com run fp test twice (you can hear pump inside tank)
start a car


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c60kY2zqOgI

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Updated to add AARodriguez's guide for removing the ECU bracket. http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=410144

 

[JdC Machine]

I'm approaching my first 10k mile service. As such, I've been getting a "Service in X-number of days" message in the MFD for about a couple of weeks now and just within the last few days, the message changed to "Service Now."

My question is, do I wait until the 10k mile mark or go by what the car is telling me? My instinct is to wait until 10k miles.

Hunted and pecked from a Galaxy S4A.