Trusted TDI Mechanics - By State

[scanchattanooga]

I'll suggest my local mechanic who's done some work for me:

AG Import Auto / Rick McCashin
(423) 892-9810
http://www.agimportauto.com/

All he does is VW, Audi, and Mercedes, and familiar with both gassers and diesels. Did a timing belt for me in 2008 and just replaced camshaft and lifters for me recently. Every time I've been in he's had other TDIs in the shop, quite knowledgeable and easy to deal with. Used all OE parts and kept the bad parts to show me the carnage. Specifically advised me to use only 505.01 oil in the BEW (which I already knew but I understand).

 

[TDIJetta99]

haha, he's in NY... Probably not interested in traveling to Tennessee for service.. I'm about 4 hours away, which is a little far even... I have a couple of tdi customers that come down from Rochester anyway

 

[scanchattanooga]

Er, I'll suggest - for those of us in the area. Been to Ithaca once, I flew... wouldn't want to drive.

 

[cspeter8]

a post I removed

 

[eshap7]

trusted mechanic

Any TDI trusted mechanics in the Seattle, WA area. My 2003 Jetta TDI keeps going into limp mode when accelerating up a hill. I've read several posts but I don't have the skill to work on the car myself and don't want to pay for a new turbo the dealer suggested unless it's the only option.

 

[brawnwgn]

Matthew at Zahntech in Redmond is great. If you don't want to cross the bridge, check the sticky "Trusted TDI Mechanics" at the top for the immediate Seattle area... I think there are one or two others.

 

[Chad@EuroTec]

Can a MOD please update my map info? I am now at 1107 S West St, Suite H1, Wichita, KS 67209.

Thanks

 

[eshap7]

Thanks for the reference for Matthew. I've already contacted him and it helps to get the feedback from others.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Can a MOD please update my map info? I am now at 1107 S West St, Suite H1, Wichita, KS 67209.

Thanks

Updated - I kept the same phone number, since you didn't mention a change.

 

[TornadoRed]

Any TDI trusted mechanics in the Seattle, WA area. My 2003 Jetta TDI keeps going into limp mode when accelerating up a hill. I've read several posts but I don't have the skill to work on the car myself and don't want to pay for a new turbo the dealer suggested unless it's the only option.

There is almost certainly nothing wrong with your turbo. Limp mode is produced or generated by the engine control module (ECM) to protect your turbo!

 

[jasonTDI]

Sort of....The actuator or the N75 are sticking causing the limp. The actuator is part of the turbo. If you want to get technical about it.

 

[eshap7]

I searched for ECM and couldn't find much except it's sometimes called a ECU. Any posts about it. Is it an individual unit that can be replaced or worked on?

 

[TornadoRed]

I searched for ECM and couldn't find much except it's sometimes called a ECU. Any posts about it. Is it an individual unit that can be replaced or worked on?

ECM and ECU refer to the same engine computer. When it generates a limp mode condition, it is doing what it was programmed to do. This is not a fault with the ECM, and it does not need to be replaced or repaired.

 

[rdkern]

Your problem is that the ecu is not able to control the boost via the N75 and VNT system. Something (N75 valve, vacuum hoses, or the VNT actuator) is likely not doing it's job, and since the ecu sees more pressure than it wants, it drops you into limp mode.

"Limp mode" - now there's something to research. There's got to be a good thread on diagnosing this - but I don't see it right now.

 

[eshap7]

ECM and limp mode

Okay, I got it now. Thanks. I've seen several posts on limp mode and will pursue what they recommend with a TDI "trusted mechanic".

 

[Chad@EuroTec]

Updated - I kept the same phone number, since you didn't mention a change.

Thanks a bunch. Phone number is still the same, but I forgot to mention the website is now www.EuroTecWichita.com:)

Now if that map would change the location by the address....

 

[Lessfilling_runsgreat]

I'd like to propose adding the best TDI mechanic I've found in the East Bay (San Francisco):

Detlev Hanschke
International Auto Service
456 Franklin Lane
Livermore, CA 94551
925-447-8224
dehanschke@sbcglobal.net

He worked on my 1998 Jetta TDI and kept her going strong (215 k) until a garbage truck took her out - RIP

I then purchased an out of state car that, unknown to me, had a CEL lit - so no smog. He fixed that (GP module and H2O sensor) as well as the coked up IM, EGR and Pipe. He helped me go to bat against the shady dealer in Portland that sold me the car and helped me get some money back

He offered an option to install a RocketChip Stage 2 ECU and 520 injectors which of course I said yes to! Now I've got 120 hp and counting. Next up is a FMJ Panzer Plate and perhaps the .681 5th gear.

Bottom line Detlev is my go to mechanic for all things TDI. Tomas Tuning in Berkeley is good as well, but too far for me to go to.

 

[allana13]

Anyone in Calgary folks

 

[JSWTDI09]

Anyone in Calgary folks

If you look at the official "Trusted Mechanics List" (link in the first post in this thread and below).

https://docs.google.com/document/preview?id=1Lucw8ALCkLtt79MMw9JOG1E_dX57-raBhbhIFdtHnEQ&pli=1

You will find:

Mid-town Service
4730 1 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 2L3
(403) 255-3008

This is the only Calgary entry.

Have Fun!

Don

 

[allana13]

Thanks Man

Much appreciated

 

[ives]

I had a bunch of work done at Arctic Import over a 12 month period (drove from the east coast to alaska, drove the entire road system in alaska (maybe twice) and prepped for an 18,000 miles road trip there by doing preventative stuff.

Bottom line, probably dropped around $2000-3000 in parts and service over the 12 months, and I found that while they are SUPER nice there, in retrospect they really 'pushed' work that didn't really need to be done yet... brakes, filters, etc. Definitely seemed and felt like they tried to take advantage of my current situation of not having a garage of my own to do work in.

(rant)
Also, they put on the ****tiest little oil pan heater when I asked for them for heater options as I arrived in Alaska just before snow. Instead of recommending FrostHeater (super reputable) they told me, coolant heaters were dangerous and a terrible idea, and instead put on a 30watt oil pan heater which does NOTHING in -20. It was a huge waste of $60 for install and part considering i ripped it off later on after finally having time to do research and finding that oil pan heaters are sketchy and barely effective....

..bottom line. They know HOW to fix your TDI. But I wouldn't trust their advice on what parts to use and what needs to be done, necessarily..... I'd def do your research FIRST (as always i guess)... but it's disheartening when a place just wants your money over the work they do. (/rant)

I have no idea who listed the "mechanic" for Alaska, but I have no idea what the place is.

I recommend highly:
Arctic Import Repair
512 W. International Airport Road
Anchorage, AK
907.277.3399
ww.arcticimport.com

 

[loudspl]

For the Western NC area I would like to propose adding the following:


Appalachian Diesel Works (Daniel Grindstaff, owner)
255 Rhymer Road
Alexander, NC 28701
aka "DG-TDI" on TDIclub
828-273-8951
degrindstaff@gmail.com

He has done excellent work for myself and other TDI owners in the area. Highly recommended

 

[ahodge1]

Been lurking here a while and needed to take my 2000 Jetta in for some work in Houston. Didn't see any Houston mechanics listed on the map but found this guy:

http://www.vdubautohaus.com/
V-DUB Autohaus
20815 H and R Road, Houston, TX
(281) 235-5934

I just needed a new A/C compressor but was impressed with how helpful he was.

The guy that runs it is named Christian, he worked for VW for many years as a new car tester and was in charge of the shop for a major dealership most recently. He let me stick around in the shop as he worked and pointed out a lot of things that might need work soon and what to look out for later on and things like that. He might be worth adding to the map for anyone in the Houston area needing work done.

Agreed! Christian at:
http://www.vdubautohaus.com/
V-DUB Autohaus
20815 H and R Road, Houston, TX
(281) 235-5934

Was recommended to me by another member. I have talked to him quite a bit over several visits and the guy is great! Just had him do a timing belt and water pump yesterday. Definitely a trustworthy and knowledgeable mechanic. Can't say enough about him. He will not sell you something you don't need. I will be going back to him for more scheduled service soon.

 

[TornadoRed]

Agreed! Christian at V-DUB Autohaus...Was recommended to me by another member. I have talked to him quite a bit over several visits and the guy is great! Just had him do a timing belt and water pump yesterday. Definitely a trustworthy and knowledgeable mechanic. Can't say enough about him. He will not sell you something you don't need. I will be going back to him for more scheduled service soon.

Every VW owner needs to find an independent repair shop that has knowledgeable and experienced technicians... and V-Dub Autohaus might be just such a place.

But that does not mean that they have anyone working there who is a TDI expert.

Besides the timing belt and water pump, does your receipt show what other parts were replaced at the same time? What kind of water pump did you get? What brand is your timing belt? Did you provide the kit or did you let him secure the parts? Was Christian the guy who did all the work, or did he assign the job to someone else?

 

[aja8888]

I also endorse Christian's shop in Houston.

I know him personally and he has many years of TDI experience while in Germany (his homeland). His shop is about a year old and has quite a following in town. Members here are very satisfied with his work and ethics.

I recommended his shop to my business associate for work on his son's car when he split the oil pan and cracked the bell housing last Fall. The shop did a great job and the parts were OEM.

I don't know what else to tell you folks who make the "decisions" on who gets on the list. If this is not sufficient to get his shop added, no big deal as we have already passed the word in town here on the regional thread.

Cheers,

Tony

 

[ahodge1]

I also endorse Christian's shop in Houston.

I know him personally and he has many years of TDI experience while in Germany (his homeland). His shop is about a year old and has quite a following in town. Members here are very satisfied with his work and ethics.

I recommended his shop to my business associate for work on his son's car when he split the oil pan and cracked the bell housing last Fall. The shop did a great job and the parts were OEM.

I don't know what else to tell you folks who make the "decisions" on who gets on the list. If this is not sufficient to get his shop added, no big deal as we have already passed the word in town here on the regional thread.

Cheers,

Tony

Agreed!
As for what parts he used on my car, I purchased a kit from idparts.com and brought it to him. He warned me against using the so called "upgrade" metal impeller water pump as he has had multiple cars in his shop in the past few weeks with locked up metal impeller pumps that caused severe damage to their poor owners engines.

I received a gates timing belt, a continental accessory belt, SKF bearing, INA tensioner, and all the bolts needed from idparts.com as well as a graf metal impeller pump. I decided against the metal impeller pump and worked with Peter at idparts.com to try to get an plastic/resin one with no luck from the suppliers on his end. I am thankful to Peter for refunding my money on the metal impeller pump!

Christian was able to supply me with a plastic/resin impeller pump from Graf and made in Italy. He used all my other parts and also noted that he would have recommended the continental timing belt instead.

Christian was the lead technician on the R&D developement of our TDI's....FYI. If he isn't qualified to work on our TDI's, who else is?

As for who did the work on my Car, Christian did. And he owns and drives several TDI's himself. An he runs a clean shop too.

 

[BobnOH]

In the past we've all read about failing plastic impellers, etc. on VW and other cars as well.
I believe the materials have been brought up to snuff, the key is, get a good quality OEM type water pump.

 

[TornadoRed]

I received a gates timing belt, a continental accessory belt, SKF bearing, INA tensioner, and all the bolts needed from idparts.com as well as a graf metal impeller pump. I decided against the metal impeller pump and worked with Peter at idparts.com to try to get an plastic/resin one with no luck from the suppliers on his end. I am thankful to Peter for refunding my money on the metal impeller pump!

Christian was able to supply me with a plastic/resin impeller pump from Graf and made in Italy. He used all my other parts and also noted that he would have recommended the continental timing belt instead.

Gates, ContiTech, and Dayco are all quality timing belt manufacturers. I don't know about SKF roller/idlers -- the only time I ever had a problem with one was when it was not made by INA. I thought all tensioners were made by Litens.

Too many water pumps with resin impellers fail to last a full 100k miles. I will stick with metal impellers.

 

[aja8888]

SKF has been making bearings for over 100 years.....

http://www.skf.com/portal/skf/home/about?contentId=000493&lang=en

 

[Rickstah]

I want to opine that

Larry's VW Import Service
10332 NE 23rd St
Oklahoma City, OK 73141
(405) 769-5491
Mechanic - "Junior" (yes, his real name)

has been a totally acceptable location for Christine's mechanical needs since 2002. They've done three TB jobs for me, various repairs of broken regulators and bearings, and this last time they did a full overhaul of the head as well as the TB job, along with the requisite tweaking and timing adjustments needed when such things are done. I could probabl get things done a bit cheaper if I had time to sleuth a guru, or of course get it done by Frank (no time, couldn't get logistics in place) but most are out of convenient reach, and Larry has always called me with anything that varies from what we discussed up to that point on repairs.

The place would not pass for a Mr. Goodwrench site because he salvages import cars there, too, and the little brittany spaniel that totters out to take a look at you doesn't strike fear into you, lol, but he's never done me wrong. I've only had an AHU, but he also works on PDs, and seems to be keeping up on the latest issues in the TDI world, that's it. I can provide a link to my last invoice if anyone would like to see some numbers.