Top 20 2004 Volkswagen Passat - Page 6 Questions & Answers

Unfortunately this is not uncommon and I hate to tell people bad news but the problem is in the transmission. It sounds like the reverse is not locking in like it should. There is a pin inside the transmission that is supposed to lock it in place when you shift to reverse but that may have rounded off or seared off which would cause your problem. A clogged filter will also cause this issue. If you had that transmission back flushed, the normal method used today by shops that cost around $140 or so, then I can tell you for a fact that it needs to be rebuilt.

For the front ashtray removal, you have to remove a few screws to get the center console loose to move it back a little bit to take out the OEM ashtray cover. ---------- Its a simple procedure to remove the console to get the astray out.Click this link below and follow the procedure:-- http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-remove-center-console-on-2004-vw.html --------- This should help.Thanks.Helpmech.

The ESP system means the Electronic Stability Program. If the ESP lights on the dashboard permanently the ESP system is faulty. You must access the ESP Electronic Control Unit (ECU) memory for pull out all DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), using diagnostic equipment connected to the data link connector of the car. Then you will be full informed about bad pieces (e.g.: front right wheel abs sensor interrupted, ...). After bad pieces replacement you will be able to erase all faults memored by ESP ECU, in other words reset the ESP system and turn off the warning lamp on dashboard.

The serpentine belt routing diagram on a 2000 VW Passat 1.9 TDI - 90 HP


CS = Crankshaft
F = Fan pulley
Gen = Alternator
T = Tensioner
AC = Air Conditioning
PAS = Power Assisted Steering
WP = Water Pump

You need to check and see if the cooling fan (electric) on the radiator is coming on. If this fan does not come on the high side pressure will go over 400psi and turn off the compressor until the press. drops. either the cooling fan motor is bad, the cooling fan relay or the fuse for the cooling fan relay. you can check the cooling fan by removing the cover of the power steering reservoir and pulling the wiring harness out from under the bracket. the fan has two wires in its connector, one red and one brown (there may be a tracer color on either one) these two wires are heavy gauge, like #10. unplug the harness and feed power to the connector on the fan side and see if its spins. If it works your problem is probably the fuse or relay. If it doesn't it may be seized or stuck or burned out. Reed, Aquidenck Motors

1. Your problem is cylinder head gasket out of order! You need to replace it. Stop the car and replace the cylinder head gasket. Check out also the cylinder head flatness when removing. Rectify if necessary the cylinder head contact surface at a specialized workshop. Fit a new cylinder head gasket with new bolts!
2. You have only oil leaking into the cooling system (coolant reservoir) because the oil pressure is higher than coolant pressure! It's normal this happened.
3. I will send you back the cylinder head replacement instructions with tightening order picture, and tightening torques for each step.

Manual transmission is easy. There is a fill plug on the left axle flange and a drain plug on the bottom (special bit required).

The automatic must be filled while running so it really isn't a DIY.

The alternator is what charges the battery, which supplies energy for the electrical systems of the vehicle, such as lights and the radio.It is driven by the belt which is driven by the engine. Before replacing the alternator make sure it is the cause of whatever problems you may be having. A sign that the alternator is bad may include the car shutting off while driving and won't start back up (but will start up with a jump).
You can test the charging volts of the alternator to the battery while running also.

Hi,
Please specify wut kind of puddle it is, either oil or coolant?

You have negative connection loose on the dashboard.You definitely need of qualified autoelectrician

What you need to do, is go to the auto parts store
and buy a 3/8" drive -- Allen Key Driver

You can measure the plug or use an allen key to check the size,
if it is a hex,if not then your ratchet will fit if square

Hi , Mobile 1 makes a synthetic European formula that would be good, 0-40w or 5-30w about $9 a quart.

fit new front brake pads ,well check them first in case a sensor wire is damaged ,then after changing pads the light will go out

Hi It sounds like the engine management system has detected a fault. I`m assuming its a petrol engine and the most common problem is one of the coils has gone.
To find the exact fault the car needs to have a diagnostic check which will tell you which coil or other component has malfunctioned.
Good luck i`m sure it won`t be a big problem
John ( South Wales UK )

Sounds like a boost leak/vaccuum leak, check all hoses and ensure they are all hooked up well, and there is no leaks or cracks, if you don't find one there is ways to test this.

The fuse box / relay plate fascia 1 is placed on the driver's lateral side of the dashboard, door open. See pictures below:




Fuse no.# 33 - F33 (15A - blue colour) = Cigarette lighter

Yes the code indicates the problem with the air fuel mixture of your car.
As you have already replaced the oxygen sensors and catalyticx converters it must be the MAF(Mass Air Flow ) sensors which has gone bad.

You can find the radio code at: http://www.radio-code.co.uk/

The sequence of programming for 2004 Volkswagen Passat radio is:
1. Push simultaneous "SCAN" and "RDS" keys until on the screen will appear "1000" displayed.
2. Release keys. No more push on "SCAN" and "RDS" keys because otherwise number "1000" will be considered as first safe code attempt.
For example: we have the security code "5079". Then:
3. By the no.# 1 key you will set up the first safe code digit. Push 5 times on the no.# 1 button. The "5" number will be setted.
4. By the no.# 2 key you will set up the second safe code digit. Push 10 times on the no.# 2 button. The "0" number will be setted.
5. By the no.# 3 key you will set up the third safe code digit. Push 7 times on the no.# 3 button. The "7" number will be setted.
6. By the no.# 4 key you will set up the four-th safe code digit. Push 9 times on the no.# 4 button. The "9" number will be setted.
7. Then push again simultaneous "SCAN" and "RDS" keys for confirm this safe code. On the screen will be displayed "SAFE" notice. Release keys! For few seconds a radio frequence will be displayed. The radio is now ready for use!

Please do rate my response. Thanks!

2004?? not sure here but i would check the toothed metal ring on the front wheels as they do corrode giving a dodgy reading ,also i would then if the ring is ok strip the pistons out of the front calipers both sides and remove the seals then clean the seal seats out with a bent screwdriver to remove the corrosion behind the seals in grooves,then fit new seals and use waterproof (white grease) behind the seals ,refit the pistons and use the same grease on the pistons .You will not hurt the seals with this grease as they are not rubber like 50s cars ,i suspect that with all the salt used on UK roads this is causing the seals to grab the pistons because the seal seats are corroded.Never get this sort of problem here in spain on local cars only the imports from the north of europe which are not worth buying for this sort of problem which is why secondhand vehicles are more expensive here ,my old XJ6 4.0ltr is valued at 6000euros here and in the uk you couldnt give it away with a years ticket and tax on it

How to check & change oil in automatic transmission on 2004 VW Passat 1.8 Turbo

At the bottom of the automatic gearbox (tiptronic) you will find 2 threaded plugs on below surface. First (in front of the car) is for emptying, and second is for filling up. Tightening torque is 24 Nm.


Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) checking:
1. Requirements for check:
1.1. Vehicle standing on level surface.
1.2. Transmission must not be in fail-safe mode.
1.3. Shift lever in "P" position, parking brake applied.
1.4. Engine idling.
1.5. Air Conditioner and heater OFF.
1.6. ATF temperature must not exceed 104 Fahrenheit degree (40 Celsius degree) at start of test.
1.7. Only ATF with designation ESSO LT 71 141 may be used. Do not use any lubricant additives.
1.8. Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF - part number: G 052 162 A2 (1 liter wrapping)
1.9. An ATF level check when transmission oil temperature is too low results in overfilling, when too high results in underfilling.
2. CAUTION: Too much or too little ATF will affect the operation of the transmission. The ATF level must be checked at regular intervals.
3. The oil level is correct if a slight amount of oil runs out when ATF temperature is between 86 Fahrenheit degree (30 Celsius degree) and 113 F deg (45 C deg) (caused by increase of oil level when heated). For warmer climates, 122 F deg (50 C deg).
4. Hang filled ATF reservoir VAG 1924 as high as possible.
5. Shift lever in "P" position, engine running at idle.
6. Place oil drip pan under transmission oil pan.
7. Remove ATF filler plug (at the bottom of the automatic gearbox you will find 2 threaded plugs on below surface. First (in front of the car) is for emptying, and second is for filling up.
8. With ATF temperature between 86 Fahrenheit degree (30 Celsius degree) and 113 F deg (45 C deg), for warmer climates, 122 F deg (50 C deg), a slight amount of oil will flow from filler hole when ATF level is correct.
9. If necessary drain or top off ATF to attain correct oil level. Top ATF with filler hook from VAG 1924 ATF reservoir. Insert VAG 1924 (tool) ATF reservoir filler hook into filler hole and top off until a slight amount of oil flows from filler hole.
NOTE: Fit filler hook into one of the oil deflector cap slots placed on the filler opening.
CAUTION: Do not press filler hook upward or oil deflector cap can be pushed off.
10. Reinstall ATF filler plug. Tightening torque is 24 Nm.