--General--
rec.autos.vw
Version:
1 Jan 93 = Inception, more or less.
1 Feb 93 = tool places, other bbs's., Correction on T1/5 cars
1 Mar 93 = Updated recall info
1 Apr 93 = New categorization.
1 May 93 = Updated VIN, Platform types, edits.
1 Jun 93 = Music, GTI origins.
1 Jul 93 = Edits, half hearted index.
1 Aug 93 = Edits, new VIN categorization.
1 Sep 93 = More recall info.
1 Oct 93 = Edits.
1 Nov 93 = VIN # adjustments. Recall info updates. Edits.
1 Dec 93 = Edits. Diesel stuff added.
1 Jan 94 = Tom C's edits/cleanup, Updated recall info.
1 Feb 94 = Copyright BS, purpose, organization, added, more product addresses
More club infos.
1 Mar 94 = Edits
15Mar 94 = Additions to VW family.
1 Apr 94 = Product # updated, new archives (Solid_Shifter, Vanagon Syncro
alignment)
1 May 94 = Vanagon list server change.
1 Jun 94 = Edits. Translation table of technical terms (HELP!)
15Jun 94 = CD changer info, translation update
1 Jul 94 = Edits, updated archive stuff
15Jul 94 = CA diesel fuel prob.
1 Aug 94 = Some edits
15Aug 94 = WWW access, updated recall list (P & EV).
15Sep 94 = List servers updated, French additions, reorg of archives
1 Oct 94 = Edits, Corrado TSB added, Diesel reimbursement
1 Nov 94 = Edits
15Nov 94 = German corrections, updated VW history.
1 Dec 94 = Edits
15Dec 94 = BMW WWW FAQ URL added.
1 Jan 95 = ECs, VWTrends, Funkengroovin email/URL added.
15Jan 95 = Jetta /// TSBs added, magazine info updates, Online TSBs
through WWW, rear wheel lifts, update CA diesel claims.
1 Feb 95 = Name, G60 & VR6 history, faq.vw.* submitted to news/rec.
answers for official archival, updated Corrado mailing list
info.
15Feb 95 = Archive updates, WWW for AMSOIL, some recommendations added
1 Mar 95 = Updated where VWs are made
15Mar 95 = VW's URL added, Updated Corrado, G60 & VR6 origins, added
"IT'S A FEATURE",
Approval received for *.answers & archival @ MIT
1 Apr 95 = URL updates
15Apr 95 = JT Update, update EC index
1 May 95 = Creation of INFO - FAQ: How to access the archives & info
15May 95 = Info FAQ established, duplicate info removed.
15Jun 95 = Reorged the tuner section, added some info on tools.
Jens Knickmeyer updates on rattles, ABUS & Polos.
1 Jul 95 = Lots of additions by Jens Knickmeyer, Trying to sort out
Tuners/Parts/Manufacturers...
15Jul 95 = Still trying to sort out Tuners/Parts/Manufacturers classification
15Aug 95 = Edits, Jud Main's addition of more part places
1 Sep 95 = Start of cross post to rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled
1 Oct 95 = Minor edits if any.
Initiator's Note: Please feel free to submit any additional info.
Jan Vandenbrande
jan@ug.eds.com (new address)
jan@lipari.usc.edu (school address, works)
See also the list of contributors at the end.
Familiar with: 78R, 81S, 84S, 86GTI, 90G60, 92SLC, 92P
The information contained here is collectively copyrighted by the
authors. The right to reproduce this is hereby given, provided it is
copied intact, with the copyright notice inclusive.
However, the authors explicitly prohibit selling this document, any
of its parts, or any document which contains parts of this document.
(Inspired from faq.audio ;->)
General (VIN #, Part/Perf places) Common Problems (Recall info, common VW ailments, Resetting oxy sensor) Interchanging Parts/Tools (substituting parts & tools) Fuel Injection (Types used by VW) Recommendations (people's opinions on VWs over the years) VW Types (The VW Family)
This FAQ is divided into a preamble and a list of subjects. Each subject is described by a list of questions and answers.
This FAQ is split into four individual postings:
Info FAQ
General FAQ <=== You are reading this file
Technical FAQ
Performance FAQs
This FAQ handles mostly general questions regarding Water Cooled VWs, while the
Technical FAQ focusses mostly on the technical aspects, procedures and
tools for water cooled VWs.
Whereas the technical FAQ deals mostly with maintaining the status
quo with your car, the fourth FAQ deals with improving upon the stock
design and performance.
The Info FAQ describes where to obtain additional information, where
the archives sites are, and other related WWW/URL sites.
Due to its origin, the FAQs are mostly geared towards the US Market,
where cars based on the Jetta/Golf/Rabbit platforms of all three generations
are the most prevelent.
As a consequence, the focus is mostly on fuel injected cars with
emmission control devices.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this FAQ is to address frequently-asked questions as
a whole, so that rec.autos.vw volume can be reduced. Towards this end,
we assembled a list of common questions, and some general answers to
these questions. Most answers are assumed to be correct to some degree,
but there is absolutely no guarantee that anything is correct.
Product information is supplied for your convenience, but any product
mention is not intended as an endorsement or an advertisement.
In addition, products change, quality may improve or degrade, new ones
may supersede existing ones, and therefore all the data here is to be taken
as transient.
What is considered the best oil today may be the worst tomorrow.
GENERAL
Q: Where can I retrieve these FAQs, where can I obtain the VW archives
and other related information?
John Muir:
"Complete Idiot Guide to keep your water cooled VW alive".
John Muir Publications Inc., Box 613, Santa Fe, NM 87504
(800) 888 9079 (?) (800) 888-7504 (?)
or try Classic Motorbooks 1-800-826-6600, or KdF Enterprises?
(Rumored to be out of print, A-1 cars only, but has lots of
advice/procedures that are still valid today)
Greg Raven:
"Volkswagen Water-Cooled, Front-Drive Performance Book"
Available from US mailorder houses.
greg.ihr@kaiwan.com
[Vack] Peter Vack, The Volkswagen Buyer's Guide. 1-800-826-6600 (Motorbooks
International), $16.95.
Discusses the VW models and VW's technology (i.e., VR6 & G60)
over the years (up to the Corrado).
It claims that: "Overall, the Corrado had a classical shape that
harked back to the old Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and is appreciated by
enthusiasts." In general, an interesting book.
Haynes:
"Modify Your Golf/GTI" (available from Rapid Parts) "VW Service Manual".
Also available outside North America.
Chiltons:
Chilton Way, Radnor PA 19089
(800) 695 12 14, (215) 964 40 00, (215) 964 47 45
"Front Wheel Drive VW(?), 1974-1990", Item # 6962
The main problem with Chilton is that it contains ALL FWD VWs
from 1974-1990 in one small paper back book, using fuzzy pictures,
and even pictures from *other* car makes.
Chilton is generally not the preferred book to buy, but in some
cases there may be no alternative.
Caveat:
For regular service, my personal [jan] preference goes to Bentley (old
style), Muir (A1 cars), Bentley (new style).
For newer cars, I look in the older books which gives detailed
instructions, than turn to the new style Bentleys and try to figure out
what to do there.
Back issues of EuroCar/VW&P & ?? (=British car mag) also contain detailed
tech procedures that may be of use.
I have both Haynes and Chiltons, and find them entertaining but never use
them.
Naturally, your preferences may vary.
Bentley:
"Bosch Fuel Injection and Engine Management", Charles Probst, available
from Classic Motorbooks, Bentley and others.
This "Bosch Bible" fully explains the theory, troubleshooting, and
service of all Bosch systems from D-Jetronic through the latest Motronics.
Sftbd., 8" X 10", 192 pgs., 475 ill.
More of a specialized book.
Auto-Bound at (800) 523-5833 has been quoted a couple of times as a good supplier for some of these books.
From VW's Technical Literature:
VR6 engine WSP 521-402-00
1992 model change info WSP 521-404-00
The new Corrado (1990) WSP 521-202-00
Q: Can I get VW Service Bulletins?
Some car stores, such as SuperTrak in LA, have a computer with a CDROM with all these bulletins, and allow you to scan through this data base for free.
There is now also an online site that provides access (for a fee). See the VW Info FAQ.
Q: What periodicals are worth reading and are relevant to VW?
Hot VWs [A some W]
VW Trends, McMullen Publishing, P.O. Box 70015, Anaheim, CA 92825-0015 (714) 635-9040, $18.95 US/year, [A some W] editordan@aol.com (EditorDan, aka Dan Leadbetter, Editor, VW TRENDS) vwtrends@aol.com, until 19950401, then VWTMag@aol.com
EuroSport Car, McMullen Publishing, 774 S. Placentia Ave, Placentia, CA 92670, (714) 572 22 55, fax (714) 572 1864. New magazine. First issue published in fall 93, published quarterly. A direct, though less refined (busty babes), competitor of [EC]. Many articles are almost direct duplicates of what appeared in [EC]. Addressed from here on as [ESC].
Some Grass roots publications:
FUNKENGROOVIN - The Vee Dub Chronicles
P.O. Box 233, Trout Lake, WA 98650 UNITED STATES
Phone: (509) 395-2648 Fax: (509) 395-2529
Internet: VWGroovin@aol.com
WWW: http://www.vwgroovin.com/groovin/
"An International Network Of Volkswagen Enthusiasts"
Published quarterly, this magazine is "A Highly Participatory, Grass Roots,
Reader Written Zine." Share your thoughts, insights, tricks, hints, art work,
photography, dreams, and adventures. This is YOUR magazine. We'll publish
whatever you send our way. Plus, you'll find Unclassified Ads, a Schedule of
Events, contests and prizes, and much more.
German Air Sucker Society/927 Liberty Street/Salem, OH 44460.
Contact Troy Heizenrater at (216) 332-1865
$26 (new price) for 12 issues
Mary Smith: "The best source for up-coming events!"
UK:
VW Motoring, Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham, GL52 4SX. UK. [A & W]
+ 44 242 676020 (For the non-technical, this is the telephone number)
24 UKPound/year
Volkswagen Audi Car, Autometrix Ltd, Todington, Bedfordshire, UK.
+ 44 5255 4019 [W mostly]. Good mag but pricey.
40 UKPound/year
D:
Auto Motor und Sport, DPV, Postfach 10 16 02, 2000 Hamburg 1, Germany,
--general info but great...if you know German
Gute Fahrt
AUS:
????, GPO Box 257c, Melbourne, Vic. 3001, Australia
SF:
Kupla (for Tom's sake ;->, probably Finnish, this list is world wide)
Q: Is there an index of articles of the above.
Here are a few relevant ones (mostly tech procedures
or product reviews) in no particular order from [EC]:
Proportioning Valve - Aug 88, pp 16
Scirocco Suspension - Aug 88, pp 23
Scirocco - Aug 88, pp 43
GTI Tuning Advice - Jun 88, pp 18
Lower Stress Bar - Jun 88, pp 26
Heads - Jun 88, pp 34
Brakes - Dec 88, pp 32
GTI Idle Speed Reg - Jan 89, pp 12
GTI Shifter - Jan 89, pp 14
Knock Sensor - Jan 89, pp 6 & 32
Exhausts - Jan 89, pp 35
Camshafts - Apr 89, pp 7 & 32
Tranny Grind - Apr 89, pp 16
Paint - Jun 89, pp 88
Heads - Jun 89, pp 68
Clutch - Aug 89, pp 40
Brakes - Aug 89, pp 48
Bearings - Feb 90, pp 38
Proportioning Valve - Feb 90, pp 33
Camsaver - Feb 90, pp 46
Shocks - Apr 90, pp 4
Trannys - Apr 90, pp 50
Springs - Jun 90, pp 4
Radiators - Jun 90, pp 42
Race Tires - Sep 93
Performance Tires - Jul 93
Tires Tech Talk - Jun 93
VR6 Perf Mods - Sep 93
Alignmemt - Jan 93
Strut Bushing - May 93
Variable Timing Cam - May 93
Wax - Sep 92
Alpine 8040 Alarm - Apr 93
Alpine 8035 Alarm - Nov 93
Oil Analysis - Nov 93
VW Engine Build 3 - Jul 92 (A1 GTI)
Hella FF Lights - Jul 92
Drilled Rotors - Aug 93
VR6 P-Chip - Aug 93
CV Joint Repair - Jan 94
16V Techtonics Exh - Oct 93
16V Pchip - Oct 93
Colors (?) - Jan 93
Accumat - Dec 93
[ESC]:
Indexing Sparkplugs - Fall 93
A2 Perf Mods - Spring 94
Suspension Tech - Spring 94
Q: Are there any VW clubs?
Volkswagen Club of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 154, Dept. P
North Aurora, IL 60542-0154, USA
President: Shell Tomlin, 1554 Roanoke Ave., Aurora, IL 60506, 708 896-2803 Vice Pres: Phil Williame, 4442 N. McVicker, Chicago, IL 60630 312 283-7323 Secretary: Barbara Boltz, 11007 S. Harding, Chicago, IL 60655 312 239-2685 Membership: Lynida Tomlin 1554 Roanoke Ave., Aurora, IL 60506, 708 896-2803
Second Generation VW Club (Do they still exist?)
POBox 383, Cupertino, CA 95015
Pres: Mike Krider (408) 629 30 96
Tech Ed: Tim Hildabrand (408) 980 16 91
Canadian Volkswagen Enthusiasts Association
CVEA
P.O. Box 2137
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 5J9, Canada
(613) 544 4412
SCCA, (General Car Club), USA, (800) 255 5550
Northcoast California VW Assoc.
P.o. Box 750721
Eureka, CA 94975-0721
Southern CA VW Council
P.O. Box 934
Claremont, CA 91711-0934
Stricktly German
755 N Resh
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 776 43 56
Corrado Club of America
See http://ug.cs.dal.ca/~gajewski/corrado.html for more info.
This club is still in the making (May 95).
Q: I am going to Germany, what can I visit that may be of interest?
Ask them for help, advise, etc. see if they can arrange for your tours of both the museum and the factory. Plant tours are at 1:00 pm and last about 1.5 hrs. Visit the VW museum...open from 9 to 5. When you go to the museum, make sure you have lots of film and lots of money. The museum store (actually three large display cases) has a lot of neat VW stuff!
Automotive Museum in Sinsheim (on the autobahn A6 which runs from Mannheim to Heilbron - near Heilbron). There they have a whole museum full of cars - the Blue Flame, a DeLorean, the first Wanklemotor car (rotor engine I think), it's a real treat.
Q: What's A-1 and the A-2 designations mean I see all the time?
FIELDS IN THE VIN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
FIELD FIELD FIELD FIELD
1 2 3 4 5 6
_________ _________ ___________ _________
|Manufac'r| |Bodystyle| |Engine Type| |Restraint|
| Make | |by Model | ----------- | System
--------- --------- ---------
___ Passenger Listed by ___
_ |1VW| US Vehicles increasing |0| Active
| |___|Pass.Car ---------- horsepower ___
| ___ ___ available |2| Passive-fixed
|- |WVW| Europe |A| 2-dr Economy for each ___
| |___|Pass.Car ___ model |4| Motorized
| ___ |B| 2-dr Custom A - lowest ___
|- |WV1| Europe ___ H/P Gas |5| Airbag
| |___|Truck |C| 2-dr Deluxe
VW-| ___ ___ G - Lowest ___
|- |WV2| Europe |D| 2-dr Sports H/P Diesel |9| Passive
| |___|MPV
| ___ ___
|- |3VW| Mexico |E| 4-dr Economy
| |___|Pass.Car ___
| ___ |F| 4-dr Custom
|- |9BW| Brazil ___
|___|Pass.Car |G| 4-dr Delux
___
Audi -|WAU| Europe ___
|___|Pass.Car |H| 16V / Turbo
___
|K| 2-dr Sedan
___
|P| 4-dr Sedan (Base)
___
|R| 4-dr Sedan (Upgrade)
___
|T| 4-dr Sedan (Upgrade)
Transporter /
Vanagon
___
|U| 2-dr Pickup
___
|V| 3-dr Double Cab Pickup
___
|W| 3-dr Del'y Van
___
|X| 3-dr Window Van
___
|Y| 3-dr Bus
___
|Z| 3-dr Camper
FIELD FIELD FIELD FIELD
7 8 9 10 11
_______ _____ _____ ____________
| Model | |Check| |Model| |Plant of |
------- |digit| |Year | |Manufacturer|
____ ----- ----- ------------
|15| VW Cabriolet calculated A=1980 A = Ingolstadt
____ per B=1981 B = Brussels
|1G| VW Jetta NHTSA C=1982 E = Emden
____ Code D=1983 G = Gratz
|1G| VW Golf(89 1/2 MY) E=1984 H = Hannover
____ VW ex Mexico F=1985 K = Osnabrueck
|1H| VW Golf/Jetta(93 MY) G=1986 M = Mexico
(inc Mexico?) H=1987 N = Neckarsulm
____ J=1988 P = Brazil
|16| VW Jetta(88 MY) K=1989 S = Stuttgart
____ L=1990 V = Westmoreland
|17| VW Golf/GTI(88 MY) M=1991 W = Wolfsburg
____ N=1992 Y = Pamplona (Spain)
|24| VW Transporter P=1993
(Pickups, Multivan) R=1994 (?)
____ S=1995
|25| VW Transporter (Vans) T=1996
VW Vanagon
FIELD
12,13,14,
15,16,17
The old one... Haven't reconciled the two yet:
This is obviously one from a '90 German build VW Corrado build at Karmann, with the second strongest engine (G60) and motorized belts.
Country of Origin Check Digit
/ / Model Year
/ / /
W V W D B 4 5 0 8 L K 0 1 2 3 4 5
Digit # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 \
\
Assembly Plant
Code Digit #1: Country of Origin Code Model Year
1 United States B 1981
2 Canada C 1982
3 Mexico D 1983
4 United States E 1984
6 Australia F 1985
J Japan G 1986
K Korea H 1987
L Taiwan J 1988
S England K 1989
V France or Yugoslavia L 1990
W Germany M 1991
Y Sweden N 1992
Z Italy P 1993
B Brazil (?)
Code Digit #3: Vehicle Type Code Digit #4: Line & Body Tp
W Passenger Car A 2 Door
1/2 Truck B Sedan 2 door
F Hatch Back 2Dr (?)
K Pick Up
Code Digit #5: Engine
M Sport Truck N Station Wagon X Combi Y Bus Z Camper
Code Digit #6: Restraint Type
0 Active 4 Motorized seat belts 9 Passive Code Assembly Plant (Mfg specific) Code Digit #7-8: Car Type K Osnabrueck/Karmann 15 Convertible V Westmoreland 16 Jetta W Wolfsburg 17 Golf II E Emden 53 Scirocco I H Hannover 32 Quantum A Ingolstadt 50 Corrado B Brussels (?) 78 Passat G Graz M Mexico N Neckarsulm P Brazil S Stuttgart Y Spain
NOTE: The letters "I" and "O" in the Model Year table above have been skipped, probably to avoid confusion with the digits "1" and "0" respectively.
NOTE: Many other nations use the Chassis number only, and they can often be found stamped somewhere on the car's body, usually in the engine compartment. The format is very similar. Example 81 S:
W V W Z Z Z 5 3 z B K 0 1 2 3 4 5
"Z" and "z" is used as a filler, there is no special meaning behind it.
Q: What does the Karmann badge on some VWs mean?
M.A.N.N. Oil & Air Filters
Fichtel & Sachs Clutches, shocks on some cars
Gillet Exhaust (at least at some point)
Leistritz Exhaust (for some--usually VR6 cars)
Loebro CV Joints
Bosch Many of the electronic components (e.g. Alternator)
Fuel, other filters, FI, antenna
Fuba Roof mounted antenna (flexible one)
FAG Brake components, master cylinders, wheel bearings
Hirschmann Antennas, some VWs
Motorola Alternator in some US made cars
Hella Lights, markers, bulbs
Boge Shocks & components
Beru Electrical components (rotor, cap)
Sofica Radiators, Heater cores (French), prone to leaks
Kesley-Hayes Front Brake calipers most > 81 cars
Teves Rear disc brakes (GTIs, GLIs, Corrado)
Girling Front disc brakes < 81, F&R on Passat >8?, Rear 16V GTIs
Ronal Alloy rims some Audis/VWs
ATE Brake components (master cylinder)
Note: ATE = Albert Teves, div IT+T
VDO,MotoMeter Gauges
Boka Waterpump, Mexican made VWs
BBS Rims, some cars, not restamped
Recaro Seats, some cars, not restamped
Sekurit Windshield, windows
Hengst Oil filters VR6
Glazurit/Hoechst/BASF Brand of paint used.
Unclear who produces water based paints in newer VWs
TRW Power steering pumps
Matsushita Heidelberg (VI & others) radios.
Continental Drive Belts, Tires (note, they also make Uniroyal
Semperit, Gislaved and General Tires)
Wahler Thermostats
Keiper/Recaro Makers of VW Seats (not *real* Recaros)
Q: Where can I get used parts?
BMVW (GA):
404-964-1376 (general), 404-969-1729 (recycled)
Bug World (CA):
Rancho Cordova (near Sacremento)
(800) 464 52 84
[W] Used parts. Ask for Jim
BW Dismatlers (CA):
Roseville, CA
(916) 969 1600, (800) 327 0888
VW Used parts. Mailorder.
Campbell/Nelson(WA):
Auto Wrecking
PO Box 220
Edmonds, WA 98020
In state (206) 771-4931
out of state (800) 552-2999
VW-Porsche-Audi-BMW-Saab
Coast-to-Coast Parts Locators
Send E-Mail listing of the parts with phone and name
to lonadar@thunder.indstate.edu (Victor E Aldridge)
85 salvage yards across the country participate
<No positive or negative comments yet>
German Auto Salvage Inc.
1453 4th St., Berkeley, CA. 94710
Ph. 510-525-6000, FAX 510-525-4590, M-F 9-5, Sat 10-3 PDT
Don't know much about them, but you can contact G. Larsh
at glarsh@holonet.net about it. Also see note at WolfSport.
German Parts and Restoration [GPR]
1-800-321-5432
Sell rubber molding and other body parts.
Kohlweiss (CA):
3150 Spring St., Redwood City, CA 94063
They do mailorder (but not their main business)
(415) 367 8424
Motech
Used Corrado Parts, located in VA
800-4-MOTECH
Don't know much about them yet.
Recycled VWs (MI):
(313) 373-2300, Used VWs only junkyard, H2O VWs mainly
Wolf Sport (CA) (Formerly Recycled Rabbit): see PARTS.
Q: Where can I get DISCOUNT and PERFORMANCE parts?
Always check carefully the brand before buying because some substitutes may be offered by other manufacturers but with lower quality. It's best to stick with OEM or better/performance brands.
NOTE: The contents of this list now also includes references of shops that do more than just sell OEM parts. I also included retailers that sell performance parts made by some of the "tuners" and performance manufacturers.
To be added to this list, you must be an established bonafide business or mail order house. Brief user feedback as posted publically may also be added.
[Still Under Construction...it's a tad confusing]
P A R T S
Automotive Performance Systems [APS]: see TUNERS & MANUFACTURERS
They sell a few OEM parts (e.g., brakes, shocks, thermostats,
car covers, ...) and Neuspeed parts
AutoTech [AT]: see TUNERS & MANUFACTURERS
They sell a few OEM parts (e.g., brakes, shocks, thermostats, ...),
AutoTech products, and APE products
Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories:
(800) 421-0911, (800) 367-2462 (?), CA: (310) 657-4664
Located in CA
Sell rare and expensive stuff (bras, zymoel, covers, trinkets)
See VW Info FAQ for URL.
Classic Motorbooks:
Books on cars, Bosch books, etc.
1-800-826-6600
Competition Limited
Pinckney, MI
(313) 464 14 58
High wattage H1-H4, 9004-9006 lights
Crutchfield
Aftermarket mail order for electronic equipment (speakers, car stereos)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
(800) 336 55 66
European Import Performance, Inc.
"Maryland's VW Connection"
Info (800) 784-8100
TECH (410) 549-1748
Neuspeed, Autotech, Zender, Eurospec, etc.
Euro Tire:
Mailorder tires, rims.
From NJ: (201) 575-0080, elsewhere (800) 631 00 80
GPR
Sells VW Parts
805-549-8525, 800-321-5432, fax: 805-549-8994
New Dimensions [ND]: see TUNERS & MANUFACTURERS
Full line of OEM parts, VW Service, Neuspeed, ND TurboSystems,
and others.
J.C. Whitney (IL):
VW Parts, Tools, accessories, etc.
1917-19 Archer Avenue, P.O. Box 8410,
Chicago Illinois 60680
(312) 431-6102, (312) 431-5625 fax
(Note! Some parts are NOT factory replacements. Catalog prices !=
Actual, catalogs are free. Quality varies. Be aware of shipping/trucking
costs. JV)
J Motorsport
350 Easy St., Building 3
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 579-9123, fax (805) 579-9125
ABT dealer
Marin Motorsports (aka WolfSport?)
63 Industrial Way, Greenbrae, CA 94904
(415) 927-7090
Discount Car Parts, VW, Audi
Parts Place Inc.
OEM VW Parts
2300 N. Opdyke Rd.
Auobuorn Hill, MI 48326
(810) 373-2300, (810) 3793-5950 (fax)
Occasionally problematic...(several horror stories on the net).
Request the catalog from the Internet and get 15% off.
Send email to PartsPlace@aol.com with your Name,phone#,
address and type of car.
Performance Techniques
108 Otto Circle, Sacramento, CA 95822
Order (916) 422-4222, fax (916) 422-1754
Zendersport dealer
PlainWrap Performance:
Discount Neuspeed parts (original box, no second rate quality)
7603 Firestone, Downey, CA, (310) 608-1243 (orders)
1111 Walnut Str, Compton (warehouse), CA, (310) 604-0970 *moved?*
(Levin Bldg, ask for Greg or Steve)
Note: that their actual office is in Compton
Note: Check whether their parts carry the original warrantee and
wherer it will be honored.
Precision Auto Designs
Sells P21S wheel cleaner.
(800) 222-7253
Rapid Parts (NY):
OEM VW Parts
Old address: 321 Route 59,P.O. Box 371, Tallman, NY 10982,
New phone #: (914) 357-6611 (old #? 914-352-1138)
(lots of cheap replacement parts)
Store Hours M-S (EST/EDT) 9 am - 6 pm
Seems to be one of the favorites.
Rally Motorsports Inc.
533 Broadway, Westwood, NJ 07675
(201) 666-4443
VW, Audi and BMW specialists
Spectra Performance:
5152 Bolsa Ave #109, Huntington Bch, CA 92649
(714) 379 35 60, Fax: (714) 379 35 62
Sells Neuspeed parts & other OEM supplies at a discount
I am not sure if they are still in business.
Strictly Foreign
5374 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA 18106
Order (800) SPEED 94, In PA (610) 391-1902
Neuspeed, Momo, K&N, etc.
Tele Tire:
Mailorder tires, rims.
Timmons VW:
Mailorder VW & Neupseed parts, K&N, free world wide shipping
with $75+ order.
Mention add in EC for 10% discount on some items.
3940 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
(310) 595 46 01, (800) 266 32 47
OEM VW Parts & Neupseed Parts, K&N, etc.
Profile:
It's a regular dealership that is now specializing more in parts
distribution, and has a casual relationship with some of the
performance shops like APS. They also deal with the magazines,
lending out test cars.
Some of the people that work there such as Mike Potter (parts)
auto-x their VWs (Scirocco for Mike) and are therefore more
"knowledgeable" than the average place.
Don't bother Mike too much because he is very buzy.
Tire Rack:
771 W Chippewa AVe, South Bend, IN 46614
(800) 428 83 55, (219) 287 2345, fax (219) 236 77 07
Mailorder tires, rims.
Robert(ext307) (real name: Bill Ozinga) is an auto-xer and he can
be reached at: BOzinga@aol.com or OzCS97@aol.com
TR is an official SCCA Solo II sponsor for 95-98.
Tire Warehouse:
1-800-374-9876
Ultimate Street Accessories
710 Pressley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
Info: (704) 525-4946, Order (800) 258-5269
Suspension, accessories, exhaust, aerodynamics for Euro and Japan cars
WholeSale Import Prts (WA):
OEM VW Parts
(206) 643 33 50
Wolf Sport (CA) (Formerly Recycled Rabbit):
63 Industrial Way, Greenbrae, CA. 94904
(415) 924 83 12 (info), (800) 34-BUNNY (orders) (415) 924 7970 (fax)
M-F 9-5
They used to sell used parts only, but now sell new parts at a
discount and Neuspeed parts as well!
You can also get a list of parts on sale from these guys in conjunction
with German Auto Salvage.
Send a request to: glarsh@holonet.net
Euro Carparts (UK):
+44 81-963-0555 (finally an European entry!)
>>>OTHERS/MAILORDER?
Q: Who are the VW (performance) tuners?
This list is mostly geared to USA & Canada. Some German addresses are also mentioned. In the UK & D, see EU_VW_Tuners in the VW archives. To be added to this list, you must be an established bonafide business, tuner or mail order house. Brief user feedback as posted publically may also be added.
[Still Under Construction...it's a tad confusing]
T U N E R S // P E R F O R M A N C E
Advanced Motorsport Solutions [AMS]:
Advanced Motorsport Solutions
3040 S Robertson Blvd (right off the 10 FWY & National), LA, CA 90034
(310) 559 7764, (310) 838 68 81
Profile:
CEO = Marc Kalaydjian (pretty much a car and computer wiz)
Sells performance VW products, similar to other tuner's.
e-mail: marck@netcom.com
Makes custom chips for cars (concentrates on the whole program
range). Supposedly initially trained APS on how to make chips.
Used to work for Andy King of R&A Applied Arts.
Automotive Performance Systems [APS]:
3300 Corte Malpaso, Camarillo, CA 93012
(101 & Dowson, 100 miles N of their old place :-< )
(805) 388 71 71, (800) 423-3623 (orders only)
(805) 388 00 30 (fax)
Profile:
Primary retailer of Neuspeed products and a few OEM parts (brakes,
lights, etc).
Parts usually fit in stock positions and are usually CA smog legal.
Their performance philosophy is: Make it breathe (exhaust)
stiffen and lowered suspension (usualy Bilstein).
They also sell chips, but some claim that they concentrate mostly
on the top end, not the low.
Owned by Bill Neuman (who "ruthlessly" runs the place) and aided
by his two sons: Aaron and Gary Neuman (who are both very technically
capable and nicer then some of the people occasionally answering
the phone). Unlike a regular "PARTS" place they can provide advice
on how to customize your car with their products, but they will
not do any custom work anymore.
Pretty much all the parts you buy from them are good quality.
Note: Neuspeed products can be bought elsewhere for less (e.g., ND,
Plain Wrap, VW Specialties).
AutoBahn Designs [ABD]:
2900 Adams Str, Suite B27, Riverside, CA, 92504
(909) 351-9566
Body parts & other
AutoTech [AT]:
32240 E Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA
(714) 240-4000 (tech), (800) 553-1055 (Order)
Owner: Ron Mozer
Talk to Dana Clarck for Corrados.
Large variety of VW products. Sells APE chips at a
slight discount. They are predominantly a PARTS place, but they
can also provide you with some assistance on customizing your car.
Like many others they also develop and test some of their own
products.
AutoThority Performance Engineering [APE]:
3769-B Pickett Rd, Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 323-0919, (703) 323 73 25 (fax)
Profile:
Makers of Power Chips for many cars.
Claims to work on the whole power band rather than the top end only.
See the "Wired" article in the archives.
Engineer for Corrado: Mike Kisko (sp?) ext 404
Not all their chips and power upgrades are CA smog legal.
Bellevue Motor Sports:
13500 Bel-Red Rd., Bellevue, WA 98005
(206) 747-FAST
Drake:
Yuma, AZ.
Do they still exist?
Eurorace:
190th near Hawthorne Blvd, Redondo Bch, CA
(800) 722-8678; (310) 376-0247.
NOTE: Occasional troublesome (parts don't fit right, slow responce,
mostly geared towards aircooled VWs).
EuroSport:
Moved to APS's former location:
1464 North Hundley Street, Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 630 1555, (800) 783-3876, (714) 693-0864 (fax)
Profile:
Owner = Raffi Kazanjian, who has been auto-xing for many years.
Currently still does in his modified yellow Rabbit.
Sells VW performance mods, some of which parallel APS's line for a
lower price. Ask for Raffi Kazanjian.
Extrudehone:
Corp HQ = Irwin, PA, fax (412) 863 87 59
8800 Somerset Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723
(310) 531 29 76, fax (310) 531 84 03
Abrasive flow machining (porting).
Example price: Intake manifold = 700-1000US$
Halsey Import Parts:
7721 N.E. Halsey Portland, OR
(800) 792-0081
H&H Specialties, Inc.
20 Reid Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824, (508) 256-9465
Fabricators of stabilizer bars since the '70's
Andy King prefers these to the Neuspeed.
[Jan: See the archive pictures, the may not mount in stock
locations]
JT Automotive:
350 East St, Building 3, Simi Valley, CA 93065
805-579-9123 or 9124
Sells ABT parts (one of the major VW tuners in Germany. Note
ABT parts are also available else where, e.g., ND if demand is high).
I don't know if they do any custom work.
New Dimensions [ND]:
2240 De La Cruz Blvd, Santa Clara, CA, 95050
(800) 637-2781, (408)980-1691, (408) 980-1697 (fax)
Computer Bulletin Board (408) 980-8830
Specializes in turbo charging VWs. Full service facility,
Shop & Parts (Chris Lagatuta = VP, Tim Hildabrand aka Turbo Tim = owner)
Also sells performance parts such as Neuspeed, K&N, etc.
turbotim@newdimensions.com (old address: turbotim@aol.com)
Web Page (still under construction):
http://www.megamed.com:80/newdimensions/
Nothelle
Cacilientstrasse 10-12
4330 Mulheim / Ruhr 1
Germany
011-49-208-42-20-789
011-49-208-42-08-48
Tuner.
US Contacts: (800)453-HADE or (310)715-2448 or fax (310)715-2911
Northern Imports:
Any experiences with these guys as yet?
Oettinger Technik GmbH
Max Planck Strasse 36
D-61381 Friedrichsdorf
Germany, + (06172) 7053-55, Fax: + (06172) 7056
OilScan:
Kit to perform oil analysis for about US$20.
R&A APPLIED ARTS, INC.
555 GUTHEIL PLACE, LYNDHURST, NJ 07071
CONTACT ANDY KING AT (201) 933-8833
Performance Tuner
Racing Wheel Services
140 Bordentown Road, Tullytown, PA 19007
(215) 945-3834 [ Also ref. European Car 10/94 p.50 for write-up ]
excellent place for custom wheels, street/rally/race wheels
RD Enterprises:
Sells shocks. (800) 683-2890, In CA
Ron's Parts Inc:
#6-#7 1610 Langan Ave, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1K6
(604) 944-0494, (604) 944-1797 (fax)
Parts & shop. Drops VR6's into Golfs.
Dr. Schrick GmbH
Dreherstrasse 3-5
D-42899 Remscheid, Germany
Makers of Cams. Write for catalog & prices. Buy direct for lower prices.
SuperChips Inc:
1958 N. County Rd 427, Longwood FL, 32750,
(407) 260-0838, (407) 260-9106 (fax)
Sells Power Chips (8V, 16V, VR6).
Note: Some claims of less than reputable practices...
TechTonics (TT):
P.O.Box 295, 19592 Southwest TV Tower Road, Sheridan, OR 97378,
(503) 843-2700, (503) 843-3933 (fax)
Maker of performance parts. Make sure they get the order right.
Daryl Vitone.
Velocity Sport Tuning:
4613 B Manhatten Beach Bl., Lawndale, CA 90260.
(310)643-0005, FAX:(310)643-0006
Ask for Jeremy Wolf: VELOJER@aol.com or MONSTER16V@aol.com
or Jeff Moss: VELOJEFF@aol.com
Initial feedback seem positive.
See also their web page: http://www.velocitysport.com/
VW Motorsport (D): (sister co of VW who makes aftermarket parts for VW).
Ikarusallee 7A, D-30179 Hannover, Germany
(From the US, dial 011 49 and then delete the first 0 from the
number below).
0 511 / 674 94 22
0 511 / 674 94 88 (fax)
VW Specialties (Ron Wood):
Car service, performance alterations
Owner: Ron Wood, pretty much a VW Guru/VW Racer/VW Tuner
Sells a variety of parts and has plenty of experience.
Last I heard he flipped his Scirocco, end over end.
17682 Gotherd Str, Huntington Beach, CA 92647,
(714) 848 37 66, (714) 848 43 36 (fax) (714) 848 37 66 (fax?)
VW Sport:
4838 Leafdale
Royal Oak, MI 48073
(313) 288 51 58
(313) 288 44 12
(Sell VW accessories (BBS, Bosch, VW), TShirts, etc)
Zender:
700 Pressley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 525-0539, (800) 832-2411
Body parts & performance parts
See also the archive: EU_VW_Tuners for European addresses.
Q: What are some of the brand name namufacturer/product addresses?
Alpine:
Gramercy Rd, Torrance, CA 90....
(310) 326 8000
Alarms, audio
AMSOIL (?):
Oil, 1 micron Filters. (715) 393-7101
URL: http://www.xmission.com/~gastown/amsoil/index.html
AutoTech [AT]:
Makers of AutoTech products. See also AutoTech under TUNERS & PARTS.
BBS:
Maker of rims
5320 BBS Drive, Braselton, GA 30517
(800) 422 7972, (404) 967 9848, (404) 967 9866 (fax)
BF Goodrich Tires:
Racing and Marketing Dev't Dept.
D/0653, UGB-4
600 S Main Str, Akron, OH 44397-0001
Note BFG is part of Michelin since 1990!
New Order Number: (800) 847 8475 (Michelin's #) then punch in
RACE BFG at the DEALER ACCOUNT NO PROMPT
8:30-17:00 EST
To buy their race tires you need to be a member, which
costs nothing.
Bilstein:
Try Larry?
8845 Rehco Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
(619) 453-7723, Steve; (203) 265-2854; (800) 537-1085
Bilstein will revalve any of their shocks to your needs, for a
small fee.
Blaupunkt (part of the Robert Bosch Corp):
2800 S 25th Ave, Broadview, IL 60153
(800) 323-1943; (312) 865-6444; (312) 865-5488
Boge/Fichtel & Sachs (they merged):
Pete Mitchell deals with VW shocks
(800) 222 26 43
Bosch (Robert):
(708) 865 52 00
Bridgestone Tire:
Consumer Tire Marketing
POBox 140991
Nashville, TN 37214-0991
(800) 543 75 22
Castrol:
Oil Co., (201) 633-2200, Located in NJ
Continental Tires/General Tires
One General Street, Akron, OH 44329-0001
(800) 338 61 86, Canada (800) 461 43 57
Dunlop
Dynamic Control:
P.O. Box 15232, Hamilton, OH 45015
(513) 829 32 51, (513) 829 32 61
Makers of Dynamat Sound Deadening material
Eibach Springs
15311 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92718
(714) 727 37 00
Springs, sway bars.
Flofit
Seats, but they fall appart quickly.
Located in Long Beach, CA
Hella Lights:
201 Kelley Drive
P.O.Box 2665
Peachtree City, GA 30269
(404) 631 7500
Hoosiers
RICK GENHART, westren us distributor 209-485-4612
Fresno: 800-866-4612, fax 209-485-4632
Kenwood Stereo:
2201 E Domingues, Long Beach, CA 90221
(310) 761 8206
Kano
Nashville, TN
Makers of Kroil penetrating oil (supposedly good).
(615) 833 4101
(615) 833 5790 (fax)
K&N Engineering Inc:
P.O. Box 1329 or 561 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92502
Makers of K&N air filters
Koni (KT)
Shocks, Dutch Company
Talk to Lesley for a good sense of humor (606) 727-5028
Tech number: 606-727-5011 or (606) 727 5053 Steve Sudler
Fax: 606-727-5001
McGard Inc.
3875 California Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127-4198
P.O. Box 102, Ft. Erie, Ontario L2A 5M6
(800) 444 58 47, (716) 662 9617
Makers of wheel locks.
Meguire's
Irvine, CA (800) 347-5700 (?)
Waxes and polishes: (800) 545-3321
MECA Cooling Company:
255 Route 41 North, Sharon, CT 06069
(203) 364-5130, Fax: (203) 364-0888
Sell propylene glycol & special oil filters.
Mobil Oil:
(800) 662 4525, located in PA
Lubricants, Synthetic oil
Neuspeed:
Manufacturer of VW Performance parts.
For direct retail sales see: APS
For all other sales (usually for less than APS) see the PARTS list.
New Dimension Products & New Dimension (ND) Turbosystems :
See New Dimension under TUNERS.
RedLine:
3450 Pancheco Blvd. Martinez, CA 94553
(510) 228-7576, (800) 624-7958
Synthetic Oils
Remus:
Aftermarket exhaust systems. Expensive but nice.
West US: 16200 S Figueroa Str, Gardena, CA 90248 (800) 766 0064
East US: 20 Temple Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (800) 846 1144
Schroth
Seat belts/harnesses for racing
(303) 447-1700 Fax (303) 447-184
Scosche Industries:
5160 Gabbert Road, P.o.Box 8099, Moorpark, CA 93020
(800) 621 36 95
Makers of Accumat Accoustical insulation (like Dynamat, no smell
sticks better)
AMT045 (like vinyl tyles, for doors etc), AMT250 (for car floors,
is about 1 cm thick with foam), AMT750 (mats for hood).
Speedline America Corporation:
Bill Hoffman, Operations Manager
Speedline Italian Sport Wheels
1177 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33323
(305) 846 9234
Makers of rims. OEM on 93 Corrados.
Spectro Oil
1-800-2-GET-OIL
High quality (synth) oils.
Synthoil:
High quality (synth) oils.
(800) 843-7733 (order), (208) 336-8600, Located in ID
Tokico:
1330 Storm Pwy, Torrance, CA 90501-5041
(310) 534 49 34
Shocks.
VDO/YAZAKI Co.:
980 Brooke Rd, P.O. Box 2897, Winchester, VA
(703) 665-0100 FAX (703) 662-2515
455 Welham Rd, Box 8700, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4M4V3
(705) 722-6400 FAX (705) 722-4407
Valentine (radar detector & G-Analyst):
1-800-331-3030 for ordering
1-513-984-8900 for questions
Yokohama ():
(800) 423-4544
Q: Where can I get special VW tools?
Assenmacher Specialty Tools:
6440 Odel Place,Boulder CO 80301,
(303) 530-2424, toll free (800) 525-2943, fax (303) 530-4720
They sell VW specialty tools.
BAUM TOOLS UNLIMITED INC.
Dana J. Baum - VP R&D, danabaum@crl.com
URL:http://www.crl.com/www/~/danabaum (does not work for me)
URL:http://www.crl.com:80/www/users/da/danabaum
Manufacturers, importers and distributors of VW [A] & [W] special tools
HAZET, STAHLWILLE, USAG, MATRA and PEISLER tools available
3922 Murdock Avenue
Sarasota FL 34233
1-800-848-6657 Orders (US & Canada), 1-941-927-1414 Office
1-941-927-1612 Fax, catalogs 1-800-848-6657
or
WEST COAST WAREHOUSE, 1523 38Th Avenue
San Francisco CA 94122-3011
1-415-566-9229 Orders, 1-415-566-0694 Fax, 1-415-298-7831 Mobile
Griot's Garage:
(800) 345-5789
They sell VW specialty tools.
J.C. Whitney (IL): see PARTS
Schley Products Inc:
5350 E. Hunter Ave, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807-2053
(714) 693 76 66
They sell VW specialty tools, and have a good reputation.
Don't sell directly, you have to go through some distributor like
Snap On.
Mac Tools:
Recommended by some. Same deal as Snap-On, you need to call them.
They also have some VW specialty tools.
Sears:
All over the USA & Canada. Generally good quality (non-professional)
handtools.
Craftsman brand carries lifetime warrantee.
They have some special tools, e.g., 17mm VW tranny drain plug hex wrench
Snap-On Tools:
1-800-866-5748 Snap-On customer direct order program
Snap On has fewer and fewer warehouses to obtain tools from. Typically,
you order a catalog, then call, and then a truck will eventually
pull up with the tool you need.
Most of their tools are of professional quality.
They also have some VW specialty tools (e.g., CV-Joint tool).
S&K Tools:
Zelinda Machine Tools Corp (NY):
66-02 Austin St, Forest Hills NY 11374,
(718) 896 22-88
They sell VW specialty tools.
Caveat: Often a suitable replacement for these tools can be easily made.
MAILORDER RENTAL
Recycled VWs (MI):
(313) 373-2300
Q: What are VW's related numbers and addresses?
(800) 544 80 21 for service publications (see above)
Pres. Clive Warrilow (new) | 3800 Hamlin Rd VWoA Auburn Hills MI 48326
Pres. Bill Young (old) | 3800 Hamlin Rd VWoA Auburn Hills MI 48326 Dr. Ferd. Piech | Postfach VWAG-TK-24 3180 Wolfsburg I Germany
Volkswagen Canada INC
1940 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough ON, M1L 2M2, Canada
(416) 288-3000, Fax: (416) 288-3298, Telex: 06-963588
Guaranteed Mobility/Roadside Assistance Program,
refer to the owners warranty manual for further information
Volkswagen: (800) 263-7601
Audi: (800) 461-2834
(USA and Canada only):
VW Protection Plus Program (for 93+ VWs): For more info call: (800) DRIVE VW
The address of the "VW World" publications/subscription dept.
(free for new VW owners, 20US$/7years for others):
Volkswagen World Headquarters
PO Box 2012
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-2012
VW Mobility Access Program (disability): (800) 444-8987
Q: What does 'Fahrvergnuegen' mean (current commercial jingle in NA)?
Scirocco - Hot North African desert wind that blows into Italy
Original name was rumored to be Blizzard.
Golf - Gulf stream winds (a high altitude North-south 100 mmph wind)
Jetta - Jet stream (East/West wind, affecting Pacific air travel)
Passat - Trade winds
Vento - Blowing/windy (E/I)
Polo - ?
Santana - Hot desert blast accross the Sea of Cortez.
Corrado - Not a wind, it's derived from Spanish Correr which means to
run. The original name for the car was Taifun (Typhoon)
which means huricane except it was already a registered
trade mark for a GM truck.
Q: What does GTI, GLI and so on mean?
Originally, all European VWs were carbureted, except those with the "I" or
"i" and a few rare cases with an "E" for "Einspritzung", designation which had
a more powerful fuel injected engine, a "GT" set-up, and some more sporty
equipment (suspension, gauges).
In the US, VW switched over to FI first with the '76 limited
edition Super Scirocco and in 77 to the rest of VW's watercooled
cars, and in Europe a bit later (with mono-throttle FI) which meant that
all cars really counted as "I" models.
GTI/GLI now just means that the car has a more powerful engine and a
sportier set-up.
Note also that the US, only gets the two top of the line VWs from their
larger mass produced series (but not the Polo).
Certain special models, such as the Golf G60 Synchro, the US will never
see.
In Europe, VWs came with anywhere from 1100, 1300 to 2900 cc engines. The
US never saw the 1100 & the 1300's and only sees a slightly scaled down
version of the 2900.
Q: Is VW the inventor of the VR6 and G-charger design?
For example, the G-charger, was pattented in 1905 [Vack], was to replace the common piston driven steam engine, requires very precise machining that can only be achieved with current day NC machine tools.
The VR6 design is modeled after an 18 degree V4 made by Vincenzo Lancia for the Lancia Aprilia [Vack].
ABS is also nothing new, a mechanical version based on centripetal forces was used on German trucks during WWII. Similarly, Turbo chargers were first used on Messerschmidt planes to compensate for thinner air at altitude. However, if there is one thing VW should get credit for is applying some of these innovation and making it economically feasible to produce. Not a simple feat.
Q: What is VW's heritage?
NSU had a few interesting products such as the K70 and Ro80. The K 70 was developed by NSU, Neckarsulm, in 1969, and VW sold the K 70 as the VW K70 from 1970 until 1974. Altogether 210.082 units were sold.
The K70 was sold with two different engines: 1.6l with 75 hpwr and 1.8l with 100 hpwr. The VW K70, developed by NSU, was the first VW with a water cooled engine and first front-wheel drive car.It resembled a boxy version of the first Jetta.
Another one of NSU interesting products was the Ro80, probably the first production car with a Wankel (rotary) engine. The Ro80 was sold from 1967 until 1974, 33910 Units were sold. The Ro80 had a 0.5l(!) engine with 115 hpwr. Its production was stopped due to persistent problems, but was at the time a very innovative and modern looking car.
Probably the most lasting influence to the VW product line was made by Audi whose Audi 50 become the start of their new line of cars. The Audi 50 become known as the first VW Polo, and many of the drive train components are shared between VWs and Audis to this date.
Q: What's the relationship between VW, Audi and Porsche?
They have separate research departments, separate assembly plants,
but do share parts, engines and cars (US VW Quantum == Audi) on occasion.
The original version of the Polo were actually made by Audi
called the Audi 50. The basic 1500/1600 now 1800 cc block is also
from the former Audi 80.
In Europe it is not uncommon to have both dealers that sell and
service both VWs and Audis (and sometimes also Porsches).
In North America the two (three) are usually separate.
Regarding VW & Porsche (From Tom H.): There are no ownership arrangements -- the two companies are essentially separate. There is, however, a lot of co-operation, as Porsche does consulting work for VW, and Porsche has some access to the VW parts bins. VW has also built some 914s, 924s and 944s for Porsche, and Porsche is to build the Audi 80 RS2 for VW.
And of course Ferdinand Porsche designed the Beetle while running a design office in the 30s -- and Ferdinand Piech, the current CEO of Volkswagen AG, is his grandson.
The relationship was much closer yet in the early years of VW and Porsche, when Heinz Nordhoff was running VW: this is when the 914 was conceived as a VW-Porsche. When Nordhoff died (in 1969?), the new CEO (who was that? I forget) did not want to honour all of Nordhoff's verbal agreements with Porsche. As a result, the relationship soured somewhat -- and the 914 was significantly more expensive than originally planned.
One of the best books relating the VW/Porsche relationship is _Excellence_ _was_Expected_ (which is primarily a Porsche book; alas, it's most certainly not cheap.
Q: What do the oval "B", "D" stickers on car's bumpers mean in Europe?
The number plates of all EU states have the same style now and show the country on the plate which makes the sticker superfluous as long as you do not leave the EU. If you travel to other countries you will still need the sticker!
Q: What is the VW Visa card?
COMMON PROBLEMS & RECALLS
Q: How do I obtain NHTSA (Recall) information (USA)?
Note: The above service is TERRIBLY inefficient...after 3 tries I still have not received the info I requested on my Corrado. I guess the person there can't read or write. A Corrado is not a Cabriolet. Makes you wonder how many other morons work there. [Jan]
Q: What are the known defects for the VW product line?
From: jochena@bjsys.ersys.edmonton.ab.ca, additions from "old list" by Jan (still needs a bit of reformatting).
Summary of some recall campaigns, service actions, pre delivery campaigns for Volkswagen models. This may not apply to some vehicles in CANADA or the UNITED STATES, as some campaigns are not implemented in the respective countries. This list may NOT be ACCURATE, for the correct information always refer to you local dealer, who will be able to check for any outstanding campaigns for vehicle.
Please note, that the biggest problem for any manufacturer is the notification of the owners. Please advise them of the purchase of the vehicle, if the vehicle is used from a non VW dealer or private source and any address changes. Again, your local dealer is more then willing to help you in this matter.
NOTE: The * stands for a single charachter
Type YY FROM/TO VIN DESCRIPTION CODE DATE
FOX
Fox 87 9BW**030*HP000001/ Replacement of crankshaft PM 12/87
9BW**030*HP026007 pulley
Fox 87-89 9BW*A030*HP000001/ Inst. of steering wheel QD 04/89
9BW*A030*KP009988 spring retainer + lock nut
Rabb. 81-84 1VW**17*BV000001/ Inspect/replace EGR valve PD 04/87
1VW**17*EV104300 with automatic transmission
Golf 85 1VW**017*FV007583/ Checking dust sleeves NJ 06/85
1VW**O17*FV017394 of front brake caliper
Golf 85 1VW**017*FV000001/ Replacing front seat belts MP 05/85
1VW**017*FV003370
Golf 85-87 1VW**017*FV000001/ Inspect/replace EGR valve PD 04/87
1VW**017*HV036149 on vehicles with auto transmisson
Golf 86 1VW**017*GV033771/ Replace fuel transfer pump + PC 07/87
1VW**017*GV047000 filter
Golf 87 1VW**017*HV032808/ Replace filler neck, sending PA ??/??
1VW**017*HV054650 unit and gasket
Golf 85-86 1VW**017*FV000001/ Replacing fuel tank assembly NV 06/86 Diesel 1VW**017*GV033970
Golf/ 85/86 1VW--017-FV000001/ Replacing fuel tank assembly NV 06/86 GTI GAS? 1VW--017-GV033970
GTI 86 1VW**017*GV000001/ Check torque of rear NZ 10/86
1VW**017*GV074477 axle bracket bolt
Golf 88 1VW**017*JV000001/ Installation of starter PV 06/89
Auto MOD 17-63 1VW**017*JV017457 support bracket
Golf 88-89 1VW**017*JV000001/ Replacement of coil, plugs, QN 12/89 1VW**017*KV018693 vacuum thermo switch (no 16 V)
Golf 89 3VW**01G*KM000001/ Replacement of coil, plugs, QN 12/89
3VW**01G*KM863602 vacuum thermo switch (no 16 V)
Golf 90 3VW**01G*LM000001/ Replacement of coil, plugs, QN 12/89
3VW**01G*LM006563 vacuum thermo switch (no 16 V)
Golf 91 3VW***1G*MM000001/ Replace knock sensor and QX 05/91
GTI 16V 3VW***1G*MM000747 reroute cables
Golf 89-92 3VW***1G*KM000075/ Inspect/replace pwr steering RT 10/91 3VW***1G*NW012208 assembly (CANADA ONLY)
Golf 88-89 1VW***1**JV000001/ Install preheating tube RW 09/93
1VW***1**KV999999 support bracket
Golf? 88-91 3VW***1**JM000001/ Install preheating tube RW 09/93
3VW***1**MM054357 support bracket
Golf 85-89 1VW***1**FV000001/ Replace heat exchanger SD 06/92
1VW***1**KV018693
Golf 89-91 3VW***1G*KM000001/ Replace heat exchanger SD 06/92
3VW***1G*MM023331
Golf 88-92 *VW**01**J*000001/ Replace fuel hose and clamp SK 09/93 *VW**01**N*067742 Cars equipped with Digifant
GTI 90-92 California, Knock sensors SC
16V and/or vacuum ampl. could
malfunction
Jetta 81-87 WVWG**16*BW000001/ Inspect/replace EGR valve PD 04/87
WVWG**16*HW540014 on vehicles with auto transmisson
Jetta 83-84 WVW**O16*DW402800/ Checking / replacing front NS 11/85 WVW**016*EW170305 brake hoses
Jetta 85-87 WVW**016*FW000001/ Replacing fuel transfer PC 07/87
WVW**016*HW359885 pump and filter
Jetta 88 WVW**016*JW700001/ Inspect / replacing QA 11/88
WVW**016*JW734535 brake booster
Jetta 88 WVW**016*JW000001/ Replacement of coil, plugs, QN 12/89
WVW**016*JW768209 vacuum thermo switch (no 16 V)
Jetta 89 WVW**01G*KW000001/ Replacement of coil, plugs, QN 12/89
WVW**01G*KW864001 vacuum thermo switch (no 16 V)
Jetta 88 WVW**016*JW015810/ Inspect/replace right front QP 06/90
16V WVW**016*JW69065 line (Jetta 16v in USA MY 87-89)
Jetta 89 WVW**01G*KW000084/ Inspect/replace right front QP 06/90
16V WVW**01G*KW121988 line (Jetta 16v in USA MY 87-89)
Jetta 90 WVW**01G*LW106033/ Replacement of PWR steering QR 04/91
16V WVW**01G*LW278931 pump bracket (mod. 1G2 5G4)
Jetta 90 WVW**01G*LW000001/ Replace fuel pump QW 05/91
GTX WVW**01G*LW476499 GTX only
Jetta 90-91 WVW**01G*LW000001/ Replace Knock sensor and QX 05/91
GTX WVW**01G*MW030623 reroute cables (GTX only)
Jetta 90 WVW***1G*LW000001/ Modification to headlight QY 07/91
WVW***1G*LW328840 switch ( CANADA ONLY)
Jetta 89-92 WVW***1G*KW267499/ Inspect/replace pwr steering RT 10/92 WVW***1G*NW048596 assembly (CANADA ONLY)
Jetta 90-92 *VW**01G*L*000001/ Update engine management RY 03/93
GTX 16V *VW**01G*N*044803 GTX 16V Standart Transmission
Jetta 85-90 WVW***1**FW000001/ Replace heat exchanger SD 06/92
WVW***1**LW416005
Jetta 88-92 *VW**01**J*000001/ Replace fuel hose and clamp SK 09/93 *VW**01**N*067742 Cars equipped with Digifant
GLI 90-92 California, Knock sensors SB
16V and/or vacuum ampl. could
malfunction
Cabrio. 85-87 WVWC*015*FK000001/ Replace transfere pump + PC 06/87
WVWC*015*HK008110 filter (supersedes NG)
Cabrio. 81-83 WVWCA015*BKOOOOO1/ Inspect/replace EGR valve PD 04/87
WVWCA015*DK999999 with automatic transmission
Cabrio. 83-84 WVW**015*DK007549/ Inspect/replace front brake NS 06/87
WVW**015*EK023149 hose
Cabrio. 90 WVW**015*LKOOOOO1/ Modification to headlight QY 07/91
WVW**015*LK012443 switch (CANADA ONLY)
Cabrio. 90-91 WVW***15*LK000001/ Secure water separator panel RH ??/??
WVW***15*MK010315 (91V162000)
Cabrio. 87-90 WVWCA015*HK000001/ Inspect/replace fuel tank RS 02/92
WVWCA015*LK000678 (91V201000)
Cabrio. 92 WVW***15*NK007064 Inspect/replace front track RU 02/93
WVW***15*NK010116 control arm
Cabrio. 90-92 WVW***15*LK000975/ Replace fuel hose and clamp SA 02/93
WVW***15*NK024047 (92V058000)
Scir. 83-84 WVW**053*DK017368/ Checking / replacing front NS 11/85 WVW**053*EK038276 brake hoses
Scir. 85-87 WVW**053*FK000001/ Replacing fuel transfer PC 07/87
WVW**053*HK008693 pump and filter (supersedes NQ)
Scir. 87-88 WVW**053*HK000001/ Inspect/replace fuel tank RS 02/92
WVW**053*JK009034
Corr. 89-92 WVW**50*LK000001/ Inspect/replace pwr sterring RT 10/91 WVW**50*NK000882 rack assembly (CANADA ONLY)
Corr. 90 WVW**050*LK000001/ Modification to headlight QY 07/91
WVW**050*LK012147 switch (CANADA ONLY)
G60 VR6 90-93 WVW***50*LK000001/ Replace Fuel hose and clamp SH 11/93
WVW***50*PK005031
VR6 92-93 WVW***50*PK000001/ Secure Engine compartment SQ 02/94
WVW***50*PK005031 electrical wiring harness
applies US & CANADA
G60 90 91V068000 Replace fuel pump assembly RG
Type YY FROM/TO VIN DESCRIPTION CODE DATE
PASSAT
Pass. 89-92 WVW***31*LE000001/ Inspect/replace pwr steering RT 10/91 WVW***31*NE026718 rack assembly (CANADA ONLY)
Pass. 90 WVW**031*LE000001/ Modification to headlight QY 07/91
WVW**031*LE123429 switch (CANADA ONLY)
Pass. 90-92 WVW**031*LE000001 Update engine management RZ 03/93
Autom. WVW**031*NE408342 automatic transmission
(Hesitation during the
upshift cycle of transmission.)
PASS 90-93 WVW**031*LE000001/ Update engine management RY 03/93
Man. WVW**031*NE407754 manual transmission
Pass. 93 WVW***31*PE000001/ Replace fuel hose and clamp SG 11/93
VR6 WVW***31*PE117434
Pass. 93 WVW***31*PE141535/ Replace front strut self- SR 08/93
WVW***31*PE163434 locking nut/washer assembly
Pass. 92-93 WVW***31*NE000001/ Replacement of power window- SW 05/94
WVW***31*PE213773 lifter rear
Type YY FROM/TO VIN DESCRIPTION CODE DATE
VANAGON/CAMPERS
Vana. 81 WV2ZA025*BH003450/ Check / replace fuel MD ??/81
WV2ZA025*BH098864 expansion tank
Vana. 81-82 WV2**02**BH143904/ Replacing sliding NC 09/84
WV2**02**CH154356 door lock springs
Vana/ 85 WV2*A025*FH000001/ Checking / modify sliding NR 04/86
Camp WV2*A025*FH115553 door striker plate
Vana. 86 WV***02**GG000001/ Replace filler neck, PA 11/87
Syncro WV***02**GG118815 sending unit and gasket
Vana. 86-87 WV***02**G*000001/ Replace fuel tank, PB 08/87
WV***02**H*064100 main & idle control unit
incl. Syncro, see Campaign details
Vana. 87 WV**B02**HH036719/ Replace shift lever pawl PG 12/87
autom. WV**B02**HH082874 (automatic transmission)
Vana/ 87 WV2**025*HO051294/ Inspect/seal water inlet PL 12/88
Camp WV2**025*H-999999 housing
Vana/ 88 WV2**025*JH000001/ Inspect/seal water inlet PL 12/88
Camp MOD 2539 WV2**025*JH003998 housing
Vana. 86-89 WV2**02**GH000001/ Replacement of fuel hoses in PW 05/89 WV2**02**KH019148 engine compartment (no Syncro)
Vana. 90 WV2**02**LK000001/ Modification to headlight QY 07/91
WV2**02**LK044564 switch (CANADA ONLY)
Euro 92-93 WV2***70*NH000001/ Replacement of brake handle ST 05/94 WV2***70*PH089395 spring. Install beading (see circular)
Euro 92-93 WV2***70*NH000001 Replacing fuel hose and clamp SX 05/94 WV2***70*PH089395 (see circular also part of ST)
Euro 92-93 WV2***70*NE000001/ Replacement of power window- SY 05/94 WV2***70*PH116000 lifter front
Euro 92-93 WV2***70*NH000001/ Replacement of steering TA 05/94
WV2***70*PH069881 universal joint bolt
This section contains common known failures reported by VW users or
VW magazines, and "official" Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) from VW.
The TSBs are VWs way to tell all the mechanics: "If you see this
problem, do that". That's all. They are NOT recalls, and do not
imply any financial comittments.
If your car is under warrantee you will not have to pay, if not, you pay.
With any problem, you always have to be able to recreate it.
However, not all dealers are up to date with their TSBs (:-<) and
on some occasions we can use knowledge of these TSBs to point to
a potential solution and also point out that your case may not be
unique. The TSBs are identified by a number: V35-92-01. See elsewhere
in this FAQ on how to obtain them (I have to rearrange things a bit
as soon as I have time).
83-86 GTI, GLIs, 84-86 Cabriolets, 83-86 Sciroccos except 16V, 84-86 Cabs:
Self Machining Transmission due to lack of snap rings on the differential
shafts. See April 1990, EuroCar pp 53, "VW 020 Gearbox Failures: Causes and
Cures". Only Close ratio transaxles are affected.
Starting at serial number 15102 (built after october 14th 1982).
Serial numbers up to 14102, (built up to October 14,1982) are immune.
VW part#171-498-088 offers the clips as part of the rebuild kit.
(Another sources says: If either rivet has been removed, secure the
differential pinion shaft with circlips, Part No. N 042 363 1.)
Gear oil leaking under the tranny, or strange noises are first signs,
between 50k and 120k miles.
NO RECALL! Sue VW. Techtonics Tuning is recommended by VW&P to fix selfmachined
cases (probably because they wrote the article).
See also the archive: Tranny_Clip_Failures
78-8? R/J I:
Fuel pump relay recall. Fries itself. FI cars only.
Fix = move relay for better cooling.
87-89 Jetta & 84 GTI & 83-84 Scirocco?: Front brake line recall.
85-? Golf & Jetta, GTI/GLI:
Heater Core failure. Recall.
85-86 GTI & GLI:
Engine hop problems. Requires a hop kit and/or upgraded front engine
mount.
89-90? Jetta:
RT Recall - Leaking steering rack recall?
85-91 Golf II & Jetta II, GTI/GLI:
Rough cold idle & stalling problems. Several causes see the technical FAQ
for possible diagnosis.
85-?86 GTI/GLI:
Recall RC, Code PC 13: Transfer pump failure.
85-?86 Golf:
?Recall PC?: Clean/replace transfer pump fuel screen.
Symptoms: Transfer fuel pump becomes noisy.
85-?86 GTI/GLI/Jettas/Golfs:
v13-89-01: connecting rod repair.
85OCT-85DEC and 84OCT-85SEP GTI:
NV/NW Recall (86V149000 & 86V029000) - Fuel tank replacement due to non
compliance with FMVSS 301.
87-89? Scirocco:
Gas tank leaks. Recall. (weren't other cars affected?)
16V Engines:
Drive belt failure around 50k miles. Breaks valves!
Remedy: Replace belt at 50k miles!
89-92 16V 9A CA:
SB Recall - Ca. smogged 9A engines, hanging idle switch.
Not officially announced by VW as yet. Non-CA have a less severe problem.
Fix: New throttle body assembly.
90-on Corrado
V13-91-06 - Abnormal engine noise with warm engine at 1800 to 2500 rpm
The connecting rod may float on the crankshaft causing a metallic
noise between stated rpm range.
In severe cases, instal crankshaft Part No: 026 105 101E
90-91 Corrado G60/Passat:
V35-90-01 - Transmission binding in reverse. Replace/lube back up light
switch, check shift rod cover (Part 02A 919 835), MoS2 grease on shifter &
shift linkage
90-9x? Corrado/Passat/Golf/GTI/Jetta/Cabriolet/Vanagon: V30-93-04: Shifting difficulties - 020, 02A & 025 Manual Transmission Clutch disk binding on spline ==> dragging. Replace clutch with Cadmium coated spline.
90-91 G60:
V35-92-01 - Mods on 02A gears and shafts.
???-??-?? - Replace muffler hangers to reduce droning/vibration
V13-91-06 - Metallic knocking noise between 1800 and 2500 rpm caused
by out of tolerance connecting rod or crankshaft.
If severe, replace crankshaft.
90-? Passat/Golf/Jetta/Fox/Corrado:
V42-93-01: Rear Tire Wear
This Service Bulletin supersedes: V42-92-01 & V42-90-02.
Fix: Replace rear stub axles.
Note: This problem has been most prevalent on Passats with Continentals.
Updated axles are= 357 501 117B (for Passats)
91-94 Corrados, Passat GLX
94 Golf & Jetta III
95 Cabrio
V28-94-01 (Aug 1, 94): Sparkplugs listed in the owner's manual and other
service literature may not be correct.
90-? Passat:
Rear window regulators. Service bulletin exists. See recall SW.
90-? Passat:
Mysterious gauge fluctuations on Passats and Foxes...
There is a VW service bulletin for the Passat showing a procedure to fix this
problem.
The voltage regulator is not usually bad, but they frequently is not well
soldered. The bulletin explains how to re-solder thge gerulator to the
circuit board. Since I mentioned that I knew of this bulletin,
my friendly dealer called VW and got the repair authorized under warranty...
90 Passat/Auto:
Car won't start: Replace transmission switch.
90-92 Corrado
87-88 Scirocco
88-92 Jetta
88 GTI
90-92 GTI & Passat
V28-91-01: No Start/Hard Start/Poor running
Problem: High tension arcing on distributor caps resulting in poor
starting and poor running.
90-91 Corrado (PG Engine)
V28-92-07: Cannot attain High Speed (supersedes V28-91-02)
Fix: Check knock sensor & replace if needed
90 Corrado
V24-91-01: Engine does not start at first attempt
Fix: Cut wire to digifant unit terminal 23 in ECU plug.
91 Corrado SLC/VR6, Passat
V34-92-04: 5 Speed Transmission 02A Gearshift Mechanism Modified
All transmissions as of 03 09 1 have the new mechanism (which includes
the counter weight). Old cars except for the G60 can be upgraded.
93-94: Jetta /// GL
Moonroof rattle. There is a TSB out on this.
CA DIESEL FUEL:
The environmentally friendly diesel fuel being sold in CA since Oct 93
is rumored to destroy the injector pump seals.
Call: Califronia Trucking Association, Mike Thomas, (916) 373-3534
who is collecting claims.
California Air Resources Board 1-800-952-5588 leave your name address,
etc and a complaint about what happened to your vehicle.
Gov. Wilson's office (916) 445-2841
In California, I've just read
that Univ of Dayton (Ohio) scientist has finally figured out what went
wrong with the Low-Aromatics-Diesel introduced in California. Apparently
the lack of armomatics and sulfur allowed oxidation of the fuel (when
meeting up with heat and oxygen) to form peroxide. This peroxide wasn't
detected in the fuel, but was found on the damaged oil rings. All major
refiners in Calif. are now blending anti-oxidant additives.
(per U.S. Oil Week 6/06/94)
Today's newspaper (9/3/94) reported that legislation to repay those of us who have lost diesel injector pumps from the 'new and improved' diesel fuel, has been signed by Gov Re_Pete Wilson. Reimbursment of up to $450 bucks for cars and $550 bucks for trucks will be alloted to those who have suffered damages. Details on how to get reimbusrsed will be published in the newspapers later this year. The Senate and Assembly passed the bill in August.
March 1, 1995 is the deadline for filing a claim with the State of
California for replacement or reimbursement for damages to your
diesel pumps. Trucks are entitled up to $1,000, cars are $450.
Call 1-800-272-2667 to get a form sent to you.
TSB ACCESS
The Technical Service Bulletins are now to be had ONLINE for a small fee from ALLDATA:
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ For FREE trial access to the World's Largest Database of Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information, including detailed information about any of the above bulletins, visit ALLDATA at:
WWW : http://www.alldata.tsb.com
GOPHER: gopher.alldata.tsb.com
or e-mail Theresa@alldata.com for more information.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
NOTE that some car parts supermarkets allow you to retrieve and print out this data for free as well.
Here is a sample of the free index available through WWW:
JETTA /// TSB
[jeremyh@ftp.amcc.com]
Year: 1994
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Jetta III
Engine: 4-1984cc 2.0L SOHC
JAN 94 1. OBD BASIC ENGINE SETTING AFTER DISCONNECTING BATTERY
JAN 94 2. POOR DRIVEABILITY
DEC 93 3. FRONT AND REAR VW EMBLEMS-REPLACING
DEC 93 4. WINTER TIRES/SNOW CHAINS
DEC 93 5. VACUUM DOOR LOCKS
NOV 93 6. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 096, VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT
NOV 93 7. HORN PAD REMOVAL
NOV 93 8. INDUSTRIAL FALLOUT, REPAIRING PAINT FINISH
NOV 93 9. GOLD PLATED TERMINAL REPLACEMENT
NOV 93 10. CLEANER FOR INTERIOR SURFACES
NOV 93 11. ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (ECT) REPLACEMENT
NOV 93 12. IDLE SPEED HUNTS WHEN COLD
NOV 93 13. REAR TIRE WEAR
NOV 93 14. TROUBLE CODES 00533 & 2231 (ISC NOISE DAMPER CLOGGED)
NOV 93 15. WATER LEAK AT ENGINE BULKHEAD SEALING PROCEDURE
NOV 93 16. GUIDELINES FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS
NOV 93 17. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REPAIR
OCT 93 18. LOANER CAR CHARGES FOR PAINT/CORROSION WARRANTY REPAIRS
OCT 93 19. M.Y. 1994 WARRANTY COVERAGE INFORMATION
OCT 93 20. NEW 16-PIN DATA LINK CONNECTOR - ACCESSING/CONNECTING
SEP 93 21. RADIO SECURITY CODE STICKER, NEW LOCATION
SEP 93 22. 1,000-MILE CONSULTATION PROCEDURES FOR 1994 MODELS
SEP 93 23. 1994 PDI PROCEDURE AND MAINTENANCE/LUBRICATION SCHEDULES
>>>>MORE???? Pls provide recall campaign & number & a 1 line description
Q: I heard there is a recall on my Golf/Jetta/GTI heater core. What do I do?
There are many cases in which the front passenger or the driver himself were hurt. First known cases in Japan, VW recalled the questionable cars (only in Japan!). Later many cases in Germany, too, but VW waited with a recall since Feb. (?) 1996.
Q: My A/C is smelly after use, especially during humid summer months?
Note from M Sirota: I found a 16V converter at Wolf Sport for $365. I've actually found a new 16V converter at Techtonics for only $125, but they say it sucks.
Q: How do I reset the oxygen sensor light?
A2 Jettas & Golfs: Remove the coolant reservoir to locate the box with the white recessed switch. Push it in far until you hear a satisfying click. You should only need to push once. The "box" is black, and the speedometer cable passes through it.
Q: I have a Clock, not a tach, can I get a "new" instrument cluster?
[blu@cellar.org]
Nylon covers are next to worthless.
To minimize paint scratches, keep your car clean, keep the cover clean, and
"roll" rather than slide the cover on.
I have also found that rolling it on and of is by far the easiest way to
cover the car. Install from the front.
Get a lock, and the cover then serves as reasonable theft deterrent as
well.
Q: Whenever it rains, the carpet in my VW gets wet?
[eldred@csi.jpl.nasa.gov] There are 2 water drain holes in the area just below the hood vents forward of the windshield which tend to get clogged with leaves. Make sure these are clear. If the water doesn't drain fast enough it will come through the vent air intake.
[From finnegan@navo.navy.mil:]
A break in the plastic drip shield which runs across the top of the
firewall under the hood can allow copious amounts of water to flow into
the fresh air intake vent. Replace the shield.
Rear: Water leaks resulting in large puddles in the rear seat footwells are
generally caused by poor seals against the door windows, and broken seal
on the door liners.
The window seals are easily replaceable. To replace the seal inside the
door, you have to remove the inner door panel, which is quite easy as well.
Glue a thick sheet of plastic between the door frame and the door panel.
See tech tips for more detail
From Jens Knickmeyer: Every time I found water puddling in the car just in front of the drivers seat, the seals inside the door were defective. I had this problem on several cars (3 Polos, 1 Audi 80, 2 Golf). Thank heaven only the Polos were my cars!
Q: My back up lights don't work anymore, but the bulbs are ok!
Q: During hard cornering my inner rear wheel lifts. What's wrong? Is this
bad?
Some reported similar problems with a heat shield ratteling but in that case the sound will be independent of whether you push the clutch in.
Q: The AC comes on when I turn on the defroster. What's wrong?
INTERCHANGING PARTS & TOOLS
Q: What VW parts are interchangeable between models & years? (This is for all you junk-yard cats). Created on a suggestion by [dh3q@andrew.cmu.edu (Dan)]
Note that in Europe the engine range is much larger than in NA, but mechanically things are similar within the same engine range. Throughout this document you will find other hints of interchangeabilities, for example, look at the part numbers: S's have a lot of part numbers from R/Gs (the second and third set of numbers are important), see also the list of rims and wheels for interchangability. GTI/GLI rims are a nice upgrade for most G & Js.
However the opposite is true as well...The same model of the same year may have slightly different components. Essentially VW builds cars until they run out of a particular batch of parts, or they make them for one region but then send them elsewhere (e.g., Corrados sold with heated seats in Southern California). Another example of this are radiators, don't ask what radiator is supposed to be in your car because no one really knows...
A1: R=G I=Conv/S I & II/J I are all similar. Bodywise & interiorwise, the J & R are most similar, except for the rear trunk, rear seats, & muffler. J's used to have thicker sway bars, a good upgrade for an S & R. Final exhaust sections also different. S's are bodywise & interiorwise different, struts are different (?), mechanically things are laid out a tad different (air filter). Convertibles share most with the R/G I, but later models have similarities with S's (exhaust).
The Passat I/Dasher shares some mechanical parts with the other A1 cars (e.g., 1600 engine), but otherwise shares more with the old Audi 80/Audi Fox (NA). Note that the reverse is also true, some Audi 80/100 (4000/5000) parts will fit in A1 VWs (e.g., the windshield washer canisters of a 5000 = S). In Europe, the low end Audis share more mechanically with the high end VWs, because they basically use the same engine block (1600/1800). There are also some parts shared with Porsches, most notable the 924 & 944 series (locks, rack, steering (?)).
A2: G II/ J II/Corrado. The G & J are most similar, except for the obvious differences. The dashes are very similar but there are some nuances like the trim which is bolted in for J but snapped in on early US made Gs. Corrados 16V (Europe) share the most with GTIs, but the G60s only share some suspension components (rear axle beam). The SLC/VR6s don't share much mechanical with other VWs but share a lot with the other C's (brakes, interior & body). VR6 rims will not fit a G60.
Please add specific contributions:
Brakes: Most >81 A1/A2 VWs can be upgraded to newer calipers & rotors be it in some cases with some additional modifications (VW&P/EuroCar has had a bunch of article on that).
The biggest right now are those on the Corrados.
Cylinder Heads: Cylinder heads on 1.7 l A-1 cars from US '82.5 thru '84 are interchangeable with earlier A-1 engines except a different tool must be used to depress the lifters. GTI cylinder heads are incompatible. [eldred@csi.jpl.nasa.gov]
Struts: R/G=J
Interior pieces: A lot will be interchangeable (R/G=J) but be careful a lot
of piece will look the same but won't fit.
Steering wheels are interchangeable up to 8/88? when they switched to a
finer spline. An adaptor
is used to make the wheels fit, so you can use any old wheel on a
newer car if you purchase this adaptor.
Alternators: Almost all are interchangeable, but some may require a different harness. Usually go to a higher amperage, never lower. The 90A are the current "hot ticket".
Starters are the same on the engines of one model of the A1/A2 cars. Electrically no problems, just look at the mechanical requirements before you go to the junk yard.
Q: Will Rabbit seats fit in a Scirocco?
Remove grease cap from rear axle tool:
Adjustable pliers, screwdriver
Timing belt tensioner pulley tightening tool:
Bend a section of coat hanger into a U shape of the proper size for
the holes in the pulley. or (lousier) two nails & a screw driver.
Upper strut bolt tool:
Air impact wrench, or grab a socket with a vise grip with the allen key
through the top.
From [Ken_Tsai@qmgate.arc.nasa.gov]: The Oxygen Sensor Socket from Lisle
will work. The socket has a hex at the top so you can use a combination
wrench to loosen the strut nut while holding the center rod stationary
with a 6 or 7 mm allen wrench.
Spring Compressor:
ALL SUBSTITUTES ARE DANGEROUS! Buy the real thing for ~US$40.
Remove radio tool:
use a coat hanger, make 4 cuts, so each piece is a "U". Stick them in
the holes, and move the hanger pieces "out" to the left and right,
while pulling the radio out by the tape entrance.
Remove Valve Adjustment Shims:
For changing valve shims, a valve depressor is necessary, but the funny
special pliers are not. All that is needed is a small "jeweler's"
screwdriver. File the blade until it is narrow enough to fit flat into
the slot in the shim bucket. Then file it until there is a nice knife
edge on it. Depress the valve, and stick the screwdriver through the
slot on the bucket and under the shim at the same time. It will just pop
right out, though oftentimes it helps to wiggle the valve depressor
around to help out. [Borowski]
Pin Wrench:
From: tedcrum@garnet.berkeley.edu (Ted Crum): A pin wrench (pin spanner)
is needed change strut cartridges, adjust [W] cam belts, etc. I've used
this trick from Popular Science for years: Make a pin wrench from an
adjustable ("Crescent") wrench with two holes drilled into the sides of
the jaws, near the tips. With pins placed in these holes, it is a strong
adjustable pin wrench. A second set of bigger holes can go a little down
from the tips and further from the nut-turning faces:
__
/ o |
/ |
/ |
|______|
Timing plug removal tool:
Use the handle of a stubby craftsmen slot screwdriver (or the lug wrench
from an old Bug).
Transmission plug tool:
I use a 17mm wheel lug bolt... They're plentiful: if you don't have any
spares, [some] bone-yard will be more than happy to let you paw around
their wrecks and carry away as many as you can hold.
You can either snap a pair of vice-grips onto the bolt's shaft
(tightly, mind you- those plugs can be VERY tight...) or do what I did,
and weld a nut onto the end of the bolt.
This allows you to use a socket and breaker bar or flex
handle to loosen the plug, then switch to a ratchet to spin it off.
It also allows you to use a torque wrench to re-install the plug to
manufacturer's torque specs.
[David M. Duma]:
Go to the section of the hardware store where they sell angle iron and
threaded rod. Buy a "coupling nut" for the threaded rod (basically a very
long hex nut). I found that the nut for 1/2" rod was 11/16" across the
flats, which is about 17.5mm . Walk over to the tools aisle and check the
coupling nut with a 17mm wrench to be sure. This fits my car's transmission
plug perfectly. If yours is snug a few minutes with a coarse abrasive stone
should produce a custom fit. You can then put the coupling nut into a
socket or box end wrench whenever you need it.
The same principle allows you to buy some of those power screwdriver bits
and put them into a 1/4" socket to use with your ratchet handle.
I'm still looking for a BIG nut to fit into the timing mark hole plug on the
transaxle.
>>>COME ON, THERE MUST BE PLENTY MORE
Q: My factory VW radio is CD changer ready. What unit other than the VW one
can I use?
The head unit will only control the VW changer -- it won't control
other Panasonic changers. In other words, you are stuck with VWs changer.
FUEL INJECTION
Q: What are the FI types used by VW?
83-84 8V K-Jetronic
85-87 8V KE-Jetronic
87-89 16V KE-Jetronic
88-92 8V Digifant II
90-92 16V Motronic
KE-Jetronic is basically a K-Jetronic with ignition control and a knock sensor, while Motronic has full engine management capabilities.
Note that the above data is for the US GTI/GLI series cars. The US GT/GL models for example in 85-87 use CIS [kokerj@rpi.edu].
Digifant is a pulsed injection system (rather than continuous, like the Bosch K series), which is in principle better. I'm no big fan of (at least the early versions of) Digifant, I don't think it has horrible reliability problems, either. You *will* need to run injector cleaner through the engine more frequently, though, or performance and mpg will drop right off the scale.
[From Jens Knickmeyer]:
The Digifant was developped by VW because the Bosch L-jetronic had
too small arrays, in VWs opinion. So they made their own system and
included the Dignition which lead to the motormanagement system
Digifant. I do not know for other contries, but here in Germany the
system has a communication bus called ABUS (Automubile, Bitserielle
Universelle Schnittstelle - automobile bitserial universal interface).
It is used to connect the diagnostic computer to the Digifant which
has a built-in automatic error detection (can detect defective temp.
sensor and knock sensor. If the latter is detected, the Digifant will
cut off fuel at high loads approx. every 5 secs.). The Digifant uses
ABUS also to exchange data with DIGIFIZ and maybe other future
components.
Polo injection systems:
Engine ID l kW / hp build FI-system
AAK 1.05 33 / 45 11/89- 7/90 Bosch Monojetronic
AAU 1.05 33 / 45 10/90- Bosch Monomotronic
NZ 1.3 40 / 55 2/87-12/90 VW Digijet
AAV 1.3 40 / 55 1/91- Bosch Monomotronic
3F 1.3 55 / 75 10/89- 9/90 Digifant (MAF)
3F 1.3 55 / 75 10/90- Digifant (MAF)
PY 1.3 85 /115 3/87- 7/90 Digifant (MAP)
PY 1.3 83 /113 1/91- 8/94 Digifant (MAP)+knock sensor
Q: How do I take care of my car to make it last long?
- Let it idle for a bit (couple secs, 1/2 minute)
A: The answer is to avoid extreme stress on the engine, neither excessive high or low revs are advised.
Low Revs: You are putting a lot of torque on the engine with a low oil volume & pressure. This can lead to damage. Generally stay above 1500 or 2000 rpms.
High Revs: VW engines are rather comfortable in the higher ranges. However, at high revs you have a lot of (transient) thermal effects taking place which are not always healthy (valves, head) in addition to certain harmonic vibrations in all the shafts that spin, sometimes also the pistons (motorcycles tend to have that problem more). So far I have found VW engines to hold up well. These cars were designed to sustain fairly high speeds in Germany. However I have also found that the periphery does not always hold up: Waterpumps tend to leak a lot quicker when you rev high. Now what's high? Generally near redline is high, and it's not advised to go over, or stay there for long.
Normal non-aggressive driving should be done between ~2000rpms & max torque which is usually around 4000 rpms, resulting in "normal" wear.
Q: How do you break into all A1 & A2 VWs (exc. Corrado, Passats, A3) w/o
breaking glass in under 10 secs? (Verified by Jan, in a junk yard of
course).
Punch a small hole with a screwdriver directly underneath the doorhandle (underneath the lock) and move screwdriver up and down to unlock. ADP armor door plates are the only safeguard. (800) ADP-LOCK, about $50 per pair. Install in 5 minutes with just a screwdriver. Other brands exist. Stay away from flimsier products though.
An alarm with engine lockout is also HIGHLY recommended. Newer VWs come with such an alarm! Apparently very effective.
Q: What gas (petrol) should I use?
Choosing an alignment shop is a different issue. Having computer equipment means nothing. The place I visit uses merely hand tools with his expertiese and I trust him alot more than the majority of alignment places that just blindly punch in some numbers and align two arrows on the computer. Ask around.
To avoid the BS they may give you, on most A* VWs, only the front camber and toe-in are adjustable. Caster is not. The rear is even easier, nothing is adjustable without either bending the rear axle arms or by adding shims behind the axle stubs. In general, the rear is not adjusted. Some shops will want to do a "four wheel alignment" to determine the "thrust angle". It's ok to check things out but in general I would only trust a specialist to touch my rear wheel alignment and I would only pay a small amount over a front end alignment rather than double to have the rears checked.
Q: Good and bad VW years? Impressions?
General:
(From M.Sirota) US [made] VWs, unfortunately, suck after lots of mileage.
Most notably, they rattle like the dickens. (??-'88 Rabbit, Golf, GTI, base
Jetta). Jetta GL's and GLI's and Carats and the like were made in Germany
during this period.
[From Jan:] Do not mistake bad service with the quality of the car. In the US, most VW service is at best second class. Older VWs (A1) are also more prone to rust, esp. around the wheel arches due to the absence of the plastic protectors. Newer VWs are much better protected, up to the point of using galvanized sheet metal on some panels in Corrados.
[From Dan Simoes:] as far as quality goes, it seems to follow the pattern: (best-->worst) German-built, Mexican-built, US-built although there are certainly enough exceptions to this rule. VW recognizes the quality problems with the Mexican cars, and feels that they will be fixed by the time we get the A3 cars.
81 Scirocco: Made by Karmann, European Market! Major Problems: 2B5 Zenith Carb, electrical problems (easy to fix, hard to find), motor mount, 2nd gear wears out after 100-some k miles.
Impressions: Noisy. With modified suspension a fantastic handler. A car with an incredible portion of fun, though engine a bit underpowered (86 HP).
79.5 (?) - 84 Rabbit Diesel (US-built models): (tgpt_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.edu)
Major problems: For some reason extremely hard on starters and alternators. Heavy vibration when cold reduces life of some parts. Even more prone to engine mount woes than gas models.
Impressions: The car that wouldn't die. Consistently run 300,000+ miles. Anywhere from 30 - 55 mpg. Horribly underpowered (52 HP). Emissions exempt in some states, which is a good thing. Regular oil filter & fuel filter changes even more important than most. You either love them or you hate them. At 300,000 miles things that were supposed to last "the life of the car" start to break.
84 US Rabbit: another car that won't die. Mechanically excellent--I have 177k miles and it runs like new, though I've had to make one major repair (cylinder head). Interior doesn't hold up as well--I've replaced the carpet and the headliner fell off the ceiling. Outside body/paint still excellent. I want something fancier but I can't justify it since it's worthless as a used car. All rattles disappeared when I replaced the infamous right hand engine mount. You do need to stick on anti-sway bars for decent handling. [eldred@csi.jpl.nasa.gov]
85-87 8V GTI-US: US made, US market. Major problems: Rough Idle, switches, seat bolsters ripp