VTQ V6 B5 Reflash

[Vaquaro]

Finally convinced a local dealer to install "updated ECU programing" , only after bringing a copy of the TSB to thier attention . I made it clear to them I expected to pay for the shop time as stated ( 90 min.) . Now I have a reliable base line to attend to further MIL indications as they occur . Well worth the money . My B5 4mo. is a high miler ,so I expect issues to arise from time to time . Looking forward to many more years of enjoying driving this great car ( As a side note , the dealers are not going to be selling so many outrageously expensive cat systems )

[y2000passat]

My dealer wouldn't cooperate on just doing the reflash without going through a boatload of diagnostics first for many $'s. I gave up and installed the spark pug anti-foulers on the rear O2 sensors and no 421/431 code problems since.

I didn't believe the 421/431 codes were legit when I first got them since they both showed up at the same time.

[vbora01]

Let me guess, to fix the infamous "Cat 1 and 2 Below Threshold" Codes?

[Vaquaro]

My dealer wouldn't cooperate on just doing the reflash without going through a boatload of diagnostics first for many $'s. I gave up and installed the spark pug anti-foulers on the rear O2 sensors and no 421/431 code problems since.

I didn't believe the 421/431 codes were legit when I first got them since they both showed up at the same time.

Thats exactly why I printed out the TSB ( Jan.11 , 2007 ) and insisted on the Reflash to be done just as stated in the TSB which states the allowed time . I admit without the TSB print out , I got the same run-a-round from a number of dealers .

[RxRC]

I made it clear to them I expected to pay for the shop time as stated ( 90 min.) . Now I have a reliable base line to attend to further MIL indications as they occur . Well worth the money .

I don't see why we should pay anything. 1.5 hours will be over $100. That's way too much just to get my dash light shut off, don't you think?

[Vaquaro]

I don't see why we should pay anything. 1.5 hours will be over $100. That's way too much just to get my dash light shut off, don't you think?

It was $180 actually .( bare in mind this is a 8 year old TSB ) Yes it was worth it ,because now if the MIL shows , you really do have a problem to address (prior to the update you would have to scan in order to see if it was anything other than cat. problems .) On-board diagnostics is a great tool if it functions correctly .

[Vaquaro]

Update : Went through B.C. Aircare emissions bi-annual testing today . All is good ," passed " . Did a scan when I got home and found 2 codes showing ; Random misfire on cyl. 1 & 3 . Easy fix , time for new coil-pacs so might as well do the whole set .

[y2000passat]

Update : Went through B.C. Aircare emissions bi-annual testing today . All is good ," passed " . Did a scan when I got home and found 2 codes showing ; Random misfire on cyl. 1 & 3 . Easy fix , time for new coil-pacs so might as well do the whole set .

Your V6 doesn't have individual spark plug coil packs - just a single set of ignition coils at the front top of the engine. Glad it "passed". The random misfire codes may not mean much - I'd clear the codes and check them again later.

[zmar4893]

Did you pay to get a complete copy of the TSB or did you just print out the partial you get for free....or am I missing something-is there a place to get them without paying for it? Thanks...kinda new to this stuff

[Vaquaro]

Did you pay to get a complete copy of the TSB or did you just print out the partial you get for free....or am I missing something-is there a place to get them without paying for it? Thanks...kinda new to this stuff

This is the link I used http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/eb...181511_tsb.pdf it was posted here , but I can't remember where .