[RabbitsKin]

Hey guys, I'm new here. Been on the Vortex for years, so I may know some of you.

We recently upgraded to a 38K mile '05 Passat GLX 4motion. It is one sweet ride, let me tell ya! So I've been reading up a little on the forums here to learn what I can.

The car's maintenance history was clean, one repair under warranty and no accidents. We really could not be happier with the car....EXCEPT....

Within two weeks the CEL was on. Haven't got the codes scanned yet, but I think the problem is the coolant temp sensor. First clue was difficulty restarting the car after stopping it to get gas. It does this almost every time now.

Second problem though, is intermittently the headlights won't turn on. Turn the switch off, on, off, on, nothing. Then try it a few minutes later and presto, lights are working. I didn't turn up anything similar while searching, so I'm curious if this has happened to anyone else on the forum.

 

[zak99B5]

You're the dude who wrote up the A4 rear axle bushing DIY on vortex.

Good work.

Edit: I got nothing for your problems with the Passat. Sorry.

 

[Nesho]

There was a recal for coolant temp sensor. Maybe you can have dealer replace it for free?

 

[VAGguy]

Well, perfect excuse to get a euroswitch....Check the relays and power output of the switch in the meantime.

Do you have Vagcom? You said you've been on whoretex for years, you should have one. At least shareware. Does sound like a CTS though.

 

[Steve in Chicago]

Classic symptoms of a bad CTS. Super common problem. The CTS isn't too expensive.

Do you have (or know someone who has) another VW with the same style headlight switch? If so, swap switches to see if the problem stays with the car or moves with the switch. The thing about intermittent faults is they are so hard to track down. You could test a bad part and get a good reading simply because the part decided to behave for that moment. If you swap switches and your headlights work flawlessly, and the other car exhibits the intermittent problem, you've double confirmed the diagnosis.

Headlight switch removal is a 15 second procedure. Grab the center handle of the switch, push it in then turn it (I forget which direction), then pull and the entire switch pulls out of the dash.

 

[polishpassat]

I have the same issues restarting the car after filling up, when i scanned it it said i had a gross evap leak, gross indeed, let me know if you solve the problem, been kinda busy with school so havent looked into it plenty. Good luck!

 

[RabbitsKin]

Thanks for the responses guys. I've been using a buddy's VAG com all this time, but I don't think it has the CAN bus. Time to get my own I'm trying hard not to see the bad side of this....I've always been good to my dubs and they've always been good to me....but is this the kind of normal thing to expect with a B5.5?

1) So my plan on the headlights is to get a spare switch and see if that cures it.

2) If the CTS doesn't solve the restart issue, I guess I'll delve deeper and make a new post about it.

3) Maybe the CTS will even help my terrible gas mileage? I can dream.

 

[RabbitsKin]

You're the dude who wrote up the A4 rear axle bushing DIY on vortex.

Good work.

Edit: I got nothing for your problems with the Passat. Sorry.

Aren't you the guy that had the long involved bushing upgrade, who wrote in that post? Glad you got it solved. :thumbup:

 

[VAGguy]

Thanks for the responses guys. I've been using a buddy's VAG com all this time, but I don't think it has the CAN bus. Time to get my own I'm trying hard not to see the bad side of this....I've always been good to my dubs and they've always been good to me....but is this the kind of normal thing to expect with a B5.5?

1) So my plan on the headlights is to get a spare switch and see if that cures it.

2) If the CTS doesn't solve the restart issue, I guess I'll delve deeper and make a new post about it.

3) Maybe the CTS will even help my terrible gas mileage? I can dream.

CTS can give you bad mileage too from giving the ECU the wrong readings, then in turn richening the A/F mixture. Then you need to get rid of the V6 too $7 from autozone, whatchya got to lose?

 

[ScottPassat2.8]

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302847

 

[RabbitsKin]

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302847

Yeah I'm a 1.8t guy at heart, but the V6 makes such wonderful sounds! :lol:

 

[02GLXWag6stk]

Mine is an '02 with 102K and haven't had those issues but:

Highly likely it's the CTS: make sure when you replace to tie a rope to the circlip (buy TWO to be safe) otherwise you'll lose it. And make sure the gasket sits FLAT. Haven't found yet a need to do the CTS!

Poor Mileage usually it's the N80 purge valve which like VAGGuy states could be cleaned out with carb cleaner or get a new one at getcoolparts.com for $46! With my mileage despite no CELS and running optimally (24mpg:mostly freeway) and for peace of mind seeing that it's now in six figure territory replaced ignition wire set and the N80 and thinking of doing same with coil pack.

Be on the lookout to do your rear pads AND inspect and be on top of the critical PCV system!

Needed mention:
Sudden failure items:
1.Fuel pump (I carry a spare 1/2 hr replace vs downtime collateral issues) as well as a new fuel pump relay!
2. Alternators:minefield to sort.

 

[Steve in Chicago]

Also... a bad CTS can provide wrong, but still plausible data to the ECM. This can give you starting issues and decreased mileage WITHOUT throwing a code.

 

[RabbitsKin]

Mine is an '02 with 102K and haven't had those issues but:

Highly likely it's the CTS: make sure when you replace to tie a rope to the circlip (buy TWO to be safe) otherwise you'll lose it. And make sure the gasket sits FLAT. Haven't found yet a need to do the CTS!

Poor Mileage usually it's the N80 purge valve which like VAGGuy states could be cleaned out with carb cleaner or get a new one at getcoolparts.com for $46! With my mileage despite no CELS and running optimally (24mpg:mostly freeway) and for peace of mind seeing that it's now in six figure territory replaced ignition wire set and the N80 and thinking of doing same with coil pack.

Be on the lookout to do your rear pads AND inspect and be on top of the critical PCV system!

Needed mention:
Sudden failure items:
1.Fuel pump (I carry a spare 1/2 hr replace vs downtime collateral issues) as well as a new fuel pump relay!
2. Alternators:minefield to sort.

Aha! The purge valve would also explain the restart after fueling. So I just went outside and found the purge valve. Some monkey already replaced it, judging by the worm clamps; but by the way the harness is stretched waaay to one side, it looks like they may have installed it backwards. Could have been a 'fix' the dealership made during their prep.

Anyway, can anyone point me to a picture of the purge valve as it is installed on a V6? The other link was for a 1.8t, couldn't really tell much from the pic. I just need to know which way the valve 'points'. On mine, it was oriented so the harness plug was at the rear. Gonna clean it while I have it out.

 

[ScottPassat2.8]

bottom of page, change to PW type purge valve, good luck. there are some on here

 

[RabbitsKin]

bottom of page, change to PW type purge valve, good luck. there are some on here

Search on PW doesn't seem the greatest, maybe I haven't figured it out right.

Found this pic on Google Images, this is the same as how my purge valve was installed. Can't believe VW would stretch the wire harness like that. Anyway, it seemed pretty clean but I cleaned it again.

 

[02GLXWag6stk]

So...... are you set in terms of how yours look vs what it should be like? otherwise I'll go into the garage and snap a pic.

Hard to believe someone would botch a really simple install like the N80 Purge Valve. The original VW clamps aren't easy to get off tho (one needs a sharp long pic!).

Make sure you dump a can of concentrated Techron in it to clean out your fuel system and injectors!

 

[RabbitsKin]

So...... are you set in terms of how yours look vs what it should be like? otherwise I'll go into the garage and snap a pic.

Hard to believe someone would botch a really simple install like the N80 Purge Valve. The original VW clamps aren't easy to get off tho (one needs a sharp long pic!).

Make sure you dump a can of concentrated Techron in it to clean out your fuel system and injectors!

Think I'm set. Cleaned, reinstalled, I'll give her a couple days and see if the CEL clears. Should have my new CTS by then.

 

[ScottPassat2.8]

I doubt you need a CTS, you car would not start when it is either hot or cold.
If it is just after getting gas...purge valve.

 

[02GLXWag6stk]

Do yourself and the community a favor and fill out your profile sheet so we know your location.