FWD Passat R36

[Radius]

Hi guys,

Having some trouble with my R36. Recently completely lost AWD function. Car has just been repaired by dealer, with replacement of an apparently faulty Haldex pump. However, I am still getting intermittent failure of the AWD system, confirmed by the dealer when I took it back the following day and a scan revealed a logged intermittent failure of the 1-day-old new pump (apparently the initial scan prior to the repair showed the old pump to be in full-time failure). They're not sure what's going on and I'm taking the car back to them for a more detailed assessment shortly.

Was wondering if anyone might have some ideas what would be the most likely cause of these issues? Most useful info I've gathered from here and other googling usually suggest that replacement of the Haldex pump is a definitive fix. I'm hoping it's not the Haldex clutch pack / rear diff itself. The car is a MY10.

If anyone's wondering.... it's very obvious when you no longer have AWD in an R36, even at normal driving pace in the dry with decent tyres.
Thanks everyone!

[Radius]

Ok so the print out from the dealer scan cam back with a 02248 error code, valve for controlling clutch operating angle error, intermittent mechanical failure. I’m guessing this valve is separate from the Haldex pump that was replaced?
Looks like I might be up for a new valve or maybe the Haldex ECU? Anyone have experience with this error state? Just like to be informed and prepared before going back to the dealer and really appreciate the collective knowledge here. Long time reader of this forum since 2009 after learning how to stalk my car across the ocean.

Thanks again.

[MIG]

The valve is part of the controller, you can see pictures of it here HPA Motorsports - Haldex.G40BRComp - Haldex Controller - Gen 4 Competition

Check ebay or the WTB section of this forum, as people replace these controllers with aftermarket ones.

[Radius]

Cheers thanks for that! Looks like a worthwhile upgrade if the original controller does indeed need replacing. I have always wondered whether there would be any accelerated wear on the Haldex clutch pack, rear diff & other rear driveline components given that the race controller will have them engaged more often. I have this notion in my head that the rear driveline would have been sized up by VW as a part time only, “light duty” component set. Happy to be corrected!

[Radius]

Will be a couple of weeks before I have a gap to get the car look at. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

[Radius]

Hi team,

Just an update. So as expected, the Haldex ECU needed replacing in addition to the Haldex pump that went in a week or so ago. I opted to let the dealer sort it out so a new OEM Haldex ECU has gone back in. It's great to have an AWD R36 again for sure.

As an aside, I had a quick chat to a new sales rep at the dealer. He says that both Passat 206tsi sedans and wagons are now discontinued, to allow the Arteon to stand on its own. You'll still be able to get a Passat 206tsi for the time being until the current build cycle is complete. No new builds beyond what's already in production though. So, another rapid wagon is about to bite the dust it seems .
He also said that the Arteon "V6" is "definitely coming". Treat this with the usual dose of scepticism, but an Arteon Shooting Brake VR6 +/-turbo (rumours are out there that there's a factory 3.0 VR6 turbo Arteon prototype already running) would be a consideration for a worthy R36 replacement down the track! It'd want to be priced well below an S4 though.
If it adds any legitimacy, the sales rep did try to talk me out of getting the Golf R wagon (never had this happen before) and recommended I wait for the Arteon V6. Anyway, I'll believe it when there's a demo Arteon VR6 parked at the dealer.

[kleung]

As an aside, I had a quick chat to a new sales rep at the dealer. He says that both Passat 206tsi sedans and wagons are now discontinued, to allow the Arteon to stand on its own.

The VWAu website only shows two sedan models - the 132TSI and the Comfortline, both equipped with the same 132kw 1.8l turbo 4 cylinder, but the 206TSI wagon is still listed. Unless VW are planning to introduce a wagon variant of the Arteon I can't see how a go-fast Passat wagon would have any significant impact on Arteon sales.

[Radius]

Yes you’re absolutely right. Latest official media just yesterday confirms 206tsi wagon to continue but the 206tsi sedan has been dropped globally. I’d guess the Arteon would then likely be up for a price adjustment. Maybe the current promotional price will become rrp?

I’m interested to see what the facelift later this year will do for the B8 Passat. It’s expected to get some grafted-on Arteon design influences. Would be nice if it got some mechanical upgrades as well. As it stands, I do respect the 206tsi as a fantastic bang-for-buck package, but just not convinced that I’d be satisfied replacing the R36 with one. Any R36 owners gone down this path and how’d you guys find it as an upgrade? How about going from R36 to current Golf R wagon? Do you guys reckon it’s worth it?

[kleung]

Would be nice if it got some mechanical upgrades as well. As it stands, I do respect the 206tsi as a fantastic bang-for-buck package, but just not convinced that I’d be satisfied replacing the R36 with one.

Agreed.

I drove a friend's BMW 430i a little while ago, and while it was nice and all, the engine note just sounds wrong when you're driving an $80k car. Performance wise, there's nothing wrong with the 206TSI - it's actually slightly quicker to do the ton than the R36, and with less weight over the front wheels it should handle better too. All while using less fuel, too, but it's just not the same without a 6 cylinder engine under the bonnet.

Pretty please VW, can we have the 300kw twin turbo 3.0L V6 in the Passat wagon? Or failing that, give us the Arteon R Shooting Brake with the TTV6?

[dinot81]

Agreed.

I drove a friend's BMW 430i a little while ago, and while it was nice and all, the engine note just sounds wrong when you're driving an $80k car. Performance wise, there's nothing wrong with the 206TSI - it's actually slightly quicker to do the ton than the R36, and with less weight over the front wheels it should handle better too. All while using less fuel, too, but it's just not the same without a 6 cylinder engine under the bonnet.

Pretty please VW, can we have the 300kw twin turbo 3.0L V6 in the Passat wagon? Or failing that, give us the Arteon R Shooting Brake with the TTV6?

According to German car magazine AutoBild, Arteon R with Turbo 3.0 VR6 (can't remember if twin turbo was mentioned) is expected to go on sale in December this year in Europe. Also planned is Passat R with same engine.

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