Passat B6 3.2 4 motion Electrical issues

[Geoff_Carroll]

Hi all,

Passat has about 165000K's alsways been serviced. A few month ago the the engine light started coming on followed by the EPC then traction control woul kick in and the car goes into a "limp" type of mode.

I took it in for its 160000 km service to the local VW dealer where they scanned for errors and was advised that the PVCS(??) hose had a leak and both it and the rocker cover needed to be replaced as the hose wasn't available seperatley. the crack or suction is responsible for giving the codes. Quoted $1400 for the replacement.I haven't had i done as yet.

I continue to get the engine light and constantly the EPC and traction control light on sending the car into limp mode under anything but the slightest of acceleration. I was advised by another mechanic that it could be a battery issue as well as the car seamed to have a slow turn over when starting. I swaped batteries with my wifes toyota and it made a bit of difference for a few days with the EPC and traction control however it started happening again then last nigh the car wouldnt start and needed a jump start.

I've tested the voltages from the alternator and getting about 13.4 VDC at the battery at idle and 2000RPM. switching the lights and AC on saw this drop to about 13.2V.

My understanding is that the alternator should be running at around 13.8-14.2VDC. I've swapped back over to my old battery which has been charged by my wifes car and still get the engine, EPC and traction CTRL light on under hard acceleration.

Any suggestions? Should i get the hose and rocker covers replaced and do you think this will sort the other issues?

Thanks

Geoff

[Umai Naa!!]

Sounds like the alternator could use some attention. Possibly has a worn one-way clutch in the pulley. Definitely get the PCV sorted out, otherwise the light will never go away.

Disconnecting the battery will also introduce fault lights, as just about everything will log a low voltage code.

[3C4M Guy]

I've had various engine issues over the last year or two that have caused the EPC and check engine lights to come on as well as limp home/emergency running mode. I'm very glad that I invested is a scan tool. When the warning lights come on, I scan to get the specific fault codes and descriptions. That way, I can do some google research on what the fault is and how to fix it before I talk to the dealer.

[Geoff_Carroll]

Thanks for the responses. Is it best to stick with the dealer or could i get it done cheaper at another specialised mechanic?

[3C4M Guy]

In my opinion, there's 3 things to consider when choosing between a dealer and a specialist - cost, quality of workmanship and warranty. These days dealers can charge around $150 per hour + GST. Independents can be in a range of $100-140 + GST. If a good specialist is at the top end of that range, then the cost will be similar.

Many feel the quality of workmanship is better at a specialist if you know a good one (assuming both work equally as fast). Warranty is more complicated. If a repair fails due to a faulty new part, then a specialist can get a replacement part from VW under warranty, but will probably have to charge you the labour to do the job a 2nd time. A dealer offers two years parts & labour warranty. I had an expensive engine repair fail after 3 months due to a faulty part - a camshaft adjuster. Fortunately I'd gone to a dealer on that occasion, so the dealer did the whole job again at no cost.

[Geoff_Carroll]

Thanks again for the advice. Much appreciated