Engine Failure: Causes and Solutions

Good morning, everyone!

Patient:
Passat Variant B5GP ("3BG") 1.9 TDI (74 kW), 5-speed manual transmission, first registration 10/2005, VIN: WVWZZZ3BZ5E07xxxx.

Regarding the patient's medical history:

A) Symptoms:

1) Intermittent warm and cold start problems when the Climatronic is set to "Auto": The starter motor cranks, but the engine starts after a prolonged cranking period. No unusual smoke is observed during starting.

2) Intermittent engine stalling when releasing the clutch during upshifts and downshifts, once even while exiting the highway (not a good feeling), regardless of outside temperature, engine temperature, and climate control settings. The engine starts again while the car is rolling, and when the clutch is engaged, there is no smoke observed, and the engine runs normally afterward. However, if the car is stationary and the starter is used, it exhibits the same symptoms as described in point 1.

B) Findings:
Used the search function on this site. Possible causes of the defect have been identified: DWA/WFS, ignition switch, R109 (probably not applicable to PD models), MSG.

I went to the VW dealership that I trusted the least, armed with that very list.

Error reading: naturally, no findings.

During the measurement test with the attached towing device, the patient behaved perfectly normally and showed no abnormalities.

C) Curation:

The workshop now wants to replace potential faulty components "one by one" until the car is working properly again. This is time-consuming and expensive, and in my opinion, unprofessional.

Can you help me? Thank you in advance!

Henrik, who (usually) drives a fancy car.

What does the NW's position sensor say?

Has any work been done on the ZR recently?

Hello, Matthias,

NW sensor? No idea, as the error memory is empty and the test drive showed no issues. I don't have a log.

Translation:

Mileage: 32,000 km. The timing belt is new and hasn't been replaced yet, except for the initial inspection. No other repairs have been necessary so far.

Regards,
Henrik.

The camshaft sensor helps the engine control unit (ECU) identify the next cylinder to fire. If this sensor is defective, the engine will usually take longer to start. However, since your symptoms don't perfectly match that, it sounds more like a loose connection, rodent damage, or water ingress. Check all the connections; the sensor should be located on the front of the engine, roughly between the valve cover and the timing chain cover.

He doesn't necessarily have to be the one, but maybe it would help to check all the contacts. Do you have VAGCOM?

Hi,

I personally conducted a visual inspection regarding members of the Mustelidae family passing through, and found nothing unusual. However, I will check (or have checked) all cable connections for any loose connections.

No, I don't have a VAG-COM.

Henrik.

Quote:

EZ 10/2005

Shouldn't the vehicle still be within the warranty or guarantee period?! So, the dealer should take care of it - at their own expense or the manufacturer's expense .

Bye.
peace

Ah, sorry, I forgot: It's an EZ 10/05 with 36,000 km, but it's an EU vehicle from the Netherlands. There's a delivery stamp in the Dutch service booklet: 1/2005. Therefore, it's out of warranty/guarantee. Depending on the actual findings, I would have to consider a goodwill solution!

Regards,
Henrik.

Okay, please install a transparent hose in the return line and check if there are any air bubbles present. If there are, the O-rings at the end of the pressure equalization device (PDE) are likely the problem.
Please have the tandem pump pressure checked. Your dealer has instructions and technical information available for this check.
If your dealer is interested in retaining a customer.
How many miles/kilometers has the car been driven?
And please provide the complete engine number, including the letter code and serial number.

Hello, Lars,

The car now has a little over 32,000 km (see above), and it has just added another 300 km, all without any issues.

MKB: AVB
Engine number: 379676 (read from the upper engine cover, correct?)

Best regards and have a nice weekend.

Henrik.

Hello.

I'm not sure if the Passat has a lift pump in the tank. I had the same problem with my G4 ARL, but at around 180,000 km.
Ultimately, it was relay 167 that was responsible for powering the pre-feed pump. The contacts were burned out. I suspect the pump was intermittently stopping. I replaced the relay, and it's been running fine ever since.

Best regards, Charly.