2005 (2005.5) 2006 VW Jetta TDI buying checklist, FAQ, and VW Jetta TDI forum

back to mk5 Jetta TDI FAQ and "how to" list

Introduction

This articles shows common problems, maintenance checks, base vs. package 1 vs. package 2 trim details, on the (2005.5) late 2005 VW Jetta TDI, 2006 VW Jetta TDI, and 2006.5 special edition and diesel edition Jetta TDI. 

The only 5th generation (mkv/mk5/a5) passenger car TDI sold in North American was the Jetta.  The Touareg was also available as a V10 and V6 TDI but it's a SUV and at $50-70,000+, served a different market than the Jetta.  There were mk5 Golf/Rabbit and Passat diesels in other markets but not in the US or Canada.  Although the early mk5 Jetta TDI was built from 2005 to 2006, they are called the 2005.5 or 2006 because there were also mk4 Jetta sold as 2005 models.  VW also extended the production run for 2006 models until the end of 2006 (they normally start building next year's models the summer before) and changed the trim.  These 2006 models are often called 2006.5 or special edition VW Jetta TDI or diesel edition Jetta TDI.  This is because new emissions standards began Jan 2007.

If you want to buy a 2010-11 Golf TDI, click on this link.  If you're interested in the 2010-11 Audi A3 TDI, click this link.  This guide covers the model year 2005.5-2006 TDI only.  For the 2009 or 2010 VW Jetta TDI sedan, please see 1000q: 2009-2010 TDI sedan buying guide.  For the 2009-2011 TDI wagon, see 1000q: wagon TDI buying guide.  Also see 1000q: 2011 VW Jetta TDI reviews and FAQ for info on the newest mk6 Jetta.

The 2005.5-2006 VW Jetta TDI were the most luxurious Jetta available and use the same body as 2009-2010 Jetta TDI.   You could option them higher than the 2009 2010 Jetta with TDI engine and VW decontented the 2011 VW Jetta TDI even further to bring down the price point.  They weren't 50 state emissions legal when new but you can buy and register them as a used car in any state and Canada.  More features and safety devices increased weight and lowered fuel economy compared to earlier generation cars.  What's a fair price to pay for one?  Check your local classifieds, ebay, and blue book for a fair price ranges.  A fair price depends totally on mileage, condition, maintenance, options, etc.  Although diesel fuel prices are higher than gasoline prices, you will still save money compared to an identical gasser VW, especially when considering resale values.

You may also be shopping for a used Prius because they also get great fuel economy.  However, the driving experience, feel, and size are all very different.  For example, you can't get a manual transmission or DSG gearbox on any hybrid.  If you want a new car there are 2010 Jetta TDI station wagons.  For more on why I prefer TDI over the Prius, see 1000q: general TDI buying guide and checklists.  It's not all about the best fuel economy or lowest cost per mile!  I believe that the Jetta TDI sedan and wagon are an excellent choice for most people due to the combination of safety features, fuel economy, resale value, handling, and cost.  As Autoweek magazine said in a comparison, "For comfort, quiet and highway handling, our drivers found the TDI had significant advantages over every other car in the test. It would have been our choice, in other words, for an easy daytrip on the interstates, regardless of fuel economy. And we topped the hybrids by driving with just a little attention to fuel economy, not making it an obsession."   

Here is a video review of the Prius vs. 2009 Jetta TDI (diesel fuel is now less expensive than gas, the video was made when diesel was more expensive) - it has the newer CBEA/CJAA common rail engine but the chassis is the same.

Why buy a 2005.5 or 2006 VW Jetta TDI instead of a new 2010 TDI?

As shown below, earlier cars had higher options packages than the newer 2010.  Early cars could be fully optioned in the highline trim, later 2009-2010 cars could only be optioned to about the mid level package in the US.  Only Canada had the highline option in 09+ cars.  The new mk6 Jetta is also equipped to the mid level package but since VW wanted to lower the price point, they removed a number of features to get it there.

The 2009-2011 Jetta sedans and sportwagens (called Golf wagon starting in 2010 in Canada) use the same basic body as the 2005 or 2006.  The first reason to get an older car is economics: older or higher mileage cars have already had most of their depreciation and if you refresh the suspension/bring all maintenance up to date, you'll have a car that is almost identical from a brand new TDI except for the engine/driveline.  The 2010 Golf hatchback uses the new mk6 body, see 1000q: 2009 vs. 2010 VW TDI revisions for more details.

Early cars have also proven to be responsive to current power modifications.  A chip can give about 140-170 hp and 230-260 torque!  See 1000q: basic power modifications for more details.  While the newer cars could make more power, they are too new to have any long term tests and also have complex emissions treatment systems.

As mentioned above, leather memory power seats are only available on early cars.  Note - if someone disconnected the battery the power seat memory must be relearned.  See 1000q: mk5 Jetta power seat relearn for details.  Later cars had standard vinyl v-tex leatherette.  If the seat surface is solid it's leather.  All VW leatherette is perforated for breathability.  The advantage of vinyl is lower cost and greater durability.  Leatherette won't dry and crack the same way leather can but in my opinion, it still feels rubbery.  It also has no odor.  Leather has a higher quality feel and leather smell.  Leather "moves" softer and and just feels different.  The disadvantage of leather is that it should be kept out of strong sunlight to prevent drying out and has to be regularly cleaned and conditioned to keep soft.  In any case, unless you're sitting naked on the seats you probably wouldn't notice the difference unless someone told you it was vinyl because leatherette is fairly high quality stuff.  If you want leather, power, or sport seats on your 2009+, any leather seat from another 5th generation Jetta or Golf is swappable and they all have side airbags.  See 1000q: power seat swap for more details.  You may have to change the airbag wire harness and use a VCDS computer tool to change the airbag setting.  Other options are the plaid sport seats from the GLI/GTI or sport seats from the R36 Golf.

One small change early vs. late is the anti-whiplash headrests.  You can adjust the headrest tilt in early Jetta, later Jetta have headrests that are fixed in the tilted forward position.  These aren't full active headrests, VW just fixed their position forward after 2007.  Aside from the quieter engine, VW also changed the plastic wheel well liners to a felt like material which dampen tire noise a lot, added foam blocks around the engine, and a felt cover under the oil pan to dampen noise.

The reason for discontinuing or Not Avail. on TDI trim on the 2009+ models is cost.  The early mk5 Jetta TDI were the most expensive Jetta that VW has made.  The cars were too expensive to build and customers were turned off paying $30,000 for a fully loaded Jetta (even if was equipped like Audi A4 from a few years ago), and as a result, later cars only had some of the options available on early mk5.

You can add xenon HID headlights and foglights to the Jetta TDI.  OEM HID headlights from the GTI/GLI can be purchased for about $900 from sites such as ecstuning, idparts, or tmtuning.   A good aftermarket headlight is the Hella Dynabeam for $1100.  It's not the OEM HIDs but is made by the same manufacturer (Hella) and is high quality.  It also uses a sensor to swivel 15^o into turns.  You can also purchase used OEM HID housings online.  Do not attempt to use the stock non-HID housings with a xenon light kit from ebay.  HID bulbs must be matched to their projector and housing to prevent dangerous glare and blinding oncoming traffic.  See 1000q: HID swap or 1000q: foglight retrofit for details.

2005.5-2006 Jetta TDI option packages and trim level

Because of rolling changes, the options package list below is a guideline only.  Earlier mk4 Jetta trim levels were called GL, GLS, early mk5 Jetta trim levels were called base/package 0, 1, 2, Special Edition, 2009+ TDI only came in "TDI trim" but the regular Jetta trim levels are called S, SE, SEL.  In Canada, they have trendline, comfortline, and highline. 

Package 0 Jetta TDI (base car)

The first year of the new body style (2005.5) included heated seats/side view mirror, auto headlights, auto rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, climatronic (dual zone auto climate control), premium sat radio with 6 cd changer, adjustable footwell lighting, puddle lights on the side view mirror, and homelink.  All early 2005.5 come with highline MFD+ controller (full screen).  MFD+ is shown below.  2006 cars had some of these options phased out or rolled into higher options packages but you might find some of them present on random cars as it was phased out.  The base 2005.5 may have had steel wheels.  All base cars for 2006 had "bioline" alloy wheels.  See 1000q: 16" 5x112 VW wheel gallery for pics of the bioline wheel.  Some 2005.5 Jetta had highline door modules which gave you highline side view mirror function.  The passenger side mirror would move down when you shifted into reverse so that you could more easily see the curb.  Later cars didn't have this.  See 1000q: MFD menu for details.

*Although all 2005.5 had the full screen MFD+, the MFSW (mulfunction steering wheel buttons) was not standard.  If there was no MFSW, the MFD+ was controlled with a stalk on the steering wheel.  You can add a MFSW, see 1000q: MFSW swap for more details.

Package 1 Jetta TDI

Adds sunroof, alloy wheels, heated vinyl leatherette seats (has a perforated surface) and windshield washer nozzles as part of the cold weather package, premium radio.  2006 did not get climatronic.  Almost all 2006 package 1 (non special edition) cars have the half screen MFD (full screen MFD+ was standard on 2005 base cars).

Package 2 VW Jetta TDI

In addition to package 1, adds leather seats and power + memory for the driver seat with lumbar adjustment (no perforated surface as seen below), climatronic (auto dual zone climate control), bluetooth, MFD+ highline display (shows mpg, adjustable cabin functions, etc), and MFSW (multifunction steering wheel).  2005.5 package 2 cars also had power passenger seat w/lumbar adjustment (both sides shown below), a manual rear window mesh sunshade, homelink, and "tamo ash" wood interior trim - these were phased out for 2006 package 2 cars.

Here is the tamo ash wood trim found only on 2005.5 VW Jetta TDI with package 2.  It's found on the doors, center console ashtray area, and "automatic transmission" DSG shifter knob.

Here is the 2005.5 only manual sunshade.  If you wish to retrofit it, the shade's VW part number is #1k5 861 325 (1k5861325).  The left and right hooks are #1k5 861 301 (1k5861301) and #1k5 861 302 (1k5861302).  There's also a "cap" listed but I'm not sure what it's for.  You need a left and right cap: #1k5 861 849 (1k5861849) and #1k5 861 850 (1k5861850).  You must add a color suffix to each of these part numbers when ordering (y20 for grey, 7g8 for beige, or 71n for anthracite (light black) ).  See 1000q: VW part numbering system explained for more instructions on combining part numbers.

2006 Jetta TDI Special Edition / SE / 2006.5 diesel edition Jetta TDI 

The 2006 VW Jetta TDI special edition are sometimes called 2006.5 or diesel editions because they had a "diesel" badge on the front fenders.  Like many auto badges the diesel badge is stuck on with tape so it's possible yours could have fallen off or been removed.  There was an emissions standard change for Jan 2007 so VW had a long production run of the 2006 to make up for the lack of model year 2007 cars.  They had manual vinyl leatherette seats, cold weather package (heated seats, windshield nozzles), 120v outlet, rear trunk lip spoiler, alloy wheels, MFD+ (full screen) instrument display, MFSW (multifunction steering wheel), rubber floor and trunk mats, 6 cd changer without satellite radio, 115V outlet in the back, and the diesel badge on the front fenders.  Some late builds had a tire pressure monitor.

Highline package 3 VW Jetta TDI (Canada only when equipped with TDI engine)

I'm not exactly sure what was included in this because Canadian packages were a little different.  I think it included all options except the optional navigation.  It was like package 2 but it may have included 17" alloy wheels.  Canadian VW are currently called trendline (base), comfortline (midlevel), and highline (loaded).

In the US, package 3 was only available on 2.0T engine Jetta and the packages were a little different from TDI.
Package 1 added climatronic, leather interior, wood trim, power driver's memory seat.  Package 2 added xenon headlights and 17" wheels.  Package 3 car added power front passenger seat, premium sound, rain sensor/auto wipers, homelink, puddle lights under the side mirrors, and a manual sunshade.  Somewhere else it says package 3 substituted sirius sat radio for XM.  In any case, the packages for TDI cars were different.

Biodiesel in the new TDI vs early Jetta TDI

The official limit on biodiesel on a TDI is 5% or B5.  Many people have successfully used biodiesel with no long term effects with the pumpe duse engines.  The 2009 has not been tested with high percentages of biodiesel and the main concern is compatibility with the emissions treatments and engine oil dilution.  The early 05.5-06 TDI do no use any emissions treatments other than a standard diesel catalytic converter and does not use the common rail post combustion injections for emissions and may be a better choice for running biodiesel.  For more basic information about biodiesel and VW, see 1000q: intro to biodiesel.  The 2009 Jetta catches soot and emissions in a filter during normal driving.  The filter normally burns up a little during normal driving but if it's full, the car computer puts the exhaust into "self clean mode" by using a post combustion squirt of fuel to burn up in the filter and clean it out.  If you do only short trips and avoid highway trips which heat up the exhaust, this causes excess cycling into self clean mode and can result in clogging or damage of the filter.  See 1000q: DPF filter FAQ for more info on this system that's only on 2009-2010 Jetta TDI.

DSG transmission is the only "automatic" transmission available.

Some call it tiptronic but all non-manual transmission mk5 Jetta TDI are DSG.  The gasoline Jetta aren't DSG because they aren't TDI.  A DSG is an automatically shifting manual transmission.  Towing is limited to 1000 lbs in the TDI.   The gears inside the transmission look like a manual transmission instead of an automatic transmission's planetary gears and torque converter.  Compared to a manual transmission, everything else being equal, expect slightly lower fuel economy due to greater weight, DSG fluid parasitic losses, and other factors.  Ultimately, the difference in fuel economy will probably only cost about $12/month more for the DSG.  Read details and see pictures of the DSG transmission at 1000 answered questions: DSG FAQ.  The article also includes the most current notes on the DSG recall.

Common issues, problems, and immediate maintenance checks when buying 2005 or 2006 VW Jetta TDI

Please see the VW Jetta TDI forums if you would like to add to this article or ask a question.

The 2005.5-2006 TDI engine uses a timing belt.  The original change interval was 100,000 miles but VW appears to have shortened it to 80,000 miles.  The job should also include replacement of the water pump, timing belt tensioner, and all rollers.  Some VW dealers, especially in states where the TDI was not available due to emissions, may not be knowledgeable with the TDI engine.  Ask around for a TDI expert before going to the dealer.   Dealers not experienced with TDI engines have damaged engines in the past due to lack of experience and bad techs.  Expect to pay about $1,000 at the dealer for this service.  Any engine that uses a timing belt must have the belt changed on a regular basis.  Cars that use chains also must have the chain replaced (at a longer interval than most people own the car) at a greater cost so for cars that are in service for very high miles it's a wash.  Here's how to change it: 1000q: BRM timing belt change - part1

The 2009 and newer Jetta TDI use a 120,000 mile timing belt but it cannot be used on the 2005-2006 because it's totally different.

Any diesel engine having a certain type of mechanical malfunction could cause it to race and self destruct.  Since diesels are throttled by fuel and not air, if they eat their own engine oil, it causes a feedback cycle where the engine races faster and faster.  If the car is in gear it will also accelerate.  Keep the car safe and under control and shut off the ignition as soon as it's safe and practical.  Do not restart the engine if you have a runaway; tow it directly to a mechanic.  Read more about a diesel engine runaway and some causes at 1000q: runaway engine FAQ.

If you are thinking of buying a 2004-2006 TDI, do a camshaft inspection.  Some have had excess lobe wear.  This is not something that most mechanics would cover during an inspection.  Before doing the next timing belt service (2004-2006 cars only), remove the valve cover and inspect the camshaft to determine if it needs replacement.  See 1000q: camshaft inspection for the detailed procedure.

The oil change should be done every 10,000 miles when using diesel rated synthetic engine oil for pumpe duse engines.  Most suggest 5w-40 because the slightly thicker oil may protect the camshaft better.  Since some cars are still under warranty or extended warranty, you must use "pumpe duse" engine oil that must meet VW oil standards: 505.01, 506.01, or 507.00 to keep your TDI engine warranty intact.  Keep all receipts.  Because this is an engine oil specific to newer VW diesels, the easiest place to buy it is from an online supplier or the dealer.  While other engine oils will work, not using pumpe duse approved oil may give the dealer grounds to not honor warranty claims on the engine.  See 1000q: pumpe duse engine oil for more details and 1000q: engine oil change for the procedure.

Change the fuel filter before every 20,000 miles.  Due to running changes during production, there were 3 fuel filters used and 1 of them is not compatible with the other two.  When ordering a fuel filter, always include your VIN number.  Try to open the fuel filter housing and look before ordering because this is the only 100% way to confirm what filter you need.  There may have been some left over parts during the changeovers.  See 1000q: A5 fuel filter change for pictures and details.

VW switched to ceramic glow plugs starting in 2004 and issued a recall of them in 2009.  However, they didn't do sufficient testing on the new ECU programming which can result in significant cold start problems if the car is started in near freezing or below temperatures.  See 1000q: glow plug recall related cold start problem FAQ for more details and solutions.

There was an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) recall.  It may have been done by the dealer.  Have them check your VIN number to verify, this can also be done at the VW website.

The tandem pump can leak diesel fuel.  The pump is at the driver's end of camshaft and pumps vacuum and fuel.  The lift pump (in tank electric fuel pump) can also fail.  No fuel = engine stops.

The bolts on the valve cover can become loose, resulting in an oil leak on the back of the engine.  Use a T30 torx to snug them up to about 7 ft-lb.  The door skin bolts can also become loose.

Some early cars used the sachs clutch.  Many are defective and can result in early wear.  See this .PDF TSB (manual transmission only) for details.  Some dual mass flywheels, both manual and DSG transmission, (see 1000q: clutch FAQ for more details) failed or decided to liberate themselves from the engine with spectacular results.  A slipping belt/soft grinding noise, chattering clutch engagement, or rattling at idle could be from a failing DMF.   Excessive chatter or hard starting up a hill could also be from a bad flywheel or clutch.

If you have a DSG transmission (auto), the transmission fluid and filter must be changed every 40,000 miles.  See the below transmission section for more details.  The DSG DMF can also fail.  If you have a manual transmission, change the gear oil every 60-100,000 miles.  See 1000q: manual transmission gear oil for more details.

The parking brakes (they are also the rear brakes) are often misadjusted.  Securely raise the rear of the car, chock the front wheels, make sure the car is safe and secure, and spin the rear wheels by hand with the parking brake off.  You may feel light touching/scraping but the wheel should spin freely.  Always use the parking brake when parking since this sets the rear caliper ratcheting self adjusters.  Remove the center console to adjust if the parking brake is too tight.

The driver's side door wiring harness breaks due to use.  Peel back the rubber boot to inspect for cracks in the insulation.  See 1000q: door wiring harness inspection and repair for more details.

VW quirks, non priority maintenance, and other misc. things to know about your late 2005 (2005.5) 2006 Jetta TDI

Because of the newer technology on the mk5 cars, there are many car settings that must be set up during new delivery.  CAN BUS technology cars (mk5 VW) come from the factory in sleep mode to prevent battery drain.  Sometimes these setting are never configured (dealer error) or reset later.  Some examples are the power seat and the power windows/sunroof remote functions.  The window pinch protection can even be turned off.  These options can be adjusted with a VCDS diagnostic tool (used to be called vag-com) or the dealer can do it.

An example of this is the power seat controller to activate the power seat memory.  It has to learn the boundaries of the seat travel.  See 1000q: memory seat relearn for the detailed procedure.

Some cars had fold flat passenger seats.  It's handy for loading long items or using as a table.  It's folded using the lever shown right.  If your car doesn't have the lever it doesn't have this feature.

The DRL light on the instrument cluster is always on is because the DRL are on.  If a light bulb burns out, it will display a message in the MFD.

ESP stability/yaw and traction control were standard on North American cars.  The disable button next to the front ashtray.  Traction control brakes a slipping wheel during low speeds only to help you get traction (like trying to move from a stop on ice).  Stability and yaw control uses a steering wheel sensor and yaw sensor to cycle all 4 brakes to help straighten the car if you lose control (like sliding sideways at higher speeds).  Because stability control works by reducing power and braking, once you exceed the tire limits no stability control can defy physics because a tire has a traction limit.  An example of exceeding traction limits is driving on solid ice with summer tires (they get hard and lose traction as it gets cold).

If you turn the key on, sit for a few seconds, and then turn it off, you may hear a high pitched whining sound from the engine.  This is the electric EGR valve motor running and turning the valve.  You may also hear a trickling fluid sound for about 1/2 second.  This is the electric fuel pump in the fuel tank pressurizing the lines and pushing and air bubble out.

VW put soundproofing foam at the top of the fenders which rubbed and often resulted in rust on mk4 cars.  it's possible this could become a problem on mk5 cars.  See 1000q: fender rust solution for the proactive repair.

The sunvisors slide out as an extra adjustment.  The armrest tilts up and/or slides out as well.  This is visible in the picture above with the fold flat seat.

The rear folding seats have a little red indicator tag that is visible when the seats are not "clicked" into the upright normal position.  When the seats are secure, the red part of the tag isn't visible.  If the seats aren't put upright correctly, it could be dangerous for child seats or the rear passengers, or it could let items in the trunk enter the cabin.

When it's colder than 48^oF, wait 1 second after turning the key to "on" before turning the key to "start" and starting the engine.  This lets the glow plugs turn on and warm up.  The "wait to start" glow plug indicator light normally goes out in less than 1 second and could be on as long as 4-5 seconds when it's below freezing.  The chime if the temperature drops below 39^oF is to let you know the road could be icy.  For more information on the multifunction display options, see 1000q: MFD menu FAQ.

The Jetta does not use any hydraulic power steering fluid.  The steering rack uses an electric motor for power assist.  The amount of steering assist can be adjusted with a VCDS cable, see 1000q: electric steering adjustment for details.  Electric steering saves energy by only using steering assist when you need it instead of a traditional hydraulic steering pump running all the time and constantly using energy.

The engine coolant is "lifetime" G12.  Do not mix it with green Prestone or other non compatible coolants.  It's a sealed system so if the coolant level is low, figure out where the leak is.

In addition to holding the key in the unlock/lock position to open/close the windows, you can also use the remote if you enable the comfort windows.  See 1000q: remote window trick for details.  Below is a demo.

The key uses an anti-theft device called an immobilizer.  If you want new keys you can only have them programmed at the dealer, the few rare independent locksmiths who have the equipment, or with a few aftermarket solutions.  See 1000q: immobilizer FAQ for more details and 1000q: a5 VW Jetta key replacement FAQ.

Regardless of what the owners manual says, the 12V power outlet can work all the time, sometimes only when key is on, sometimes only when engine is running, and sometimes doesn't work at all.  This varies by car and in some cases, has been traced to a blown cigarette lighter fuse.

It's normal for the speedometer to read slightly higher than actual speed but some were ridiculously fast.  German cars tend to have fast speedometers to account for car variations and so that they don't read lower than actual speed.  The odometer reading should be correct and is a separate display from the speedometer.  To correct a fast speedometer, see 1000q: speedometer adjustment.

It's normal for the windshield wipers to move a little when you start or shut off the car.  This avoids the wipers getting bent in one position which lengthens their life.  To change the wipers, use the wiper stalk after shutting the car off to move them to the service position.

You can't use truck stop high flow fueling nozzles on the mk5 cars.  The high flow truck fueling nozzles are larger and flow faster for filling a semi's larger fuel tank.  Because the nozzle won't fit in the TDI fuel tank opening, some fuel can splash out.  Use the smaller diameter passenger car diesel fuel nozzles.  Shown below is your fuel filler neck with the smaller hole.  Don't forcefully jam the filler neck all the way in because sometimes it gets stuck.  Just rest it in there.

If you have the MFD2 navigation system, the GPS map runs off the DVD in the "cd slot".  See 1000q: MFD2 FAQ for more details.  Unless you have the CD changer in the armrest (should be there on all TDI), you cannot use the GPS navigation and CD player at the same time.  Because you already have the GPS antenna the newer RNS 510 GPS system is plug-play.  While the older system works, the newer system is touchscreen, has SD card mp3 support, and uses an internal hard drive for the GPS map.  See 1000q: RNS 510 GPS installation for more details.

You can slightly raise mileage and lower rpm when in 5th gear (manual 5 speed transmission only) by swapping the old 5th gear for a taller gearset, see 1000q: 5th gear swap for more details.  This cannot be done on the 6 speed manual transmissions found on the 2009, only the 2005.5-2006.  To calculate the change in RPM, speed, and gearing, see 1000q: wheel/tire/gearing calculator.

All TDI use front mount intercoolers and all cars had fuel coolers.  Earlier TDI had fuel coolers on only automatic transmission cars.

There is an electric heating strip in the air vent system to help warm up the cabin on cold winter mornings.  It draws up to 1000 watts (look in the fuse box under the hood) and is called the "auxiliary air heater", controlled by module j604 and climate control.  It won't blow hot air but lukewarm air is better than nothing and is enough to prevent your frozen breath from ice-fogging the windshield on super cold mornings.  This is found only on TDI, not on gassers.

The air conditioned glove box works but don't expect chilled champagne.  It's just a tube from the air duct and not a true refrigeration unit.  The on/off knob is inside the glovebox.  There's also a shelf for the owner's manual that isn't easily visible unless you really look in there.  Some cars may have an Aux in jack in the glove box.

When you disconnect the battery some settings may be reset.  Once clue is that the yellow steering wheel symbol showing steering sensor problems and ESP stability control malfunction lights are on.  To reset window pinch protection and reset steering and ESP, see 1000q: reset pinch protection and steering sensors.

The electric power steering can be adjusted to give more or less assist and give you lighter or heavier steering.  See 1000q: steering assist for more details.

The car will relock itself after 30 seconds if you don't open the door.  This is to resolve an accidental press of the unlock button on the key fob.  If the door handle switch inside the door lock module breaks, the car won't know the door was opened.

There's a plastic dust cover on the ignition key slot.  It's a rare problem, but if turning the wheel to unlock the steering wheel won't let you insert the key, try tilting the key towards the front of the car or use a pick to move the cover to insert the key.  Never use oil in an ignition cylinder, only use a graphite lubricant.

You may also want to tint the windows.  Auto glass blocks UV light but even clear or light tint will block a lot more UV light.  Tinting the side windows helps prevent aging of the interior, aging of your skin, adds privacy, and in the event of the window shattering, controls glass particles by holding them to the stick-on film.  Tint darkness can come in clear or barely noticeable all the way to dark "limo" tints, check your local laws for any restrictions.  Also use only simple soap and water on window tint, never use ammonia based cleaner on the interior of the window where stick-on tint film is applied.   The satellite radio and GPS (if equipped) antenna is in the sharkfin antenna on the roof and the diversity radio antenna is in the rear window.  Metallic tint will cause loss of almost all AM radio reception but some "hybrid" metal tints won't interfere with FM very much.  Ceramic has excellent heat rejection with no signal interference.

There are a few reports of paint flaking off the front plastic bumper unrelated to road or parking damage on early A5 TDIs.  This is a defect and should be corrected by the dealer.  Since the last TDIs were made in 2007 (sold as 2006), they should have fixed this issue by now.

The AC compressors on these cars have a noticeable problem rate.  There is no AC clutch - the compressor is always turning.  The system is pressurized through a regulator valve inside the compressor.

Transmission issues and clutch problems on 2005 2006 VW Jetta TDI

- A5 body Jetta tend to be the most reliable yet but the 2005.5-2006 models had some issues with the transmissions and flywheel.  A 5 speed manual was standard, 6 speed DSG was optional.  Early manual transmission cars that had the Sachs clutch were covered by this .pdf for clutch replacement. 

Although the DSG transmission (introduced with the 2004 New Beetle TDI) has it's drawbacks, it's still a good automatic compared to previous ones.  However, if you want better mileage and reliability, nothing beats a regular manual transmission.

To change the manual transmission gear oil, see 1000q: transmission gear oil change.  There's a strange design problem where the fill hole is too low.

Please read 1000q: DSG FAQ for maintenance, quirks, and other common issues with the DSG transmission.

Since the DSG transmission is engaged during engine start, always put your foot on the brake and use the parking brake when starting the engine.  If temperatures are very low, the car might creep forward a little bit.  Before putting the car in park, always apply the parking brake before putting the shifter in park.

The DSG transmission needs to have consistent maintenance.  Every 40,000 miles the DSG fluid and filter should be changed, price is about $400-900 at the dealer, under $150 if you do it yourself.  

All transmissions use a dual mass flywheel (DMF), and there are a few cases where the DMF scatters and damages the transmission or engine. If you live at high altitude and cold temperatures, you may encounter a no-start/hard start engine under extreme conditions with some cars.  If there are high pressure altitude atmospheric conditions when you are trying to do a cold start in a cold day (for example, 15^oF), the engine may not start or have a hard start.  This is not related to cold temperatures only.  When cold temperatures are combined with high pressure altitude, the air is too thin and compression is too low to overcome the resistance of the transmission.  A DSG is always engaged and this set of unusual conditions can prevent a high compression diesel engine from starting.  For example, on a very cold day in high altitude Colorado, one TDI owner had this issue and said he got a settlement out of VW because of this known design flaw.  If you live at a lower altitude or warmer conditions, you should never see this problem.  If you live at high altitude or cold temperatures, a garage or an engine heater should prevent this.  Canadian VW TDI come with heaters but US dealers will not do this.

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