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Volkswagen MK4 turbodiesel "how to" index
For 1999-2003 jettas and 1998-2003 new beetles and golfs

Do you have a pumpe duse?  North American TDI 1998-2003 4th generation (mk4) and earlier are not pumpe duse.  North American VW TDI model year 2004-2006 are pumpe duse and use the BEW engine (except the passat and touareg).  Here are some more checks you can do to see if you have a pumpe duse or not 1000q: cosmetic differences jetta  and 1000q: injection pump vs PD vs common rail

Also see 1000q: new car checklist to see a list of immediate service areas, common problems and VW quirks.

Engine

Timing belt part 1: removal and ancillaries (non pumpe duse MY1999-2003)
Timing belt part 2: installation and final quality control
  (non pumpe duse MY1999-2003)

Intake manifold and EGR cooler removal and cleaning of carbon buildup (non pumpe duse MY1999-2003)

TDI EGR valve FAQ (exhaust gas recirculation valve)

Cylinder head removal (non pumpe duse MY1999-2003)

Water pump replacement (recommended with every timing belt change)

Engine oil change (10,000 miles or as needed)

Engine coolant/antifreeze flush (100,000+ miles or as needed)

Change air filter/cabin air filter

Fuel filter change (drain every 10,000 miles, replace at 20,000)

More about pumpe duse vs common rail vs direct injection

boost or vacuum leak check (can cause a hissing noise or more than normal black exhaust)

Fuel temp sensor and Injection Pump top cover seal replacement

Starter troubleshooting and replacement

Immobilizer general information ,troubleshooting, procedures
Keyless entry FAQ and programming new remotes

MAF FAQ - technical info (mass air flow sensor FAQ and part numbers)
MAF (mass air flow sensor) troubleshooting and replacement procedures

Diagnosing and fixing limp mode (sudden loss of power)

VNT removal or adjustment (not regular maintenance or tuning item)

Fuel injector nozzle selection and info FAQ
Fuel injector and nozzle removal and upgrade procedure

Tightening the AC compressor nut (this nut often comes loose and causes damage)

Fuel tank venting FAQ and vent removal procedure (lets you add a few more gallons of fuel)

TDI performance turbo upgrade chart

 

Drivetrain

ATF (automatic transmission fluid) fluid change

Clutch/brake fluid change

Manual transmission gear oil change

TDI clutch and flywheel FAQ

Manual transmission removal (external link)

 

Brakes/Suspension

Front and rear brake pad and rotor job

Brake fluid and clutch fluid service

Parking brake cable service and adjustment

Strut, spring, and mount replacement

Brake tips and busting big brake myths

TDI specific big brake upgrade FAQ and spec table/links

    Installing larger brake carriers (must have 1.8T/VR6 or other spindle to use)

    Audi TT/VW golf R32 spindle and /or lower control arm conversion (also lets you use larger brakes)

DIY pressure brake/clutch bleeder

 

Car Detailing

Car detailing index: wash and wax the proper way, polishing paint, using rubbing compound, clay bar treatment

Headlight polishing

 

Miscellaneous/body/interior

How to use a torque wrench, buyer's guide, and FAQ

Adding soundproofing to your car and introduction to soundproofing theory

Tips and tricks for the mechanic

5th gear modification to lower the rpm
-5th gear install by Audi5jim
- Audi5jim's installation pics

Aspheric (blind spot), convex, and flat -  mirror replacement and repair FAQ

Rust on the front fenders above the wheels?  See this TSB

Coolant migration symptoms and solutions

Ecode headlights - what are they and how do you use them

Change headlight bulbs

Disable drl (daytime running lights)

Rear bumper and taillight removal

Headlight/ front fascia (bumper) removal

Clearing the sunroof drains to prevent water in the interior (or repairing the broken drain line)

Window regulator - making creaking or popping sounds - this is a defective part!

Glove box repair
    Glove box lock cylinder replacement

Center console removal

Door card (the interior panel) removal, both front and rear

Rear shelf removal

Fender rolling to fit larger wheels

Repainting the triangular trim on the rear window that always rusts

where is it: the location of random stuff that is useful to know.

MK3 vs MK4 differences - 3rd vs. 4th generation differences

MK4 vs MK5 differences - 4th vs. 5th gen differences

How to compression test the engine

Making wood blocks to raise the car

OEM wheel gallery and specs

light bulb replacement reference table

Wheel alignment specifications table

Renault 1.6L injection pump rebuild part 1

Renault 1.6L injection pump rebuild part 2

Touch up paint code reference table

 

External links and resources

Wheel tire calculator - also shows clearance, width, and final drive calculator

 

More How tos at 1000 answered questions: index


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