Back to 1000 answered questions: turbodiesel FAQ and general "how to" index

back to the myturbodiesel.com forums

Volkswagen MK4 turbodiesel "how to" index
For 2004-2005 jettas and 2004-2006 new beetles and golfs

Do you have a pumpe duse?  North American jetta, golf, and new beetle TDI 2004-2006 are pumpe duse and use the BEW engine.  2003 and earlier 4th generation cars are not pumpe duse, they use the ALH engine.  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 common service /problem areas and VW quirks on your TDI.

Engine

Intake manifold and EGR cooler removal and cleaning of carbon buildup (pumpe duse engine MY2004-2006)

TDI EGR valve FAQ (exhaust gas recirculation valve)

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 (20,000 miles change)

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)

Starter troubleshooting and replacement

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

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

Diagnosing and fixing limp mode (sudden loss of power)

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

Tightening the AC compressor nut (this nut can come loose and causes damage)

Fuel tank vent FAQ and removing the vent internals (lets you add a few more gallons of fuel)

Turbo performance upgrade guide for TDI (comparison chart)

 

Drivetrain

ATF (automatic transmission fluid) fluid change

Clutch/brake fluid change

Manual transmission gear oil change

TDI clutch and flywheel FAQ

DSG transmission 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
    Washing/waxing your car - yes, there is a right way
    Polishing your paint/swirl mark removal - enhance paint shine and remove paint spiderwebbing
    Clay bar treatment - make the paint feel like glass
    Headlight polishing - restore the headlight plastic to clear
    Wax stain removal  - remove white stains on the trim
    Paint chip repair
    Small scratch removal

 

Miscellaneous/body/interior

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

Adding soundproofing to your car and introduction to soundproofing theory

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

Window regulator - making creaking or popping sounds or falls into the door

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

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

Rear bumper and taillight removal

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

Center console removal

Change headlights

Disable drl (daytime running lights)

Door card (the interior panel) removal

Headlight/ front fascia removal

Rear shelf removal

Fender rolling

Repainting the triangular trim on the rear window that likes to rust

Glove box repair
    Glove box lock cylinder replacement

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

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


Feel free to sign up and ask a question about this article at the forums here: myturbodiesel.com forums

 

Legal disclaimer