Volkswagen MK6 "how to" index Golf, JSW, sportwagen, and Jetta TDI

Here is a master index of DIY for VW Golf TDI, JSW TDI, (Jetta Sportwagen TDI and Golf TDI), and Jetta TDI

Looking to buy a new Golf TDI?  See 1000q: 2010-2014 VW Golf TDI buying checklist w/reviews, pricing, options, and more.
Interested in the Audi A3 clean diesel TDI?  See video reviews and a factory tour at 1000q: Buying guide for the 2010-12 Audi A3 TDI
Interested in the new style 2011+ VW Jetta TDI?  See 1000q: 2011+ Jetta TDI buying checklist, reviews, and FAQ
Looking to buy a 2009+ VW(Jetta or Golf ) sportwagen? See 1000q: JSW or GSW buying guide

For the Passat TDI buying guide, see 1000q: 2012+ Passat TDI buying guide
For news on the Beetle TDI, see 1000q: 2012+ Beetle TDI buying guide

Engine

Fuel filter change (20,000 miles or as needed, main article, read first)
Fuel filter change (for type #3 one hole filter only)

2009+CBEA/CJAA timing belt replacement part 1: removal replace at 120,000 miles
2009+ CBEA/CJAA timing belt replacement part 2: installation (exclusive content section, please join our community for free to view)

Engine oil change for 2009+ (10,000 miles or as needed, Audi A3 shown but your engine is almost identical)
Engine oil change for 2009+ TDI using an oil extractor from the top (10,000 miles or as needed)

Air filter replacement and air filter housing removal (40,000 miles or as needed)
TDI EGR valve FAQ
(exhaust gas recirculation valve)

Intake manifold, EGR, intake valve, and intake swirl flap removal

EZ engine cover removal tip (forum)

Boost or vacuum leak check

Immobilizer general information ,troubleshooting, procedures
    Keyless entry FAQ and programming new keys/remotes, replacing the battery

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

Diagnosing and fixing limp mode (sudden loss of power while driving)

Diagnose and fix low or no power (constant low power and can't rev high)

Borg Warner BV43 TDI engine turbocharger removal

Oil filter assembly and turbo high pressure oil line removal

Thermostat replacement and removal (CJAA 2010+ engines only)

EGR cooler removal

HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) and common rail removal and replacement

Fuel injector removal for CRD TDI engines

More about pumpe duse vs common rail vs direct injection

Starter troubleshooting and replacement (for mk5 cars but procedure is similar for mk6 cars)

Turbo upgrade guide for TDI (comparison chart)

Clutch hydraulic fluid flush (every 2 years for manual transmission regardless of mileage)

How to remove and replace the battery or battery shelf (there's a corner which catches on a wire)

Battery part number reference

Rear main seal replacement

How to repair broken plastic vacuum nipple

Engine runaway FAQ (rare problem where the engine races on its own due to mechanical malfunction)

 

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
    Sticker removal - safely remove that sticker from the paint
    Headlight polishing - restore the headlight plastic to clear
    Wax stain removal  - remove white stains on the trim
    Paint chip repair
    Small scratch removal

 

Suspension/Brakes

Brake tips and busting big brake myths

Replacing the struts, springs and mounts (The part numbers are different but the procedure is the same on mk5 and mk6.)

Flushing the brake fluid (also clutch fluid, should be done every 2 years regardless of mileage)

How to paint the brake calipers (shown on Audi A3 TDI but Jetta and Golf are similar)

 

Wheel / tire / gearing calculator

VW TDI specific tire size and wheel offset calculator - also shows fender clearance, offset, and final drive calculator

 

Drivetrain

DIY pressure brake/clutch bleeder

TDI clutch and flywheel general FAQ

DSG transmission FAQ

DSG fluid and filter drain and refill (change every 40,000 miles)

Manual transmission shifter cable adjustment

Dieselgeek sigma 6 short shifter installation and review

 

VCDS modifications (used to be called vag-com)

How to reset the service now light

Correcting a fast speedometer on Jetta, Golf, or Rabbit that reads high

Activating comfort window function (opens/closes the windows using the remote key fob)

Activating rain window function (closes the windows-sunroof after 24 hours or if it rains, requires rain sensor retrofit)

How to disable the daytime running lights

How to enable emergency brake light or hazard flashing (flashes the brake or hazard lights when ABS is activated)

Adjusting the fuel economy (mpg) gauge

How to shut off the door open chime reminder  (or setting the instrument cluster to Great Britain)

Other possible modifications: seat belt reminder chime disable, coming home (turns on all lights when you lock the car), door open chime disable.

How to adjust the number of blinks when you tap the turn signal (comfort turn signal operation)

How to correct a faulty flashing TPMS light (reset the pressure level)

Activating the hidden TPMS system if not equipped (requires a compatible ABS control module)

Some adjustable options without a highline cluster (For Canadian comfortline (midlevel) cars without the highline cluster, shown on mk5 but same thing.  All US TDI have a highline cluster)

How to disable or enable the hill hold (requires compatible ABS module)

 

Bluetooth, GPS navigation, and interior electrics

RNS 315 OEM in-dash GPS system information (touchscreen navigation system on Golf, Jetta, and Sportwagen / wagon)

RNS-510 in dash GPS system FAQ ( touchscreen GPS system for high trim Passat CC/Tiguan and older Jetta/Golf TDI)

Multi Function Steering Wheel and paddle shifter swap FAQ (if you wish to swap a GTI sport wheel)
mk6 Jetta steering wheel swap (slightly different from JSW and Golf)

Euroswitch installation (lets you turn the DRL off, parking lights on, or all lights on)

MFD+ (full screen multifunction display) FAQ and menu options explained

Color MFD+ retrofit (not Jetta)

Bluetooth FAQ for mk5 and mk6 VW Jetta sedans, wagons, and Golf

9w7 bluetooth retrofit and features with screenshots (for 2010 only)

9w7 bluetooth installation #2 with installation video (for 2010 only)

Fiscon E MFA installation (aftermarket gauge package)

How to retrofit a hidden homelink (home link) remote in the center console DIY

How to add a hidden display for Valentine (V1) radar detector in the dashboard

VW iPod, aux in, and mp3 cable adapter swap (ignore the first half, it's for earlier cars)

How to install an aftermarket auto dimming mirror (Gentex)

OEM auto dimming mirror and auto rain wiper/auto headlight sensor retrofit

Headlight switch repair and cleaning (mk6 Jetta ONLY, Golf and Sportwagen do not use this style of headlight switch)

How to add door open warning lights (substitute puddle lights)

How to remove the instrument cluster (Golf or JSW)
How to remove the instrument cluster (Jetta)
    Gauge face replacement, moving the speedometer needle, or dimming the high beam LED indicator (mk5 style cluster shown but same idea)

How to retrofit the OEM backup camera (requires RNS 510)

How to install the OEM backup camera (writeup #2)

Dashboard camera (dashcam) hardwire installation

How to add OEM HID to mk6 Golf (2010 Jetta shown but it uses mk6 electronics. 2011+ Jetta TDI does not use mk6 electronics for this system)

How to remove the ignition switch or lock cylinder

mk6 Golf speaker installation

How to add a fuse or new circuit to the fusebox

 

Miscellaneous

What the part numbers mean and how to decode them in the Volkswagen part numbering system in ETKA

How to add HID projectors to your halogen headlights (requires fabrication, by sukanas)

How to remove the front bumper (shown on mk5 but mk6 is similar)

How to install the GTI style exhaust and rear spoiler (diffuser)

How to swap in power and/or heated seats (generic article but you can use it on most cars)

Front and rear seat removal (shown on mk5 but mk6 is similar)

How to disassemble VW-Audi seats (generic article but you can use it on most German cars)

Cabin air filter replacement (replace every 30,000 miles)

Jack stand lift points (shown on mk5 Jetta but it's the same for mk6 Golf)

Side view mirror cover or turn signal replacement on JSW or GSW Sportwagen (other mk6 cars should be similar, the wagon uses mk5 mirrors)

Sidemarker (side marker) light and lens replacement for mk6 (can use clear or smoked lens)

How to paint the emblem and grille black or body color

How to use a torque wrench and torque wrench FAQ

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

Adding soundproofing to your car and introduction to soundproofing theory

OEM VW/Audi wheel picture gallery, part numbers, and specs

Tips and tricks for the mechanic

Clearing the sunroof drains to prevent water in the interior

Making wood blocks to raise the car

fender rolling to fit larger wheels

 

More How tos at 1000 answered questions: index


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