[T3] Modern cars!

[Dave Hall]

2002 isn't modern any more!  My 1999 Jetta Tdi Wagon (Golf Variant) has been
extremely reliable (and I hope it will continue to be), so I've not had to
consider getting the VAG-COM device.  In fact my son who had a 4-motion Golf
has just donated the lead to me, but for the Mark 5 you need the HEX-CAM
lead or something which is $300 (or £250GBP over here).  
The newer cars are more complex and will often not work properly until the
computer resets the fault.  In the 18 months and 15,000 miles we've done on
this, it's had a door-lock replacement, a failed cruise control (garage
quote 290GBP to repair - it's a switch you can get from the internet for
around 25GBP but needs to be introduced to the ECU by computer,
apparently!), and now the alternator not charging.  Even minor work seems to
need the diagnosis system.

The older mechanical and not electronics-filled cars are simpler to mend -
my neighbour has a Skoda (VW-group) which discharges over a few weeks if not
used, probably because the electric window lights stay on wven with the
ignition off.  The garage can't find the problem.  Other professional
mechanics reckon the electronics give them headaches - so it's not really
the fault of manufacturers, it's sales 



-----Original Message-----
From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
[mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org] On Behalf Of Joe
Plowick III
Sent: 31 December 2012 04:43
To: type3 at vwtype3.org
Subject: Re: [T3] Modern cars!

Modern cars aren't that bad.  I've had my 2002 GTI 337 since new, and I've
been the only one to troubleshoot and make repairs to it.  I've done timing
belts, alternator replacement, hose replacements, and numerous other
maintenance items.  The only times it has left my sight to have work done is
for wheel alignments and tire mountings (typically by a VW dealer).
 Plus I've also added performance items to it as well.  Honestly I used to
fiddle with my Squareback more than my modified GTI.  I also have a VAG-COM
(now VCDS) to troubleshoot any computer codes, and that thing has more than
paid for itself.  I'm a little surprise that an alternator for you costs
$500.  Mine was less than $200 and that was for a higher output model (120A
vs 90A stock).  If you can work on an old car, then a new one isn't much
different.  They just require a different though process sometimes.  :)

Joe P.
'69 VW Squareback
'02 VW GTI 337


On Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 1:56 PM, Dave Hall <dave at hallvw.clara.co.uk> wrote:

>
> Don't be so sure about modern cars - my 4 year old Golf Hatch Tdi is 
> waiting for the dealer to diagnose a fault with the charging (60GBP or 
> 100USD to get the computer and plug the lead in!).  I know the belt is 
> Ok, the battery volts static are 12.7V and about 11.7 running.  The 
> three 50A fuses in the fuse-box next to the battery are intact (I 
> assume these are parallel fuses for the alternator output).  It starts 
> fine, obviously I'm not taking it anywhere, but this happened between 
> shut down from a journey and starting for the next a couple of days 
> later.  The diode pack is my suspicion - if I'm right the garage will 
> take a couple of days getting the part - hopefully just the 25USD for 
> the diode pack, but more likely they will replace the alternator 
> (300GBP or 500USD just for the part!).
> Of course, it may just be an ECU fault that's stopping the battery 
> charging
> - they may only need to clear a fault code, or at worst replace the ECU!
>
> Old cars are not necessarily worse than new!  At least the old ones 
> have more accessible components.
>
> Adriel, I hope you get the pump working - compared with newer cars 
> it's a much less complicated matter.
>
> Dave
> UK VW Type 3&4 Club
> ===================
>
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