QuestionI am consider purchasing a 1993 Passat fairly cheap because it has problems idling. The owner says he replaced the 02 sensor as well as the fuel pump. Any ideas what could still be causing the problem. Also the automatic transmission will only shift if you do it from 1,2, then to 3rd but will not go into over drive and will not shift at all in Drive. Could this be electrical? Thanks in advance.
AnswerHi Dustin;
By cheap, do you mean free?
The transmission is an "EZG" tiptronic 5 peed overdrive automatic, made in Germany by "ZF." They are absolutely wonderful transmissions. The one you refer to here has severe cross leaks in the valve body, and the transmission control module can not decipher the input it gets from the electronic solenoids, and the internal pressure sensors. If you put the gear selector in "Drive," it goes to, or tries to go to 3rd, for "limp home mode." This transmission has serious mechanical difficulties, and to replace it with a German built Volkswagen replacement will cost $12,000.00...that's right TWELVE! Wholesale book on this car is less than that, it belongs in the scrapyard!...The engine is cheap by comparison, and can be saved. It's the suction jet pump, and a couple of crankcase breather hoses that are split, and allowing atmospheric pressure air into the intake plenum which should be closed, and pressurized by the turbo. Engine code..."AWM," I presume. Leave the car alone, unless you plan to go to work for your local Volkswagen dealer in the next 2 days.
No, the problem is not electrical!
I'm sorry, Dustin, but save your money for a REAL car, not one that is pretending to be one.
