Date:         Thu, 13 Aug 1998 16:26:53 -0400
Reply-To:     Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Subject:      Re: EV Problems/cost - Any sugestions?
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

> As for high mileage I recently looked at an EVC with 88,000 miles...it was a
> '97!!!

Anyway, the stupid "check engine electrics" light and the stupid spark plug
wires seem to be a common VR6 issues, so says my dealer.  My '96 passat made
about 5 visits to the dealer due to an engine light that kept illuminating
after the engine stumbled...each time they replaced one spark plug wire because
the engine monitor picked up a mis-fire in a different cylinder each time.  I
got pissed after the second time and really pissed after the 3rd while the
service guy is explaining to me the ins and outs of todays "high energy
ignition systems"  Eventually he promised that if it happens again they will
take care of it through VWoA.  When they finally diagnosed a faulty coil block
and replaced it under "good will" warranty (48,000 miles) the problem went
away.  So I advise lots of bitching...no way should spark plug wires fail after
39,000 miles/2 years.  My only electric problem now is that when I hit big
bumps the "check anti-lock brakes" idiot light comes on, and once, all
electrics died completely dead after hitting a bump on I-95 through Philly at
1:00AM on a rainy night at about 70mph..no lights, no engine nuthin'.  Started
right back up though so I guess I will live with electronics that were
certainly designed by the Dark Master.Mark

>
>
> I picked up the van on Tuesday, and Wednesday morning the engine light came
> on.  I hubbled to the dealer to find out the #3 spark plug was mis-firing.
> It turns out the wire was arching and the dealer suggested replacing all
> six wires.  VW of course, will not touch this.   However the dealer has
> offered to pay the labor costs.  The parts are about $300 and the labor
> will be around $300. for a total repair cost of $600.
>
>