While all of the suggestions are valid, there are some small details to keep an eye out for. Changing your air filter is a good example. There is a screen protecting the box for the intake to the filter. I think they call it a "snow screen". It's easy to remove, so make sure it's not clogged with sand or crud. If you can find the right oil filter for your 1996 Passat GLX VR6 for a good price, buy several. Also, although the transmissions are "sealed units", they can over time lose fluid. It's a painstaking process at the dealer just to determine whether it needs it, let alone topping up. I spent $200 just to add one litre, and only after convincing the service manager that I suspected it was low. Symptoms are, slipping, or not engaging immediately while car is cold. You must get this tended to right away on the 01m automatic, unless you don't mind spending upwards of $5,000 on a new transmission after you burn it up. This will also improve your mileage, as there will be less slippage in the transmission. Don't forget your tire pressures too! I also installed a K&N filter and that seemed to improve top end performance. Not that that matters since my wife drives it!
06-12-2004, 08:59 PM
