three more questions .. two about aesthetics

[fannyingabout]

1. how Do I know if I have a new passat or an old passat (2001 models). I want to get a car bra to help with the bugs.
2. The inside door handle, where the window buttons are, is peeling. Where can I get a new one? hard to replace?
3. What does it mean when you come to a real quick stop, the engine revs about 100-200 rpms?

I love this car, but I hate this car.

[fannyingabout]

pic to help with question #1 .. only have pic of back ... (requires Adobe)
http://web.utk.edu/~ajacobso/car1.pdf

[passatGLwgn]

Originally Posted by fannyingabout

1. how Do I know if I have a new passat or an old passat (2001 models). I want to get a car bra to help with the bugs.
2. The inside door handle, where the window buttons are, is peeling. Where can I get a new one? hard to replace?
3. What does it mean when you come to a real quick stop, the engine revs about 100-200 rpms?

I love this car, but I hate this car.

Thats ONE quick stop! The engine management is supplementing your sudden movement , therefore increasing compensation rpms is all. No worries.I am assuming this is an automatic by the way it reads.

[00Psst]

Originally Posted by fannyingabout

1. how Do I know if I have a new passat or an old passat (2001 models). I want to get a car bra to help with the bugs.

The earlier models '98 to early '01 have two piece headlights and no chrome trim. The facelifted ones have one piece headlights, chrome trim on the bumpers and sides and the taillights have a two circle pattern. These are the most obvious differences.

I would recommend not getting the vinyl bra offered by the dealers by the way - they can do more harm than good unless you are really good about taking it off when it rains etc. 3M makes a product that is a clear bra for your hood and bumper - you never have to remove it and its barely noticeable. Its a much better way to protect against stone chips and bugs.

Originally Posted by fannyingabout

2. The inside door handle, where the window buttons are, is peeling. Where can I get a new one? hard to replace?

The dealer will have it - its not really that expensive from there. For online parts you can try www.drewparts.com or www.1stvwparts.com

Originally Posted by fannyingabout

3. What does it mean when you come to a real quick stop, the engine revs about 100-200 rpms?

As stated above this is pretty normal - but it does indicate you are stopping really quickly!

[fannyingabout]

thanks for all the good answers. I should note though, I don't always HAVE to stop really quickly for it to jump. Sometimes I slow down normally and it lurches too, just a millisecond before it comes to that complete stop (but it always happens with a quick stop). Twice I've had the repair guys look at it. Once they cleaned the cam shaft, once they gave me a new cam shaft, and once I got a new engine mount. A mystery to me!

[passatGLwgn]

As long as your ok with it.I wouldnt worry...I do however feel you were taken by the shop. Really. The mount, I can see that; as they do wear.I would've tried an electrical ground first, or a exam for a lose vac line somewhere.

This digital idle stabilizer circuit would've came to my mind lastly- and thirdly. Good luck now. Thanks.

[fannyingabout]

Originally Posted by passatGLwgn

As long as your ok with it.I wouldnt worry...I do however feel you were taken by the shop. Really.

Luckily the car was pretty new when it started so the dealer replaced the cam shaft for free and the engine mount was $8. So not too bad.

But, if we're going to talk about getting taken by the repair shop, let me say, don't ever break your dip stick! A new VW dipstick is $75. Yikes!!