[shithawk420]

Just inherited a Passat.was wondering if anyone has experience with these cars.it has this slapstick transmission or whatever its called and may need work.I heard it has to have premium gas?any advice would be appreciated. nice car though

[Captain Ginyu]

I used to own a transmission shop. What kind of trouble are you having?

[shithawk420]

Well I just got the car from my late grandpa and I hadn't seen it till recently.my uncle was probably exaggerating when he said there were problems.i had never seen a slap stick or tiptronic transmission as vw calls it.but now that I've seen it that part seems fine.got a diagnosis at O'Reilly,s but I wasn't there.I guess they said it was EVAP system leak.can you maybe tell me what that is and tell me how much it might cost? I appreciate it.I don't know much about luxury foreign cars

[Captain Ginyu]

You might not believe it but, the most common cause of an EVAP system leak is a faulty gas cap. This is usually due to a cracked/deteriorating gasket inside the cap, or even debris. So my first suggestion is check that thoroughly and go get a replacement. I don't think that is a dealer-only item, (over 80% of the rest of the car is), so pick a generic at any auto parts store, & see if that works.

My impression is that the car already had a check engine light or a code. The place you took it to, hooked up a scanner and found that code. If so, most scanners don't pinpoint specifically "where" it is.

If the gas cap isn't the problem, then you need to check everything down from the cap to the fuel tank, fuel lines, or the EVAP cannister. If you still can't find it, a vacuum or pressure test might be in order, & that requires special tools & equipment. But; before you do that, have the code erased & see if it comes back. It might, might not. I've seen many cars give off false codes, too.

[shithawk420]

Thank you so much captain ginyu im sure your right.you know your stuff.and i dont have the car now but i think even the gas cap needs to be from a dealer.and your right about the scanner.they just gave me a list of possible causes and gas cap was one of them.i just hope thats the problem cuase i really cant afford anything major.thanks id rep you if i knew how.

[ganja4mama]

Originally Posted by Captain Ginyu

You might not believe it but, the most common cause of an EVAP system leak is a faulty gas cap. This is usually due to a cracked/deteriorating gasket inside the cap, or even debris. So my first suggestion is check that thoroughly and go get a replacement. I don't think that is a dealer-only item, (over 80% of the rest of the car is), so pick a generic at any auto parts store, & see if that works.

My impression is that the car already had a check engine light or a code. The place you took it to, hooked up a scanner and found that code. If so, most scanners don't pinpoint specifically "where" it is.

If the gas cap isn't the problem, then you need to check everything down from the cap to the fuel tank, fuel lines, or the EVAP cannister. If you still can't find it, a vacuum or pressure test might be in order, & that requires special tools & equipment. But; before you do that, have the code erased & see if it comes back. It might, might not. I've seen many cars give off false codes, too.

Exactly, Captain Ginyu, small EVAP leak... THANX

I'll check it out when I fix the other car.

Hi Shithawk, looks like you inherited some car repairs@#$

your mama

[ganja4mama]

I took the Passat in... (shithawk & I are kin.... "hey kid") it needs everything....
gaskets, seals, trans service, tune-up, EVAP valves. He said all those can wait but urgently needs a timing belt.

Any advice on how much a timing service costs would be appreciated!

[shithawk420]

Well I don't think its all that bad.you did take it to a dealership.when you get here why don't the three of us take it to the dealership and see what dad says.maybe Scott will come with chase maybe he needs to go cuase of his jetta which has over six hundred thousand miles.

[Captain Ginyu]

"How much?" Depends on where you take it in. Gaskets and seals are inexpensive, but very labor intensive. As far as trans service, I would want them to be a bit more specific as to explain what they will do. A timing belt replacement alone is gonna cost around 300; a dealership will be more. You should have an itemized estimate from these guys, detailing the cost of parts, materials, & labor, prior to authorizing anything! If they don't provide it, or if they seem vague or sketchy, and you are not comfortable, then get the hell out of there and go somewhere else. Shops love uniformed people that say "Alright, go ahead and fix it then."

[ganja4mama]

They must love me... he quoted for a timing belt service w/ water & serp (?) belts = $800. Yep, I told him to fix it. We're doing a lot of traveling out of state and don't want to get stuck. He's saving the worn parts for me. It will also need down the road, a trans pan seal = $200; EVAP cycle valve = $100; front oxygen sensor = $260; valve cover gaskets = $300; valve cover & campling (?) seals = $460; tune-up =$322

I only had him do the timing belt service. It runs really good but don't want to break down. I will call the place my dad used to take it and see what kind of prices they quote and maybe I can get all the service records from them.

Thanks Captain G... hope I don't get ripped off too bad!