Engine Faliure Garage, EPB issues and coolant alarm

[sparky6911]

Hi All

This is my 1st post so please be gentle.

I bought a 2006 Passat Estate, 2.0l Tdi from auction on Thursday that is is great condition inside and out, really happy with it, well for the 1st 2 days.
Yesterday sat outside Halfords I tried to start the car and got the Engine Failure garage warning. Took the key out left the car for a bit while I phoned Manheim auctions to see if i had any cover or come back (apparently not). Put the key in and it started.

When the engine is running the car pulls like a train, really strong and sounds fine.

This happened a few times yesterday but interestingly it doesn't seem to happen if I put my foot on the brake and let the EPB off.

The final straw yesterday was the coolant alarm going off so it would seem the car is using coolant as I seem to remember the expansion tank was 1/2 full when I checked after buying the car.

Can anyone offer any thoughts or advice as to my best course of action, are these issues related eg faulty sensor on the EPB?

Really worried I bought a lemon, I bought this to be a safe reliable car for the family and now not so sure.

Thanks in advance

David

[Guest 2]

Best to get a fault code scan. You may find this is only the tip of the iceberg, you've bought someone elses problem I'm afraid.

[sparky6911]

Thanks, that is my fear.

I take it vag-com can be downloaded and used at home. Are there a recommended versions / cables?

[zollaf]

this is why i usually advise people to buy anywhere but from an auction. auctions are where the trade buy cars, then sell them on but with a warranty.

[sparky6911]

Will any fault code reader work to at least help me start working through this as I want to be able to get it to a garage armed with some info?

Do VW keep a register of work carried out on the cars that can be accessed by other branches?

Also is there a list of independent VAG specialist garages on the forum?

Thanks

[zollaf]

you really need vcds for anything other than obd codes , which won't help much. yes, call vw they should be able to tell you everything they have done.

[RichardSEL]

Will any fault code reader work to at least help me start working through this as I want to be able to get it to a garage armed with some info?

Not really, an On Board Diagnostics reader may give you some codes, some of these cheepo eBait readers won't work on the B6. But would recommend you put the money toward VCDS -- yes, it's £260 for the cheapest from Gendan in UK. I had to buy mine when there wasn't any UK agent. And barfed at coughing up nearly £300 from the US. But it's paid for itself over the years.

Here's a listing of VCDS owners. There may be someone local to you that'll do your scan for beer tokens
VWAF User Location Map - VCDS - Google Maps

Do VW keep a register of work carried out on the cars that can be accessed by other branches?

Yes. But I don't know whether they will allow you to see the list, apart from free manufacturer recalls, they usually place a sticker with the campaign number on it in the inside of the spare wheel well -- the main one is injectors. You can ask whether that's been done on your VIN. The dealer service department will tell you what recalls are outstanding

Also is there a list of independent VAG specialist garages on the forum?

Only seen advertisers.

What miles? What engine code? It's a three letter code starting with "B" on the sticker on the inside of your service book

Let us know how you get on?

[MarkTM]

I've replied to a message from Sparky advising him that I can do a scan for him today before 6, and then again on Thursday when I'm in WSM.

Only 10 miles for me each way and will cost him the princely sum of a good bottle of red (don't drink beer)...hic!

[sparky6911]

Hi Mark, you legend I'll give you a call shortly.

[MarkTM]

DON'T call me shorty!!