Passat Auto - newbie with questions

[thedj2222]

Hi there,

Im new to this site, so go easy! Ive just bought my first Passat for a real bargain. Its got a couple of niggles id like sorting...

1) Sometimes the gear change between 2 -> 3 (i think) is quite harsh and really jolts you forward. Is this normal? Its done 87000 miles, so im thinking maybe an ATF change might help?

2) The airbag light is on, and it looks like the passenger airbag cover has been removed at some point as it is not quite flush with the dash. Any ideas how to sort this (the light, that is)?

Thanks!

[martin1810]

You need a vag-com read for the airbag. That will tell you where to look. No point guessing.

[ddave05]

The airbag cover never tends to be flush in all the passats i've sat in. I think thats how they are made.

With regards to the light, it may be a broken sensor in the passenger compartment. This normally happens when the plenium chamber gets blocked and the footwells fill with water. I suggest the first thing you do is pop the engine cover open and check around the battery area for signs of water. If there is, clean the rubber grommets out well (under the battery and near the servo).

Then id do as thedj suggested and get a vag-com to find the code for the air-bag light. You may just need to replace the sensor but i dont know how much that may cost. Hope this helps