2005 Passat TDI PD 130 bhp Timing Belt Change

[ChillOut]

I have the same problem, but my passat is an 04 highline. I called the dealer it was last serviced at, and they said the 04 model onwards PD models only needed cambelt changes at 80k or 5 years.

I normally only service my vehicle based on the milage interval, and NOT the yearly/time basis. Just confused as to what to do regarding the cambelt as it is 5 years old but has only done 59k thus far. If i do the service fairly soon, do you think it is wise to buy the parts from the local skoda dealer? This will include the cambelt kit, the water pump (now with metal impeller?), the fuel, oil, air and pollen filters. It is after all the same engine in almost the same model that they sell (superb).

Another question relates to the variable service interval. The handbook says its on longlife, the last service it had was at 46k, so it has now done over 13k and the service light has not come on. Do you think i should just wait until the light comes on, and change over to the fixed interval servicing? Very confusing!!

Yet another thing VW change their minds on - Variable or fixed service interval.

Sounds like you are doing the servicing yourself? If yes, you can only do 10K intervals without using a VAG COM to reset the service indicator. There is a way to reset to 10K - its in the handbook I think. The service light will come on around £15-17K giving you 1000 miles to get it sorted.

But VW now have changed the advice - if you are doing ANY of the following you have to go 10K fixed servicing:-

Low annual mileage, towing, enthusiastic driving style, harsh driving conditions (Hilly, mostly B roads etc). In essence, variable virtually only now recommned for reps on Motorways (who don't thrash their cars).

If the parts are compatible (fit wise) and cheaper or more convenient, I would say use the Skoda dealer. Many many parts are identical across the VAG range, especially under the bonnet (but I am not a mechanic, just a know it all!, so I could be wrong)

[cazyp]

I have the same problem, but my passat is an 04 highline. I called the dealer it was last serviced at, and they said the 04 model onwards PD models only needed cambelt changes at 80k or 5 years.

I normally only service my vehicle based on the milage interval, and NOT the yearly/time basis. Just confused as to what to do regarding the cambelt as it is 5 years old but has only done 59k thus far. If i do the service fairly soon, do you think it is wise to buy the parts from the local skoda dealer? This will include the cambelt kit, the water pump (now with metal impeller?), the fuel, oil, air and pollen filters. It is after all the same engine in almost the same model that they sell (superb).

Another question relates to the variable service interval. The handbook says its on longlife, the last service it had was at 46k, so it has now done over 13k and the service light has not come on. Do you think i should just wait until the light comes on, and change over to the fixed interval servicing? Very confusing!!

VW now recommend 60'000 so it needs doing. If you see my post above I got the cambelt kit/water pump and oil/oil filter etc for a service from GSF for £144.
I change the oil/filter every 6000 - diesel engines will thank you for this later in life.
HTH

[martin1810]

With cam belts it's important to stick to which measure comes first. So if 5 years is up before 80K you should change it. This is particularly important with cam belts because they do deteriorate with age.

[ddave05]

Cheers for the reply guys (sorry to OP for hijacking the thread!)

ChillOut, I dont service the car myself, although if I had a ramp and the correct tools I wouldn't hesitate. The reason I was asking about Skoda compatible parts is that I use my local franchised VW van centre to do the servicing as they charge about half the price of the car centre for labour, plus you get the normal warrenty and the VW stamp.

They can service any diesel VW car, and as most of the vans are PD, they use the correct oils too. The service is first rate, and you can actually speak to the mechanic who has serviced your vehicle. My only hesitation with them is the parts they use. For example, im not sure on an oil service whether they would replace the sump plug or not. I will give both the van centre and Skoda a call tomorrow. The cam belt is an important component to replace, but it costs a bloody bomb so i'm just trying to reduce my outlay as far as I can

[cazyp]

Cheers for the reply guys (sorry to OP for hijacking the thread!)

ChillOut, I dont service the car myself, although if I had a ramp and the correct tools I wouldn't hesitate. The reason I was asking about Skoda compatible parts is that I use my local franchised VW van centre to do the servicing as they charge about half the price of the car centre for labour, plus you get the normal warrenty and the VW stamp.

They can service any diesel VW car, and as most of the vans are PD, they use the correct oils too. The service is first rate, and you can actually speak to the mechanic who has serviced your vehicle. My only hesitation with them is the parts they use. For example, im not sure on an oil service whether they would replace the sump plug or not. I will give both the van centre and Skoda a call tomorrow. The cam belt is an important component to replace, but it costs a bloody bomb so i'm just trying to reduce my outlay as far as I can

Very few tools - about £30 worth and no ramp needed for cambelt

[ddave05]

Very few tools - about £30 worth and no ramp needed for cambelt

But i'd probably need 1 to change the oil....

[cazyp]

No.