[Vwdiesel] SCORE! new (used) 2001 TDi Golf (w/ a few issues)

[Rolf Pechukas]

great to know, James, thanks!
(what is Vag-Com? sounds slightly pornographic... will it work on a  
Mac?)
can you provide a link to Fred's site?
thx again,
Rolf in MA


On Feb 4, 2009, at 12:18 AM, James Hansen wrote:

> Good for you Rolf, congratulations.
> You really need to have a look at getting Vag-Com or what is now  
> called VCDS (for vag-com diagnostic system)  I've had it since it  
> was beta, it's highly functional, better than vag's own software if  
> you ask me. it does it all, better than skunk and junk obd-II code  
> readers.
>
> 01 golfs were good to my knowledge, deal with the issues, you should  
> have a pretty good car.
> I know a guy that WILL NOT part with his, he loves it.
> First off, clean the GP contacts, read up on this at Fred's TDI  
> site. You need to clean and dilectric grease the harness ends.  The  
> system compares two plugs with teh other 2 plugs.  If there's a  
> difference, the light comes on.  light can be on for a plethora of  
> emissions issues, but if it's suspected glow plug  and the plugs are  
> good, try that, and check the plugs with a meter while you're at  
> it.  The GP harnesses were shit, and the new ones are same, usually  
> a clean and grease fixes that.
> -james
>
> Rolf Pechukas wrote:
>> OK, they're going for $6-8k on eBay
>> I just snagged this for $2500
>> 135k miles, and mostly great throughout
>> original owner, sweet kid moving to Cali in a couple days -  
>> motivated  seller
>> no rust, runs like a top, tranny snic snic, brakes good, good  
>> rubber,  all lights work, dash fine, interior fine w/ couple  
>> exceptions,  exterior flawless w/ one exception, suspension feels  
>> good
>> certainly passed the driving test
>> handful of issues I'll prolly be looking for help with:
>> - engine light is on, and a history of GP problems
>> my guess is the old wet relay = burned out plugs story - guy said  
>> come  to think of it there was a water issue when leaves would  
>> collect in  the windshield - but could also be something different
>> he's had it in to shop a few times over the GP issue over the years
>> (nervous abt this computerized car - everything seems so  
>> inaccessible)
>> - driver's door inside panel dismantled, apparently the crank  
>> handle  didn't work,. kid tried to fix it and got flummoxed by  
>> Torx  head screws
>> shouldn't be too tough
>> - pass side dent in bumper
>> I'll need to pull or beat it out and bondo/repaint
>> tiny little side light cracked
>> - maybe pass side CV
>> - maybe slight clunk in pass side susp
>> - interior dome light and heater console lights don't work
>> - trunk needs a key to open
>> other than that, good to go
>> I guess my main concern is that Ck Engine light, and the GP issues
>> is this a known prob w 2001 Golfs?
>> I know electricals in general suck in VWs
>> thoughts? thanks all
>> (psyched to not be spending $8k on a ride)
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