Update: ODO @ 93K Kms – Oil change service!
It has been a long time since I have updated the thread; my sincere apologies.
Currently the ODO is reading around 94K Kms. Last year has been quite eventful: Diesel-gate software update – Coolant pump failure (Warranty replacement) –- Tyre replacement (Michelin PS3) – Issue with varying idle engine RPM - ECU Remap restored (earlier Pete’s remap) – Another periodical oil change service @ 93K Kms on the ODO.
Details are as below:
1. The issue with varying idle engine RPM had started since the beginning of 2017. Link:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-d...ml#post4145682. Replacing Drive-belt did not help. Car was in warranty. As there was no solution for this problem from the dealership, I thought of analysing the problem myself. More on this later.
2. As I was suspecting a part failure, I was sure that the issue of software update / remap would come-up sometime or the other. I did not want to take chance and got the diesel-gate software update done during oil change service @ 80K Kms.
3. Immediately after the oil change service, I had to go on an official trip to Belgaum. Drive to Belgaum us event-less. Once I reached Belgaum, I parked my car and went out for a meeting. When I returned after a couple of hours and tried to turn-on the ignition, I saw “coolant water level” error on the MFD. I checked the engine bay and found that the coolant water tank was almost empty. I called up the VW service centre at Belgaum and as per their instructions; I filled water in the coolant tank and drove the car to the service centre which was less than 5 Kms. They checked the car and found that the coolant pump was leaking and replaced the same under warranty. Consumable like coolant was charged. It took the next 2 days for them to get the part, fix it and complete warranty formalities (actually VW has B2B insurance coverage to support extended warranties). I thought it was reasonable time. As I had work in and around Belgaum, I didn’t have many problems.
4. Replaced the tyres @ 87K Kms on the ODO: As my experience with Michelin PS3-ST tyres were excellent, I got the same tyres / size replaced – 225/50R16.
5. Issue with varying idle RPM was bugging me all the while. It wasn't DPF regeneration as Indian MK6 Jetta does not have one! Solved this with the help of information available on-line!! Detailed below separately to avoid confusion.
6. Software update was spoiling the whole fun, literally! Engine was lethargic and noisy. Engine tappet had started making weird noise during cold starts. Power/Torque was reduced and so was drivability. I got my old Pete’s map re-installed and everything is back to normal! What a relief!!!
7. Periodical oil change service was done @ 93K Kms on the ODO. Got the Brake oil and Coolant replaced (I was not sure if the coolant line was properly flushed after replacing the pump at Belgaum).
KPR Cars Mysore did a good job as usual.
Engine idle RPM: Did some research on-line and found that it was a common problem; one of the problem being wear-out of carbon bushes, in the Alternator’s regulator. These regulators are available on the net from about $30, and quite easy to replace. I ordered one and the ETA was about 30 days.
Meanwhile, I found that there was a voltage drop of about 0.5V between the Alternator’s output and the Battery positive terminal. This is high and is supposed to be below 0.2V
When I checked the Voltage at the 12V socket in front of the gear lever, the voltage showed around 14V when the engine was running. But at the same time, voltage at the battery terminals was 13.5V
I removed the Battery along with its base, cabling from the Battery positive terminal to the fuse box and then to the Alternator. Thoroughly cleaned all contacts and refitted. After this, the voltage drop was less than 0.3V; since then it has been more than 6 months and the problem has not repeated even once. There was no need to replace the Regulator.
Reference link:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/al...oting-vw-audi/.
It has been more than 50K Kms after the remap and the Car drives like a charm!
Bilstein-B6 upgrade has improved grip levels and handling by leaps and bounds. As the struts keep the tyres firmly on ground and in place, tyre wear is uniform which improves tyre mileage. Both these upgrades have given me tremendous joy and satisfaction!
I plan to get the AC compressor oil changed during the next month as this is highly recommended for
Jetta after 4 years. Brake pads and disks have still not worn-out! But I plan to replace them never the less, by next month or so. After that, a good paint restoration job is due, as the Jetta is nearing 5 wonderful years!!
Boy, am I satisfied?!!