Brought my car in because it was a (sudden) very hard starting in the cold AM, blowing black smoke and the check engine light was on. It was difficult to start after sitting for 6 hours or so but restarted easily when warm.

Dealer replaced glow plugs and relay, cleared the CE light, good to go. I went to pick up-hard start, blowing black smoke, CE light came on. They checked and said the harness needed to be replaced (was done 1 year ago). Did that while I waited, took it home, next AM hard start, smoke, CE light. Brought it back-printout said it was a sporatic fault but they have been unable to fix it.

The service guy has been good to me-and I didn’t buy the car there. I’m on my 2nd day in a new Jetta while they work on mine. The mechanic even came out to talk to me-I know they are trying but not getting anywhere. I only intend to keep the car for a short while due to other problems so I’d appreciate it if anyone here who has experienced this or a similar problem can offer suggestions.

When I start it cold I can just hold the key and crank it till it starts or try it for short bursts until it starts-it seems to take about the same time. I can hear it “”almost”" catch, then finally start and run. Once it starts it’s fine, doesn’t stall or falter-. I have no clue and it seems they are stumped too.

Thanks,
Dorothy

I live in Maryland and unfortunately an owner of a Passat 1.8. I my stop engine low oil pressure light came on and went off a few seconds later. I took it the dealer…song and dance… I pay $1100 for a new oil pump not covered by warranty because I didn’t have all the necessary oil changes. The car has 30K miles. A week later oil light comes on again. Back in the shop, need a new engine. I do some internet research and learn of the long history of oil sludge. I was never told about oil sludge when I leased the car, I was never advised by the dealer during my service, I was never offer synthetic.

Fortunately, I am an attorney and I am filing suit against VW and the dealers involved. Is anyone on this list in Maryland? Has anyone on this list had oil sludge despite doing the routine maintenance. I would be interested in hearing some feed back.

P.S. While I was at the dealer, two other customers were there for the same problem. I am going to pursue their claims as well.

I was thinking about taking a poll regarding actual gas mileage. Mine is terrible on short city trips and I overheard a lady talking about how bad her car was. Yes I know cold weather, city driving, short trips, nothing could be worse.

Mine: 2002 Jetta 1.8T GLS Auto City 19 mpg, highest hwy was 30 mpg – once, hwy avg is about 27. Sticker claimed 22 /29.