air filter??

[just.smile]

Ok so last week I bought a 2000 tdi beetle and the po had pets so I'm trying to clean everything (carpet and seats are currently out getting cleaned up).. anyways I bought a new cabin air filter but its not in the same spot as it is in my passat.. sooo where do they hide that?

Also this is my first tdi car and when I changed the oil, drove it a few mins and checked it it was black again... is this normal or should I change it again? I know the oils fresh but its black black...


Thanks for any help

[Smileybug]

I know in my 2.0, the cabin filter is under the dash on the passenger side. Not sure if the TDIs are the same though.

[MichelleRoze]

Yes Cabin filter is under the passenger side dash. Take the rear center piece out (slides off), then there are some torques head screws you have to undo, and the little bugger is under that.

The oil being black is normal. The second you start a TDI, the oil turns black. No worries. As long as you used full synthetic 5w40 or 0w40 you should be fine. and as long as it has a rating of 505 or 501 you'll be good. I used Mobile 1 Turbo Diesel Truck oil 5w40. It's expensive...but it's good!

Don't forget to check out the TDIclub.com. There will be lots of good information over there too.

Here's where it's located. I had my panel off for awhile...so the cabin filter sits nice and tight in there...and trust me...it's tight...

[just.smile]

Thank you so much for your help! I'm going to go on the search later tonight and I too used the Mobile 1 Turbo Diesel Truck oil 5w40 although I thought it was cheap compared to what the r32 and passat take... Aye. Anyways one more question-- how often do you change your oil? I've read multiple things ranging from 3000-20,000. To me 20,000 seems outrageous but again this is my first diesel..


Thanks again!

[MichelleRoze]

change the oil every 10K. I usually rotate the tires then too. Just makes it easier to remember and gets it all done at one time!

[DZLBUG]

Every 10k unless you do UOA's. Stick with the TDT 5w-40...its gooooood schtuff.

How many miles on the car? When was the timing belt done last and who did it? TDI's have very little margin for error on the TB interval. There are 3 separate rollers (one with new stretch bolt) plus the tensioner and water pump. The injection pump is driven off the timing belt as well so that adds extra strain. Original interval for a MY2000 5 speed is 60k, 40k if automatic (bigger injection pump).

If there is ANY question at all as to when the timing belt was done. Get it done now. The 2003 TDI had an upgraded tensioner, large roller and belt and that system is rated for 100k miles. All quality timing belt kits that you can purchase include these parts so the future interval will be 5 years or 100k miles.

Places to buy:
VW TDI timing belts, aluminum VW skid plates, VW short shift kits, VW G60 clutch, and Race Pipes by www.dieselgeek.com
www.idparts.com
Bora Parts
Parts for all water cooled VW cars specializing in TDI models

The other important point is that there is a very specific procedure and special lockdown tools that MUST be used when changing the timing belt. There are no timing marks other than the flywheel mark. The cam and IP pulleys must be free to rotate during belt tightening due to the increased tension (about double that of a gasser) and number of components in the system. To do this the correct lock tools and procedure need to be used. Mark and pray jobs that work fine on gassers are deadly to TDI's so it should not be left to just any mechanic. I would recommend either renting/buying the tools and doing it yourself (if you are mechanically inclined and can follow strict instruction)...or take it to a mechanic who specializes in TDI's. This does not include the dealer. They are notorious for doing mark and pray jobs and for not replacing all of the parts in the system.

If you list your location, I can recommend a trustworthy and fair TDI specialist that will do the job right and for less money than the dealer or other shops.

As Michelle mentioned, check out the forums at TDIclub. Lots of good folks and information there. Do as much reading and searching as you can and soak it all in.