2007 Jetta: Issues?

[Daldoras]

Hi,

Before I begin please note that I have read several other posts about this issue and while what some people say might be applicable to my case I have a few other, smaller issues with my Jetta that I'd like advice on before I go on a road trip this long weekend.

I've had my Jetta MY07 TDI for six weeks now; it has done approximately 76,500km's. Within the first week I drove to my holiday unit and back (500km round trip) and didn't notice any issues. Now they seem to be springing up...

The first issue is substantial plumes of black smoke whenever I accelerate (hard). The smoke used to be a much lighter shade but has gotten darker over time. I don't feel like I've lost power since purchase. I'm also not sure if it's relevant to the fact that I don't drive a huge amount (my friend drives us to work).

The second issue is what I think to be gear slipping. A few times over the past week or so I've noticed it "slip" when I approach the 50-60km mark, or going from 2nd/3rd into 3rd/4th.

The third and final issue is start up. Again, I'm not sure if this is correct or not, but on start up the car comes close to stalling, stutters and shudders a bit then starts normal. Could the only reason for this be lack of use (last week I did not drive it for three days) or something else?

While we were negotiating with the dealership we did speak to the previous owner and he gave it 5 stars. It also has perfect service history by authorised VW mechanics.

Thanks all for the time you have taken to read and for any assistance you can provide. If there's any questions I'll do my best to answer them but I'm certainly no car expert

Daldoras

[quansta7]

hi..
just my 2 cents regarding startup..

I've had my 2007 Jetta for 3 weeks now (FSI)..
Everyday, I have the same startup issue, it starts and splutters and just about stalls like you said.
but after a minute or so (or once it's warmed up), it goes normal, if you can call it that
Then all is good... only happens on cold startup in the mornings.

(just to add... car has full service history as well, and only done 60K)

[Lucas_R]

You should be able to leave your car parked/unused for weeks without any issues. I regularly leave my Golf for 1-2 weeks without starting it and never have an issue. Have done this with all my cars for about 10yrs (i dont drive much) and never had an issue. Any more than about 10 days and i will put a trickle charger on it for an hour or so to keep the battery topped up.

Regarding the cold starting - have you checked simple things like the battery? How old is it? Does the car take a long time to crank over? If so, the battery might be on its way out and therefore affecting the engine/electrics in the first 30 seconds or so when starting in the morning. The car certainly shouldn't stutter and nearly stall - that's not right.

Black smoke - could vary from one fuel brand to another. Try a different brand of diesel next tank and observe if the colour remains black or if it gets lighter again.

Gears slipping - im assuming your car is automatic/DSG? The gearbox may need servicing? Im not familiar with the gearbox's that were offered in the Jetta's, but i know the tiptronic automatics can have issues with valves inside not working properly. This has been reported previously. If its the DSG, then perhaps the clutches or mechatronics (electronic brain that controls the gearbox) needs resetting or replacing?

If you have only owned the car for a short time, and it was purchased from a dealership, you should have some type of warranty to fall back on.

[Jarred]

Re smoke: you'll notice after a long trip at constant RPM (ie to your holiday house) they'll build up soot. Giving it a good bootful every now and then is a good way to keep ya pipes clear. (ie when driving around normally). Basically it should clear up. As mentioned above, different fuel, (ie poorer quality) will often smoke more, some brands smoke more than others I've found.

[Transporter]

Check if the engine ECU has the latest software.
I've updated a few Jettas TDI 2.0L BKD and the owners report there is much less smoke on start up and engine runs much nicer, with less turbo lag.

Also check the condition of the air filter and if the fuel filter was replaced at 60,000km.

[The One]

And perhaps take it for a highway trip and get it to do a DPF regeneration might help?

[Daldoras]

Thank you all for your responses.

So the black smoke could just be a fuel issue? I usually fill up at Shell or BP; is there any recommendation out there for a better grade diesel?

Transporter, I'll have to get back to you re the filters, but can I check the ECU myself and if so how?

The One, I thought the DPF was 2010 onwards? Or is that something else?

Thanks again!