The "Official" Passat (B5) Forum FAQ

**Stephen@VWvortex** · 02-16-2009 01:10 PM

Welcome to the Passat (B5) Do-It-Yourself, How-To and Frequently Asked Question Thread.

How to add something to the FAQ?

If you have anything that you would like added to this list, or to report broken links, please use the report post to moderator function.

Don't forget our Technical Forums that are broken down into more specific sections like interior, car audio and electronics, specific engines, transmissions etc.

To search within this thread, please press Control+F or Command (Open Apple)+F on your keyboard. (Note: Just because nothing is returned does not mean that it is not here, your search term may not be used in the description). Many items and issues may fit into all categories, so it is best to spend a couple minutes looking through the whole thread.

Sections
01) Typical Problems & Questions
02) Oil & Servicing
03) Body & Exterior
04) Interior
05) Wheels & Tires
06) Lighting
07) Electrical
08) Radio & Navigation System
09) VAG-COM
10) Suspension & Handling
11) Motor & Transmission
12) Brakes
13) Racks & Carriers
14) Misc.

**Stephen@VWvortex** · 02-16-2009 01:15 PM

Typical Problems & Questions

Which gas should I use in my Passat? - Forum Discussion

**Stephen@VWvortex** · 02-16-2009 01:16 PM

Oil & Servicing

TSBs and Recalls - luvail
What OIL should I use? - Forum Discussion

A special note...

There are two tools that any VAG owner absolutely must have. Just like your torque wrench and your socket set, your toolbox is crippled without them:

1) A VAG-COM cable/software from Ross-Tech in Lansdale, PA

This cable will connect your laptop to the OBDII port on your car, and enable you to self-diagnose, pull the full code for your problem, and clear out that CEL so you can get on with your life. Having the cable around will also allow you to run software like Lemmiwinks to tweak your ECU a bit.

2) The official factory repair manual, from Bentley Publishers in Cambridge, MA, available from the manufacturer or through many of our dedicated forum sponsors/banner advertisers.

These manuals are comprehensive guides to your car, from wiring diagrams to engine cut-aways to torque specs. Not having one is like doing carpentry without a tape measure - it just won't work out well in the end.

Chances are, many of the things you want to do, or want to know, can be understood by simply having these two things around. No need to post or even use the search - just hook up and scan, or open to the right section and get to work.

So, pick these up, whether it be from the classifieds, ebay, or your favorite car parts source, and get familiar with them. Your ownership time will be much better for it.