Wondering if anyone could help me determine if there's a VW version of the eLearn system for finding repair and troubleshooting info for their cars.

We have a 1998 Passatt playing up and I was asked if I could find the 'VW version of Fiat's eLearn' as my uncle fixing the VW saw the eLearn I was using and has realised this is probably going to be the most useful way of finding the faults.

Thanks in advance!

Simple: scrap the passat, and buy a looked after Alfa 156 instead!

puntofan01 said:

Simple: scrap the passat, and buy a looked after Alfa 156 instead!

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Don't worry, I would if it was mine!

Would not, and will never touch any of the VW Groups utter crap!


It's actually my grandfathers car...

He has a 1990 Ford Orion too - ironically never let him down with the original transmission, engine and everything!

He'll never sell it, or the Passatt .. Unfortunately.

But I'd love to help fix the problem with the power of modern technology!

I know I'm asking on a Fiat Forum but I don't think the chavs over at the VW fan groups would be aware computers can be used for more than Facebook!

(Note; not a fan of VWs or their drivers ;-) )

Is it throwing random electrical faults? Seem to recall that generation of passat has a spot that is liable to leak under the battery tray..water then collects under the carpet in the passenger side footwell..where the ECU lives and causes merry hell.

Try this - https://erwin.vw.com/erwin/performSearchArticleSimple.do

StevenRB45 said:

Is it throwing random electrical faults? Seem to recall that generation of passat has a spot that is liable to leak under the battery tray..water then collects under the carpet in the passenger side footwell..where the ECU lives and causes merry hell.

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I can't believe it, this is EXACTLY what happened. Last time I was involved, we had to strip out the carpet, seats etc all the wiring loom was replaced, rear door electrics, lights etc and it was running fine (for a few months until now). The ECU was the problem then, and it seems like it now too.

Where .. the HELL does VW's build quality rumour come from?! I thought the 90s models were the 'older' ones that could still claim to be built 'better' too..

I'm starting to think my next car will be a little Fiat, even if it is basic: No nasty surprises like this! haha

SB1500 said:

Don't worry, I would if it was mine!

Would not, and will never touch any of the VW Groups utter crap!


It's actually my grandfathers car...

He has a 1990 Ford Orion too - ironically never let him down with the original transmission, engine and everything!

He'll never sell it, or the Passatt .. Unfortunately.

But I'd love to help fix the problem with the power of modern technology!

I know I'm asking on a Fiat Forum but I don't think the chavs over at the VW fan groups would be aware computers can be used for more than Facebook!

(Note; not a fan of VWs or their drivers ;-) )

Click to expand...

Don't let certain forum members see that, or you'll get no end of abuse, lol!

SB1500 said:

I can't believe it, this is EXACTLY what happened. Last time I was involved, we had to strip out the carpet, seats etc all the wiring loom was replaced, rear door electrics, lights etc and it was running fine (for a few months until now). The ECU was the problem then, and it seems like it now too.

Where .. the HELL does VW's build quality rumour come from?! I thought the 90s models were the 'older' ones that could still claim to be built 'better' too..

I'm starting to think my next car will be a little Fiat, even if it is basic: No nasty surprises like this! haha

Click to expand...

If the ECU has been in a wet environment for months even if the leak has been plugged and the wiring replaced you may find fault finding to be a fools errand. It could be sending you all over the shop when actually the ECU itself is the fault.

The reputation for reliability came from the same marketing department as the emissions figures..:devil:

Nothing wrong with a complex car as long the entire build budget hasn't gone on marketing, soft touch plastics, chrome rings around stuff and damped grab handles

SB1500 said:

Where .. the HELL does VW's build quality rumour come from?! I thought the 90s models were the 'older' ones that could still claim to be built 'better' too..

Click to expand...

Back in the 1990s these cars were bomb proof but time does take its toll and 18 years on I'm not sure what you expect !?
A fiat from the same era will need the bottom welding back on by now. Even much newer mk2 puntos are being scrapped left right and centre due to rust so you probably need to apply a little perspective.

It does sound like you've already had major surgery on the car's wiring and as pointed out if it's already had problems in this area and not everything has been replaced then it's not surprising it's come back.

In all honesty it probably should have been scrapped last time it went wrong, it's probably going to require major investment again to get fixed and no VW doesn't have a version of elearn you'll be able to use as it's all online and requires VW approval to use