My Latest Acquisition: 2003 VW Golf TDI

[PAFirefighter11]

Originally Posted by Cobb

Sorry bro, I cant get use to vw making a vehicle that looks somewhat aerodynamic other than the bug. Im use to sharpe edges or square vehicles.

Definitely to each their own and that's fine with me. Some of my buddies think these are the most girly, ugly cars ever. Others love 'em. Personal preference!

One tank through thus far. 3/4 highway (Most at 85 MPH following my buddy back from Mass), 1/4 backroads & stuck and spinning tires, and mind you this is winter blend diesel as well:

[NachtRitter]

Dang, I would love to find a reasonably priced 2-door MkIV Golf on the left coast! Congratulations on your find. If you haven't already, you should register at the TDIClub forum; the gurus there can answer nearly any question you might have about your diesel.

I expect that you'll be able to get 55mpg or better once winter leaves your area.

[PAFirefighter11]

Thanks! I've been on TDI Forum and VW Vortex for a little while now (In search of the vehicle).

I'm excited for spring to get here. We hit 57 degrees over the weekend. Highs this week are in the 20's and 30's. Snow tonight. Snow tomorrow. Snow this weekend... I'm sick of it.

[PAFirefighter11]

No time for Eco Mods thus far, but I did switch to the summer tires/wheels:


And I'm thinking they may have changed to summer blend diesel now. My last tank was pretty darn good! It involved a 250 mile road trip as well so that's definitely part of the FE boost:

[PAFirefighter11]

So my t-stat has been stuck open, so FE has dropped...



I took a freeze frame when the code hit (shown below). This was after 15 minutes of highway driving. Exterior temps were around 55°F. As you can see, the engine temp is 150.8°F:


The CEL has popped on twice in the last month with this code. Fuel efficiency has been pretty decent but not great. I typically drive 65-70 in a 55 and 75-80 in a 65 as that's the flow of traffic. If you do any slower around here you'll be run off the road, usually by a large truck:


I picked up a t-stat and need to replace it ASAP. I really want to do a grille block, maybe even this Saturday if the weather allows. At least that will get the temps back up.

[Rembrant]

Originally Posted by PAFirefighter11

I picked up a t-stat and need to replace it ASAP. I really want to do a grille block, maybe even this Saturday if the weather allows. At least that will get the temps back up.

Make sure you get the plastic t-stat neck and new o-ring as well. I just replaced the t-stat in my 03 TDI, and the two clips in the neck cracked off when I tried to remove it. The plastic neck and o-ring were in-stock at the dealer and only about $10 bucks. Just FYI.

Rem

[PAFirefighter11]

Originally Posted by Rembrant

Make sure you get the plastic t-stat neck and new o-ring as well. I just replaced the t-stat in my 03 TDI, and the two clips in the neck cracked off when I tried to remove it. The plastic neck and o-ring were in-stock at the dealer and only about $10 bucks. Just FYI.

Rem

I tried! All the local VW dealers do not have them (have never ordered them) including the dealer with whom I have dealer pricing. With that said they all told me they could order them but it would be Saturday when they came in. Unfortunately I have to do this job tonight (only chance I have to do it for several weeks). I may check the local auto parts store but did NOT want to replace it with a non-OEM brand as I hear they warp.

Currently I have:
-T-stat
-T-stat o-ring
-Coolant Temp Sensor
-Coolant Temp Sensor o-ring

I was tempted to do the "warmer" t-stat mod as it seems to really increase fuel efficiency but I'm still not sure how I feel about doing it to my VW.

[Rembrant]

Originally Posted by PAFirefighter11

I tried! All the local VW dealers do not have them (have never ordered them) including the dealer with whom I have dealer pricing.

The old plastic neck will be fine...if the pegs/clips break off, just use some wire or a cable tie to hold the t-stat in place until you get the bolts in, and it will be just fine.

Rem