6th Jul 2004, 14:27

I have 81k miles on my Volkswagen 1.8 Passat. At 40K, I started getting the Emissions Workshop and Check Engine light. I took it into a European auto shop, because the Volkswagen dealer said it would be 3 days before I got my car back. The independent replaced my vacuum hoses which was $550, not mentioning anything about the recall. The light check engine lights came on a couple of weeks later. I took it to another European auto shop because the other was booked. They told me it was the O2 sensor and another 570 was paid to fix this item. The error lights are on again, so I took it back to the European auto shop, who then were stumped and called the Volkswagen dealer, who stated that most likely its the Catalytic Converter, because its very common. Meanwhile I took it to a Catalytic Conv. repair shop to get them tested, and they state they Cat. Conv. are perfectly fine, passing all emissions test. The VW dealer states that it's a defect in the Volkswagen calibrations to the Cat. converter which doesn't pass self test, because the Cat. Converter has to be test perfect to VW standard. $2500 to repair the Cat. Converter, and because I am at 82k, my warranty is no good when calling the VW customer care 800 number. I don't know what to do.

7th Jul 2004, 19:09

"Check engine light" EMISSIONS WORKSHOP! Do you want to shut it off???

After reading all of the negative comments and how much money Passat owners have spent due to this manufacturer's problem, I am going to save the day and save you $$$ by showing you how to "reset" the diagnostic computer which makes the "emissions workshop-check engine light come on! (This is the same thing the VW dealer will charge you hundreds of dollars to do.) To turn off the "Check Engine" (Emissions Workshop) light, simply follow these 5 basic steps:

1. Pop open the hood.

2. Insert the key in the ignition and turn without starting the engine until all of the dash indicators light and warning tones sound.

3. With the key still in the ignition, use a 10mm wrench or socket to loosen and completely disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery. Wait about 60 seconds, turn key back to off position.

4. Re-connect and tighten the negative (-) cable to the battery and close the hood.

5. Start the engine. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS GONE OUT!

If the light stays on, then there really is a problem. If it has turned off, be glad, but don't be surprised to see it come on again in a few weeks. If it comes on again, simply follow steps 1-5. Remember... This quick repair is for those who just can't stand looking at this light or afford to visit VW every time this light comes on. If you feel the need to service the vehicle, service the vehicle. I hope this has made your "NIGHTMARE" a little easier!!!

2nd Oct 2004, 15:58

Could someone please provide me with information about the vacuum hose recall on the 2000 Passat?

30th Oct 2004, 09:05

I am having the same problem with my 2000 GTI VR6. Just took it to a Volkswagen (European) specialist who reset the computer and got rid of the check engine light. he is checking over the weekend to find out what it actually means. Hopefully I don't need to spend much money to fix it, because I simply can't afford it!

8th Nov 2004, 12:22

I have a 2000 Passat GLS Wagon and at about 40,000 miles the "Emissions Workshop" headache is starting. As I see it I have to fork over $94.00 to a dealer to diagnose it because the car has proprietary codes for emissions-related problems. Anyway, if they find that it is a covered defect they will pick up the tab, but if not, I am stuck with it. By the way, the car passed the annual emission test just fine. Since this doesn't seem to affect the performance of the car, the question is "Is this just a waste of money?"

I like the disconnect-the-battery fix to reset the check engine light, but I am worried that the anti-theft feature of the radio will be activated and I will have to pay the dealer $50 to type in the security code.

By the way, I have had a HORRIBLE time with tires on this car. I am just about to replace tires for the SECOND time (yes, after 20,000 miles the tires are shot!). The tire dealers keep telling me that the car gets out of alignment very easily and there must be something wrong with it, but the VW dealer says nothing is wrong. Go figure...h..

28th Nov 2004, 17:07

I have a 2000 Passat GLX. I have experienced the same problems as those sited above.

First time the check engine/emissions light came on, the dealership (US) told me it had to do with filling up gas, which effected the emissions sensor. I would have to make sure the gas cap was closed tight (make sure it clicks a few times) and then drive over 150 miles for the light to disappear. On a few occasions this actually worked and the light turned off.

When it came on again, the vacuum hose was replaced free of charge (under the recall).

It came on again, and the sensor in the dash had to be replaced (I had to pay - around $175 I think).

At 60,000 miles, when the light came on, both the left and right catalytic converter had to be replaced free of charge (under warranty).

It's on again. I have about 100,000 miles on the car, so now it's no longer covered under the original or replacement part warranty. I called the 800 number, but no luck. The dealership wants $3500 to replace it.

My boyfriend has a 2001 Passat GLX and is currently experiencing the same problem, but his cat. conv. had to be replaced at 25,000 miles and now his car sometimes stalls and the engine doesn't turn over on the first try.

VW's are great cars, but the maintenance fees are killer. I'm shopping around for a new car (not a VW, though).

24th May 2005, 13:46

I have a 2000 Passat GLS with about 48K miles and just recently started getting the Emissions Workshop! message with the Check Engine Light. The car was starting to surge when idling, going from 900RPMS to 1000RPMS several times before smoothing out. I took the car to the dealer for repairs. Dealer indicated that the fuel lines were failing and needed to be replaced - $500. About a week later the Check Engine light came on. Emissions Workshop! I decided to wait it out. Within three days the car started to lose power upon acceleration to the point where the Check Engine light started blinking. Owner's manual indicates that this is a catalytic converter problem. Had the car towed to the dealership and they indicated that the #4 Engine coil had failed - $300. A week later the check engine light comes on again. Emissions Workshop! It is sitting at the dealership as we speak. The shop foreman has told me that the secondary air hoses are cracked and need to be replaced - $350. If the check engine light comes on again, I'm disconnecting the battery to reset the check engine light and selling the car on Ebay.