1000 answered questions - VW TDI FAQ, general diesel/turbo FAQ, and "how to" master index

Here is an index of both basic and advanced information about how your diesel car works, car specific maintenance information and tips for fluid capacities, specs, etc., modifications to your car, and "how to" articles.

General TDI buyer's guide and why not a hybrid

Diesel engine and mechanical basics 
How a diesel engine works 
Basic and advanced turbo theory    Turbo theory page 2
How a transmission works------How the DSG auto-manual transmission works and FAQ-----VW TDI clutch FAQ
Tips for the mechanic
------------How to use a torque wrench and FAQ 
The proper way to break in a new engine
Tax exemptions and credits with the TDI
Diagnosing constant no power or can't rev high on TDI engine-----fixing limp mode, sudden loss of power TDI 

 

Biodiesel 
Introduction to biodiesel 
Making biodiesel at home 

 

"How to" articles, maintenance, and modifications by generation, model, and year.
Mk3
a3 1997-early 1999 VW Jetta TDI
b4 1996-1997 VW Passat TDI

Mk4
a4 late 1999 - 2004 VW Jetta (pre pumpe duse)

a4 2004-2005 VW Jetta (pumpe duse)

a4 1998-2003 VW Golf and New Beetle TDI (pre pumpe duse)
 
a4 2004-2006 VW Golf and New Beetle TDI (pumpe duse)

b5 2004-2005 VW Passat 

Mk5 - Mk6
a5 2005.5-2010 Jetta

 

Performance, economy, and modifications for all
Tire, wheel, clearance, offset, and gearing calculator
power modifications: basic performance upgrades

power modifications: larger injectors/nozzles

power modifications: turbo exhaust

power modifications: advanced performance upgrades

brake FAQ and busting big brake myths

economy-5th gear swap

differences between different generations and different models of VW TDI

exterior car detailing and care

interior car detailing and care

OEM VW/Audi wheel gallery, database, and part numbers
1.6L Renault diesel injection pump rebuild   ---- Part 1   ----Part 2

 

Model specific buying checklist and new owner guide + catch up maintenance

1996-1999 mk3 VW Jetta, Passat TDI buying checklist
1999-2005 mk4 VW Jetta TDI buying guide
1998-2006 mk4 VW Golf, New Beetle TDI buying guide

2004-2005 mk4 VW Passat TDI buying FAQ

2005.5-2006 mk5 VW Jetta TDI buying tips and checklist

2009-2010 mk5 VW Jetta TDI buying checklist

2009-2010 mk5 vs mk6 generational change

2010 mk6 VW Golf TDI buying guide and FAQ

2010 Audi A3 TDI buying checklist and FAQ

Possible 2011 Audi A4 TDI for North America FAQ

 

Maintenance intervals, fluid capacities, technical specs, factory equipment
a3 1997-early 1999 jetta 
a4 late 1999 jetta (pre pumpe duse) 
a4 2004-2005 jetta (pumpe duse) 
a4 1998-2003 new beetle (pre pumpe duse)
a4 2004-2006 new beetle (pumpe duse) 
a4 1998-2003 golf (pre pumpe duse) 
a4 2004-2006 golf (pumpe duse) 
a5 2006+ jetta 
b4 1996-1997 passat 
b5 1999-2005 passat 

 

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