KNOWN FAULTS · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat B6 1.8 TSI (EA888 gen 1) common problems.

2005–2010 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Timing chain tensionerValve timing

Engine / equipment: 1.8 / 2.0 TSI-TFSI EA888, 1st and 2nd generation
Period mentioned: Approx. 2008–2015
Symptoms: Metallic rattle for a few seconds on a cold start, engine light for camshaft/crankshaft correlation; in the worst case the engine won't start after a loud noise.
Possible cause described: The hydraulic chain tensioner (old design) loses pressure on cold starts, the chain goes slack and can jump teeth, causing valves to hit pistons.
Check for the garage: An inspection plug on the lower timing cover shows the tensioner position. Listen to a cold start.
Cost cited in the source: €1,500–4,000 (chain, guides and tensioner)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the air conditioning system described.

A/C not cooling: N280 valveClimate control

Engine / equipment: Air conditioning with clutchless compressor and N280 regulating valve (combustion VW, Audi, Seat, Cupra and Skoda from 2006)
Period mentioned: 2006–2026
Symptoms: The air does not cool or cools intermittently (for example only at motorway speed), and sometimes the compressor rattles with the A/C on. Codes 01232 (N280 valve), P2612 or 00898.
Possible cause described: The compressor regulates its output with the N280 solenoid valve, its most common failure point. Audi issued technical bulletins over a manufacturing fault in this valve on Sanden compressors. Its connector can also become brittle and corrode (especially without the engine undertray), or the wiring fails.
Check for the garage: Read the codes and N280 control current with VCDS or ODIS, measure its resistance (about 10 ohms) and check the connector and wiring before replacing parts. If the valve or compressor is replaced, the whole circuit must be flushed.
Cost cited in the source: N280 valve: a cheap part (about 30 dollars) where sold separately; new compressor with circuit flush: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.