2000 Volkswagen Passat 2000 VW Passat Rough Idle and High F

2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
160,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ANDREW.FARMER
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I have a 2000 VW Passat 1.8 Turbo with 160K Miles on it. It ran like a dream until about a month or so ago. About a month ago I had the dreaded oil sludge problem. Once that was fixed I now have what I think are vacuum problems.

1. When I go to start the car the car will not start. It cranks but engine will not start until I press the gas to the floor once and then it starts.

2. When the car is started at cold idle it is very rough and sounds like it has misfires. This symptom goes away at 1500 RPM and while driving. Changed coil pacs and plugs.

3. At start up and while driving inner city the brake pedal is very hard and does not stop the vehicle very well. I checked for vacuum leaks and found nothing

4. When I press the gas after being stopped at a stop light the car lags…really lags. RPMs stay between 1500 and 2000 RPM and then it magically kicks in and the car takes off. I went through and changed the Overrun cut off valve (was full of gummed up grit and grime) as well as the Carbon Filter purge value

5. Fuel consumption and MPG is also way low. Inner city is somewhere around 10 – 15 mpg right now. I haven’t touched the fuel system but did have everything serviced at 110K miles.

I have a mass air flow sensor / meter on order and should have it by Friday…is there anything I am missing?

I have had it to three “certified” mechanics with no avail and really wanted to get some feedback before I took it to a dealer.
Jul 21, 2010 at 1:27 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Hi
Suspect brake vacuum booster fault. Do you hear any like hissing sound from booster? after runnung engine turn off and then remove hose from booster does vacuum escape? if no for a test find something to plug up hose to booster start car and drive starting better? performance improved?
Let me know
Thanks for donate
Jul 21, 2010 at 2:30 PM
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ANDREW.FARMER
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Thank you for the response. Where is the booster located? Can you give me a general direction from the air box?
Jul 21, 2010 at 2:53 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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On firewall opposite of where brake pedal is
Jul 21, 2010 at 3:19 PM
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ANDREW.FARMER
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I'm sorry but I don't know what it is I am looking for. Any chance you have a picture or part number for it? I just want to be able to see what it is I am looking at.
Jul 21, 2010 at 3:58 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Big round canister with brake master cylinder attached
Jul 23, 2010 at 2:46 PM
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HARLEYOU812
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I am having the exact same problem with a 2000 passat. I am not seeing anything leaking by the master cylinder. Any other thoughts? To the OP did you get this fixed? If so what was the issue?
Jan 28, 2014 at 4:08 PM