ric220

Can I just check whether the most annoying thing about my sharan - the appalling issue with rubbish wiring looms passing into doors - was never redesigned during the life of the mk 1 or 2? Are the later ones any better?

So the 2.3 has a chain rather than a belt? Do the tensioners need doing every so often? To be honest the 130k engine in my sharan is a peach - more poke than the other options and not too thirsty either. It's rust that's killing it. Failed mot on corrosion for 2nd year running. Is that so common or was I just unlucky? Also, did the wiring through the doors improve at any particular point or can I still expect a 2004 model to flash it's lights every time I hit the brakes?

My '99 Sharan is getting old and crusty and I'm starting to think about replacing it. Due to my limited budget I'll be look at 2002 to 2004 ish. I'd be interested to know what people think is the most reliable engine and gearbox combination is (including the vw 1.8t and 2.0 options). 2.3 or tdi? I'm not bothered about power and not too concerned about mpg. Hoping you can help. Cheers.

Hi all. Took the car to a local gearbox specialist who said my mechanic hadn't changed the rubber gasket which had gone hard through years of use, hence a bad leak. He replaced the gasket and oil and it's made a huge difference! He said the box was nearly empty so it won't have done it much good but all the symptoms have gone. Thanks for your help.

Thanks Brian. I'll get the fluid changed as a precaution and see how it responds.

Excellent many thanks. Yes I thought it odd he struggled to seal the box. I'll get it changed by a different mechanic. He changed the filter too but I'm guessing that can be reused as it wasn't long ago?

Any ideas anyone?

Hi all. My '99 1.8t automatic gearbox is playing up! When cold (and more recently reasonably warm) there's a delay between selecting drive and the box engaging. Also, when pulling away from lights etc it'll fail to engage for a few seconds. It also seems to be reluctant to consistently engage at low speeds. When it does go into gear it does so with a bang. Any ideas? I had the atf changed a couple of months ago but my mechanic struggled to get the bottom of the box to seal again and it lost some fluid before sealing properly. Mechanic doesn't think it lost much fluid. Really hope someone can help! Cheers

All sorted. The initial replacement switch was duff. Next one fine. Didn't need adjusting (in fact there is no adjustment on the 2 pin ones). France here we come (thankfully via newhaven not Dover!)! Thanks very much all.

R

Crap. Not working. Worked perfectly for 5 mins now not at all,even with stamping on pedal (which always got the gearbox switch to release at least). Checked fuse (no 20?) and that's fine. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Panic over! Switch replaced, lights working! It was the 2 pin. Was a bugger to fit only because it took me a while to realise I needed the engine running otherwise the pedal didn't sink far enough for the plunder to go in. Otherwise dead easy! Many thanks all for your posts!

Excellent thanks. My local factors have the 2 pin version in stock but not the green 4 pin. Anyone know which I need?

Ps before I try this can I just confirm the switch has NO effect on the actual operation of the brakes?

Much appreciated all. I'll dive into the dashboard tomorrow morning. If it doesn't work I'll dive into something deeper...

Ps gsf have it in stock but according to the pictures it's black but I've read it should be the revised green version? Thanks

Thanks Daddyfixit but wd need much more info. What's the part, where is it located, how do I fit it? Cheers

Hi all. Sods law, my '99 Sharan 1.8t auto has no brake lights and we're off camping in France Thursday first thing! Before you all groan and say "check for frayed wires in the tailgate boot", I replaced all of them a year ago and they're fine! So, the auto gearbox won't go into drive unless I stamp on the brake pedal twice. This releases the gearbox switch and I can move into drive / reverse fine. I know the 'box gets its signal to allow the lever to move from the brake lights (ie brake needs to be on before it'll allow the lever to move). At the same time there are no brake lights at all EXCEPT as soon as I've stamped on the pedal. The lights all work fine UNTIL I release the brake pedal and reapply it, when there's nothing. I've read comments re the brake light switch being dodgy but other posts saying that's not the issue. So can anyone help?? At the moment I'm not sure we can take the car abroad and I'm desperate! With any advice specific names of parts needed and whether ford or vw would be appreciated. Many thanks all! Richard

Ok many thanks. I'm thinking I should carry a spare. While on the subject of engines I should sing the praises of the VAG 1.8t. Made for over 17 years and fitted to almost all models from volkswagen audi seat and skoda (ok that's only 2 manufacturers but still), it's a brilliant bit of engineering. Very tough, minimum of 150bhp (as in my sharan), smooth, even power without much turbo lag, and a flutter from the wastegate whenever easing off the throttle! It's lightweight, compact and easily tuned to at least 200bhp (although some have tweaked to 600+bhp). Clearly trying to tune the engine of a people carrier is purely denial of the fact that (like me) you're past 40 and a parent. But still - nice to know I could...

... or fail to do.

Ok now I'm intrigued! What the heck does this mysterious relay 30 that I've heard so much about actually do??

Thanks. Unfortunately mines a 4 speed (4000rpm at 80mph gets tiring after a while).

Thanks as always Brian. I'll check out the faq and go from there.

I'm going to get my mechanic to change the gearbox oil next week. Can I just check is one change enough? I've read that on some cars you need to change it 2 or 3 times to ensure all the old oils gone. Also, is there a filter? Thanks all.

Ps yes the speaker covers in Galaxies / Sharans are made of the most brittle plastic known to man! The indicator stalks (certainly in the sharan) feel like they were made by Proton on a bad day too..