Servicing Imports

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit

Introduced as the fifth-generation Golf in Europe in 2003, the Rabbit entered the U.S. market in mid-2005. Mechanically, it's one of the more unusual vehicles on the road today, but some of its features are fast becoming more common. Among these are electric power steering, a highly sophisticated braking system and an automated-manual transmission that Volkswagen calls a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).

Unlike the 5-speed stick, the DSG requires occasional oil changes. Special oil is required, and VW says to check its electronic parts catalog because suppliers/part numbers are expected to change.

The 5-cylinder engine uses a dual-stage timing chain to drive the camshafts. The engine must be removed to remove those chains, but not for removing the camshafts. The port-injection fuel system has a return circuit at the inlet end of the fuel filter. The fuel pressure regulator is on the outside of the fuel filter, but not available as a separate part.

VW uses two different air conditioning compressors. The Sanden compressor holds 4.6 ounces (135 cc) of SP10 oil, while the Zexel compressor holds 3.9 ounces (115 cc) of ZXL100.

There are several service bulletins about poor A/C performance, some rather serious. However, if there are no codes and the ambient temperature sensor was ever disconnected, all it needs is a reset using a simple drive cycle. MIL illumination with catalyst codes may require a new catalyst and/or new PCM software. Communication faults can prevent the transmission from shifting out of Park. P0716 or P0740 with "high launch rpm" may be caused by faulty sensors inside the transmission. A no-crank situation might be caused by a faulty steering column control module.