Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, positioned as a premium European offering in its class.
Key Competitors:
Ford Mondeo, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Notable Attributes:
Sophisticated chassis, high-quality interior, advanced engine technology (especially TDI), comfortable ride, solid build quality.
Intended User:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs by providing factory-level diagnostic and repair information.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharged systems
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drive axles, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power distribution, starting and charging system, body control modules, climate control electronics, comfort features electronics
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, seating systems
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, component testing
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections/replacements, tune-ups
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, component overhaul, body repair, electrical system repairs
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, electrical specifications
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, text-searchable PDF
Printability:
Unrestricted printing, allowing for single pages or full document output
Binding Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Digital Paper Simulation:
Simulates standard automotive service manual paper quality for readability
Gasoline Engine Options:
2.0L 8v (AAC, ADY), 2.8L VR6 (AAA)
Diesel Engine Options:
1.9L TDI (AHU, ALH), 1.9L Turbo Diesel (1Z)
Vr6 Horsepower:
174 hp @ 5800 rpm
Vr6 Torque:
184 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
1.9L Tdi Horsepower:
90 hp @ 4000 rpm (AHU/ALH), 75 hp @ 4000 rpm (1Z)
1.9L Tdi Torque:
149 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm (AHU/ALH), 133 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (1Z)
Gasoline Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection Type:
Direct Injection, Turbocharged (TDI) or Indirect Injection (Turbo Diesel)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (gasoline), Bosch EDC (diesel)
Vr6 Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Tdi Block Material:
Cast Iron
Manual Transmission Offering:
5-speed manual transaxle
Automatic Transmission Offering:
4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., 01M)
Vr6 Transmission Options:
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic
Tdi Transmission Options:
5-speed Manual (front-wheel drive and optional syncro AWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
G 052 162 A1/A2 (Pentosin ATF 1)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
G 052 171 A2 (SAE 75W-90 Synthetic)
Wheelbase:
10.95 ft (2771 mm)
Overall Length:
15.83 ft (4825 mm)
Overall Width:
5.85 ft (1784 mm)
Overall Height:
4.81 ft (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
3100 - 3500 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4400 - 4600 lbs (approx.)
Sedan Trunk Capacity:
15.1 cu ft (approx.)
Wagon Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
37.0 cu ft (approx.)
Wagon Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
72.5 cu ft (approx.)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating Driver:
4 Stars (1997 model)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (1997 model)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, if applicable)
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard on most models
Traction Control System TCS:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side airbags available on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD players, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Monsoon).
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning, optional Climatronic automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel, and engine temperature; onboard computer (check control) on higher trims.
Early Phone Integration:
Optional provisions for dealer-installed cellular phone kits.
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
60,000 miles or 4 years (for gasoline VR6 and 4-cylinder engines)
Tdi Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
60,000 miles or 4 years (crucial for preventing catastrophic engine damage)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (API SJ/CF or ACEA A3/B3 or VW 500 00/502 00/505 00 for gasoline) or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (VW 505 00/505 01 for TDI)
Coolant Specification:
G12 (VW TL 774 D/F) - purple coolant (pre-mix or concentrate)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Common Electrical Problems:
Door module failures, HVAC blower resistor failure, window regulator issues, ABS sensor failures.
Common Engine Problems:
Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), coolant flange leaks (especially on VR6), PCV system issues, vacuum leaks.
Common Suspension Problems:
Worn control arm bushings, torn ball joint boots, sagging springs (especially rear on wagons).
Common Tdi Specific Issues:
Crankshaft seal leaks, glow plug issues, turbocharger vane control problems (VNT), injector seal leaks.
Volkswagen Legacy:
Long history of producing robust, reliable, and technically advanced vehicles known for their build quality and driving dynamics.
Passat B5 Introduction:
The B5 generation Passat was a significant redesign, introducing a new platform (PL45+) and a more sophisticated design language heavily influenced by Audi.
Key Updates 1995-1997:
Initial introduction of the B5 platform. Covered period represents early production and refinement of the platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Emden, Germany; Puebla, Mexico (for North American market)
Car And Driver Best 10:
The Passat B5 was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run, highlighting its excellent balance of attributes.
Konsumen Reports Reliability:
Consumer Reports generally rated the Passat B5 from average to below average in reliability for these early model years, a common trait for German luxury sedans of the era.
Emisiones Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model years.
