Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon.
Reputation:
Known for solid German engineering, comfortable ride, and practical interior space. A more upscale offering in its class.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, BMW 3 Series (entry-level luxury).
Design:
Distinctive European styling, aerodynamic profile, spacious interior for its class.
Platform:
Based on Volkswagen's B4 platform, shared with other contemporary VW models.
Market:
North America (USA, Canada)
Region Specific:
Covers US and Canadian market specifications and regulations.
Approximate Pages:
Over 1500
Type:
Official Factory Repair Manual
Synonyms:
Service Manual, Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management (EFI), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch system, drive axles, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear disc/drum), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, infotainment, power accessories, ECUs, sensors, actuators.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, glass, interior trim, seating, HVAC system, body structural repairs.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, spark plug replacement.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, system diagnostics, troubleshooting, internal engine/transmission component repair, brake caliper rebuild, suspension arm replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, on-board diagnostics (OBD-I), interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearance specifications, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code Gasoline 1:
2.0L (8v SOHC) ABA
Engine Displacement Gasoline 1:
1984 cc
Engine Cylinders Gasoline 1:
4
Engine Configuration Gasoline 1:
Inline
Engine Horsepower Gasoline 1:
115 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine Torque Gasoline 1:
122 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Code Gasoline 2:
2.8L (12v VR6) AAA
Engine Displacement Gasoline 2:
2791 cc
Engine Cylinders Gasoline 2:
6
Engine Configuration Gasoline 2:
Narrow-angle VR6
Engine Horsepower Gasoline 2:
172 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine Torque Gasoline 2:
177 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI/Digifant for ABA, Simos for VR6).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for ABA, 91 octane recommended for VR6).
0 60 Mph Aba:
Approx. 10.5 seconds
0 60 Mph Vr6:
Approx. 8.2 seconds
Transmission Type Gasoline 1:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Gasoline 2:
4-speed Automatic (4HP18 for ABA, 01M for VR6)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
G 005 000 (or equivalent GL-4 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
G 052 162 A1 (or ATF type 'SP-III' or equivalent for 4HP18/01M)
Length:
Approx. 188.1 inches (4778 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.3 inches (2624 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 100 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 16 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 33 cubic feet (seats up), 67 cubic feet (seats down)
Curb Weight Aba:
Approx. 3000-3200 lbs
Curb Weight Vr6:
Approx. 3300-3500 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not specified for typical passenger car use, consult manual for specific ratings if applicable.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 1997 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 1997 model year)
ABS:
Standard on most models, often Bosch anti-lock braking system.
Traction Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims/VR6 models (ASR).
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD changer. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Display:
Digital clock and radio display, instrument cluster displays for engine vitals and warnings.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard or optional, as noted in safety section.
Diagnostics Port:
OBD-I connector, typically under the dash or in the engine bay. Requires specific adapters/scan tools for full diagnostic capabilities.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement Aba:
Every 30,000 miles (pre-1996), 60,000 miles (post-1996 with improved plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement Vr6:
Every 30,000 miles (using original equipment spec plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement Aba:
Critical: Every 60,000 miles. Failure causes severe engine damage due to interference design.
Timing Belt Replacement Vr6:
Critical: Every 60,000 miles. Failure causes severe engine damage due to interference design.
Engine Oil Spec Aba:
API SJ/SL, ACEA A2/A3, VW 500 00 or 502 00, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40.
Engine Oil Spec Vr6:
API SJ/SL, ACEA A2/A3, VW 500 00 or 502 00, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40.
Coolant Spec:
G 11 (blue or green ethylene glycol based coolant), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
G 004 000 M2 (or Pentosin CHF 11S/202).
Common Issue 1:
Timing belt failure (critical maintenance item). Water pump leaks often associated with timing belt service.
Common Issue 2:
Coolant flange leaks (often plastic on ABA, metal on VR6, can be upgraded).
Common Issue 3:
Ignition coil pack failure (VR6, leads to misfires).
Common Issue 4:
Window regulator failures (plastic components prone to wear).
Common Issue 5:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure (loss of fan speeds).
Common Issue 6:
ABS sensor failures, leading to ABS and/or Traction Control light illumination.
Common Issue 7:
Door lock module failures (central locking issues).
Manufacturer:
Volkswagen AG
Heritage:
Long history of engineering excellence, known for durable and practical vehicles like the Beetle and Golf.
Generation:
The B4 generation Passat was a significant redesign from the B3, focusing on improved aerodynamics, refinement, and modern features.
Differences From B3:
Smoother exterior styling, revised interior, updated powertrain options, introduction of VR6 engine in some markets.
Production Years Global:
1993-1997 (B4 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Mainly Emden, Germany, and Puebla, Mexico for North American market.