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.