Segment:
Mid-size family sedan/wagon
Target Audience:
European car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, VW owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge
Competitors 1995:
Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Lumina
Design Philosophy:
German engineering, solid build quality, refined ride
Utility:
Designed for both novice DIYers and experienced technicians, providing clear, sequential instructions.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (2.0L ABA, 2.8L VR6 AAA), Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Engine management/ECU, Automatic & Manual Transmissions (020, 02A, 096, 01M)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson strut, Rear Torsion beam/Independent), Steering (Power assisted rack & pinion), Brakes (Front vented discs, Rear discs/drums, ABS), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, Lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), Gauges & Instruments, Power accessories (windows, mirrors, locks), Battery, Charging system, Starting system, HVAC controls, SRS (Airbag) system
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior trim, Seats, Upholstery, Glass & Seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspections/replacement, Fluid checks/changes
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair, Brake system overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and repair, HVAC system repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, Fault code interpretation, Common problem diagnosis and solutions
Installation Removal:
Component disassembly and reassembly, Installation of new parts, Timing belt replacement procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic checks to full engine rebuilds)
Diagnostic Focus:
Detailed diagnostic strategies, including OBD-II system information and common failure points
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text
Print Quality:
Printable pages, optimized for clear reproduction
Digital Format:
PDF reader software compatibility (Adobe Acrobat Reader recommended)
Digital Features:
Hyperlinked sections for easy navigation, bookmark functionality
2.0L Mpi:
2.0L Inline-4, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), 8 Valves, SOHC, ABA engine code
2.0L Power:
115 hp @ 5400 rpm
2.0L Torque:
122 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
2.8L Vr6:
2.8L VR6, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), 12 Valves, SOHC, AAA engine code
2.8L Power:
172 hp @ 5800 rpm
2.8L Torque:
184 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating 87 minimum recommended)
0 60 Mph 2.0L:
Approx. 10.5 - 11.5 seconds
0 60 Mph 2.8L Vr6:
Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 seconds
2.0L Transmission:
5-speed Manual (020 gearbox)
2.0L Transmission Auto:
4-speed Automatic (01M gearbox)
2.8L Vr6 Transmission:
5-speed Manual (02A gearbox) or 4-speed Automatic (096 gearbox)
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (Manual)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Gearbox Oil:
VW G 005 000 (or equivalent synthetic API GL-4 75W-90)
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Atf Fluid:
VW G 052 162 A1 (or equivalent ATF Type 3)
Length:
Approx. 187.7 inches (Sedan), 188.9 inches (Wagon)
Width:
Approx. 69.4 inches
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (Sedan), 57.0 inches (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.7 inches
Curb Weight 2.0L Manual:
Approx. 3000 lbs
Curb Weight 2.8L Vr6 Manual:
Approx. 3200 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model and configuration, typically around 4200-4400 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (Driver/Passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard on most models (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
Optional on some VR6 models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts front and rear, driver pretensioner
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical for ABA and AAA engines).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SG/SH/SJ)
Engine Oil Type 2.8L Vr6:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SG/SH/SJ)
Coolant:
G 11 (Blue/Green) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, CV joint boots, wheel bearings, coolant flange seals, window regulators, door lock actuators, ABS sensors.
Engine Specific Issues:
Oil leaks from front crank seal and valve cover gasket; coolant leaks from thermostat housing and water pump (ABA); potential timing chain tensioner issues (though less common on AAA than later VR6s).
Electrical Quirks:
Faulty central locking modules, intermittent dashboard warning lights, HVAC blower resistor failure.
Volkswagen Legacy:
Volkswagen's long history of reliable and well-engineered German automobiles.
Passat Generation:
B4 generation, representing a significant facelift and platform update from the B3.
Platform Significance:
The B4 Passat shared its platform with the Audi 80/90 (B3/B4), contributing to its refined driving dynamics.
Production Years:
B4 generation produced from 1993 (for model year 1994) to 1997.
Manufacturing Location:
Emden, Germany
Consumer Reports Rating:
Generally rated average to above average for its class, with praise for ride quality and safety.
Idaho Transportation Department Award:
Historically, Volkswagen models received recognition for safety features in certain domestic publications.
