I think my wheels & car needs a clean

Fault Code: 16804 P0420 035
Catalyst System, Bank1
Efficency Below Threshold
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Interesting day! They pulled the exhaust out, stuck a camera up both ends but couldn’t see anything wrong with the CAT. They checked both sensors – both seemed ok.

The only thing they could think of was the air-filter (after market), so they suggested that the standard VW one was fitted, and "see how it goes" (they couldn’t recreate the problem after they reset the error).

So I went home after being there for 5 hours with a VW airbox & filter (engine is very quiet now) and I guess we’ll see how it goes..

How much for the 5hrs labour and airbox + filter (I didn’t have one)

… Zip, Zero, Nada! I confirmed it with them, and they said "don’t worry about it – give us a call and let us know how it goes"..

Service or WHAT!!!!

visit: www.amdtechnik.co.uk (they’re great!!)

Bah the engine management light came on again so I’m back at AMD for them to check it out – hopefully…

Just stopped off to get my two front tyres swapped out.. Bit costly at £156 each..

Well, just over an hour and the MD came over to talk with me, he explained that the by-pass valve had failed – this pushes air around to the front of the turbo to keep it spinning and increases performance.. when it fails it produces a "flapping" sound, which the beetle has had since i bought it!!

He offered alternatives i.e. stock plastic once or a replacement aluminium one (i chose the ally one). He explained that he used to be a manager for a VW dealer and the work they carried out last Tuesday should only of taken about 15 minutes (I was stiffed for 2hrs labour). He said that the tests they performed were just "cop-outs" and they weren’t really using their heads.

They are also going to perform a 30k service and look at the droning noise at ~2,500 rpm in 4th and 5th. The local tyre place said it might me bearings, but I’ll leave it for these guys to look at.

More updates as and when…

Mon 13/02/2006 09:59 13022006

Mon 13/02/2006 09:59 13022006(001)

80 Miles later and we’ve arrived at AMD Technik. I made the trip to Bicester because I have once again lost confidence in the authorised dealers. VW weren’t able to "think out of the box", only respond to the results displayed on the diagnostic computer.

It’s not the first time the Beetle has been to AMD, it’s been here for a tune-up includding; ECU remapping, s/s exhaust, OZ 18" alloys, and VW sports supenssion.. so I guess they know the car??

Anyhow, I’ll update the blog as and when…

Tue 07/02/2006 08:54 07022006

Engine management light came on last night, and they are checking it over.. They simply reset it last time, hopefully it will last until the service on the 24th..

Sat 04/02/2006 15:43 04022006(001)

Sat 04/02/2006 15:44 04022006(003)

Special treat for Beetle…

Wed 01/02/2006 09:17 01022006(001)

Stuck in traffic, not moved for 30 mins… Yawn!