Hi All,
New on here as have been lurking, researching (and scaring myself) on a possible purchase!
It's a 2011 Canadian market TDI with the 225Bbhp / 166Kw engine, same family owners from new, and I hear this might be the most reliable iteration of the Treg when looked after. It went from Canada to Belgium with the first family's work for the UN, then out to where I am in the BVI when they passed it along between sisters, as Europe is intent on making second-hand diesel worthless via taxation. Current owner now leaving island; he was going to fix and sell, but have the chance to purchase at a discount with known issues accounted for.
It has 11 VW service stamps in 106,000 miles (and I can tell oil has been dropped from the bottom previously).
It's not without issues (it's a 14 yr old German!), but I think I can cope with most, the biggest being the current DPF is blocked. This was caused after current owner ran it too long locally with bad combustion chamber sensor glowplugs before getting it fixed, which basically clogged the DPF. It now has a new set of plugs in, but DPF limp mode trips every other journey at minute. Front interior is dry despite some leaves in wing drains that need clearing. Some evidence of minor water ingress rear passenger right light area. It otherwise drives perfectly, with suspension steering and gearbox showing no issues.
I've had it on a ramp, taken lots of photos, and want thoughts on the below. I've read up on remaining other common issues, but just want a couple of second opinions before committing. The island I live on is only 4000 people, and servicing /maint is usually by myself, due to lack of skilled local shops. Good cars are worth comparatively way more here, whilst older complex cars with issues become worthless, as even if technical skills to fix are available, 20% import duty on top of the US price PLUS the shipping costs means most spares are double the price by the time they are landed. So a 2011 Touareg is rightfully terrifying, good history or not! I'm a decent amateur spanner wielder, with some engineering background, but by no means a pro, and my main work is IT and Audio Visual. I do have a ramp available I can use on occasion. Normally I stick to Toyota 4x4, although we have another unruly German in the Wife's 2007 E83 which has been a royal PITA, and this is to replace that.
My immediate intention is a homebrew DPF re-generation by cleaning with dish tablets/acid per these two videos on youtube: DPF home clean and DPF cleaning chemical comparisons
Then follow up ASAP with a DPF and EGR delete & Stg1 tune (no emissions here), to primarily remove failure points, more than performance reasons (but whilst there, hey why not).
Finally preventively replacing the Bosch pump and the oil pressure valve on the front of the engine, front belt, and possibly the injectors if required.
Full photo album is here
Any guidance on the following is greatly appreciated, and let me know if you spot anything in the album of note!
1. When I go for the DPF / EGR delete, how hard is removing the ECU for me to send away? normal few bits of trim and harness clips, or anything silly to contend with?
2a. I can't hear any timing chain rattles, but I've grabbed a video as those with experience may hear/recognise better.
2b. Ticking from the heads /valvetrain seems louder on startup from passenger side bank. Only slightly, but noticeable. Is this anything to worry about?
3. I can't identify if I have the crappy CP4 or CP1 pump - can someone confirm? I think it's the CP4 but I'm seeing various pics online where both have the same tower and sensor connection next to each other.
![Image]()
![Image]()
4. The accessory belt looks oldish - is this a fairly easy (standard) replacement job, accessible from the front, or are there any horrible surprises in store for an amateur mechanic? Same Q for the crank pulley (should I do this at the same time, or is the 8 bolt pulley fine to leave alone at these miles?)
![Image]()
5. DPF delete! The EGR all seems accessible from the top, and the DPF looks like it should come out OK without having to remove the subframe - is that correct? The main exhaust fasteners look like they should dremel / grind off. Any tips for those line connectors for a VW newby - are they reusable (or hose clamps fine)?
![Image]()
![Image]()
6. There are a few small oil leaks/seeps, which I would expect on any diesel of this mileage. Please let me know if any of the following are likely to cause major issues down the line, particularly what seems to be the engine/gearbox join, which seems to have been wiped clean not too long ago (might have been when leaky sump washer was swapped out not too long ago).
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
7. Running VCDS (owner has copy) shows the expected DPF error (which trips in and out currently), but also a P0101 - 0050 "MAF implausible signal". Might this be related to additional back pressure from the blocked DPF? car comes with spare MAF.
Full VCDS output:
Sorry for such a long introductory post!!!
If there's nothing too scary here, I'll secure this car and hopefully be here some more - but bear in mind my location and difficulty with any big scary jobs if they look impending!
Cheers
Dom
New on here as have been lurking, researching (and scaring myself) on a possible purchase!
It's a 2011 Canadian market TDI with the 225Bbhp / 166Kw engine, same family owners from new, and I hear this might be the most reliable iteration of the Treg when looked after. It went from Canada to Belgium with the first family's work for the UN, then out to where I am in the BVI when they passed it along between sisters, as Europe is intent on making second-hand diesel worthless via taxation. Current owner now leaving island; he was going to fix and sell, but have the chance to purchase at a discount with known issues accounted for.
It has 11 VW service stamps in 106,000 miles (and I can tell oil has been dropped from the bottom previously).
It's not without issues (it's a 14 yr old German!), but I think I can cope with most, the biggest being the current DPF is blocked. This was caused after current owner ran it too long locally with bad combustion chamber sensor glowplugs before getting it fixed, which basically clogged the DPF. It now has a new set of plugs in, but DPF limp mode trips every other journey at minute. Front interior is dry despite some leaves in wing drains that need clearing. Some evidence of minor water ingress rear passenger right light area. It otherwise drives perfectly, with suspension steering and gearbox showing no issues.
I've had it on a ramp, taken lots of photos, and want thoughts on the below. I've read up on remaining other common issues, but just want a couple of second opinions before committing. The island I live on is only 4000 people, and servicing /maint is usually by myself, due to lack of skilled local shops. Good cars are worth comparatively way more here, whilst older complex cars with issues become worthless, as even if technical skills to fix are available, 20% import duty on top of the US price PLUS the shipping costs means most spares are double the price by the time they are landed. So a 2011 Touareg is rightfully terrifying, good history or not! I'm a decent amateur spanner wielder, with some engineering background, but by no means a pro, and my main work is IT and Audio Visual. I do have a ramp available I can use on occasion. Normally I stick to Toyota 4x4, although we have another unruly German in the Wife's 2007 E83 which has been a royal PITA, and this is to replace that.
My immediate intention is a homebrew DPF re-generation by cleaning with dish tablets/acid per these two videos on youtube: DPF home clean and DPF cleaning chemical comparisons
Then follow up ASAP with a DPF and EGR delete & Stg1 tune (no emissions here), to primarily remove failure points, more than performance reasons (but whilst there, hey why not).
Finally preventively replacing the Bosch pump and the oil pressure valve on the front of the engine, front belt, and possibly the injectors if required.
Full photo album is here
Any guidance on the following is greatly appreciated, and let me know if you spot anything in the album of note!
1. When I go for the DPF / EGR delete, how hard is removing the ECU for me to send away? normal few bits of trim and harness clips, or anything silly to contend with?
2a. I can't hear any timing chain rattles, but I've grabbed a video as those with experience may hear/recognise better.
2b. Ticking from the heads /valvetrain seems louder on startup from passenger side bank. Only slightly, but noticeable. Is this anything to worry about?
3. I can't identify if I have the crappy CP4 or CP1 pump - can someone confirm? I think it's the CP4 but I'm seeing various pics online where both have the same tower and sensor connection next to each other.
4. The accessory belt looks oldish - is this a fairly easy (standard) replacement job, accessible from the front, or are there any horrible surprises in store for an amateur mechanic? Same Q for the crank pulley (should I do this at the same time, or is the 8 bolt pulley fine to leave alone at these miles?)
5. DPF delete! The EGR all seems accessible from the top, and the DPF looks like it should come out OK without having to remove the subframe - is that correct? The main exhaust fasteners look like they should dremel / grind off. Any tips for those line connectors for a VW newby - are they reusable (or hose clamps fine)?
6. There are a few small oil leaks/seeps, which I would expect on any diesel of this mileage. Please let me know if any of the following are likely to cause major issues down the line, particularly what seems to be the engine/gearbox join, which seems to have been wiped clean not too long ago (might have been when leaky sump washer was swapped out not too long ago).
7. Running VCDS (owner has copy) shows the expected DPF error (which trips in and out currently), but also a P0101 - 0050 "MAF implausible signal". Might this be related to additional back pressure from the blocked DPF? car comes with spare MAF.
Full VCDS output:
Monday,06,May,2024,11:48:35:50547
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 11 x64
VCDS Version: 24.5.0.0 (x64) HEX-V2 CB: 0.4643.4
Data version: 20240429 DS355.0
www.Ross-Tech.com
VIN: WVGDK6A91AD00xxxx License Plate:
Mileage: 163800km-101780mi Repair Order:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chassis Type: A9 (6N0)
Scan: 01 02 03 05 08 09 15 16 17 19 22 2E 36 37 46 47 55 56 68 69
6C 6D 6E 76 77
VIN: WVGDK6A91AD00xxxx Mileage: 163800km-101780miles
01-Engine -- Status: Malfunction 0010
02-Auto Trans -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
05-Acc/Start Auth. -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: Malfunction 0010
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: Malfunction 0010
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: Malfunction 0010
22-AWD -- Status: OK 0000
2E-Media Player 3 -- Status: OK 0000
36-Seat Mem. Drvr -- Status: OK 0000
37-Navigation -- Status: Malfunction 0010
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
47-Sound System -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
55-Headlight Range -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: Malfunction 0010
62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000
68-Wiper Electr. -- Status: OK 0000
69-Trailer -- Status: OK 0000
6C-Back-up Cam. -- Status: OK 0000
6D-Trunk Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
6E-Ctrl Head Roof -- Status: OK 0000
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000
76-Park Assist -- Status: OK 0000
77-Telephone -- Status: OK 0000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine (CAT) Labels:. 059-907-401-CAT1.clb
Part No SW: 7L0 907 401 T HW: 7L0 907 401 K
Component: 3.0TDI EDC17G004AG 0060
Revision: 33H02--- Serial number: VWX3Z0J2909070
Coding: 0421002A590F0968
Shop #: WSC 00237 211 88687
VCID: 3C2126551A77F0DA4BB-5184
VINID: 9E65D46C64490515000031831867ED0E0C
3 Faults Found:
009315 - Particle Filter
P2463 - 000 - Excessive Soot Accumulation - Intermittent - MIL ON
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 10100000
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 13
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 163743 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.04.30
Time: 09:10:33
Freeze Frame:
RPM: 1533 /min
Speed: 26.9 km/h
Pressure: 63 mbar
Temperature: 139.5 C
Temperature: 82.6 C
(no units): 126.9
008194 - Particulate Trap Bank 1
P2002 - 008 - Efficiency Below Threshold - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00101000
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 13
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 163743 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.04.30
Time: 09:10:33
Freeze Frame:
Temperature: 26.1 C
Pressure: -6 mbar
(no units): 33.0
(no units): 17.5
Mileage: 100 km
(no units): 8.0
000257 - Mass Air Flow Sensor (G70)
P0101 - 005 - Implausible Signal - MIL ON
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 11100101
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 163776 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.05.04
Time: 12:36:55
Freeze Frame:
RPM: 1218 /min
Speed: 37.0 km/h
(no units): 168.0
(no units): 0.71
Absolute Pres.: 1111.8 mbar
Temperature: 51.3 C
Temperature: 86.4 C
Readiness: 1 2 0 0 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans
Cannot be reached
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 7L0-907-379-MK25E1.clb
Part No SW: 7L0 907 379 P HW: 7L0 614 517 C
Component: ESP ALLRAD MK25E1 0304
Revision: 00H53001
Coding: 0004354
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 46D544BD54EBBA0A2DF-8012
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. Labels: None
Part No SW: 7L0 909 135 C HW: 7L0 909 135 C
Component: Kessy 6850
Revision: 00H22072 Serial number: VWX3Z0J2909070
Coding: 0000232
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 313F0761CD650DB2E8D-8064
Subsystem 1 - Part No: XXXXXXXXXXX
Component: ELV XXXX
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: 7L6-907-040.clb
Part No: 7L6 907 040 AL
Component: CLIMAtronic R/L 4537
Coding: 0003030
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 7AADE04D50930EEA197-802E
2 Faults Found:
00353 - Function Return Message from Fresh Air Blower Regulator
001 - Upper Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Voltage: 14.00 V
Voltage: 10.48 V
Voltage: 12.53 V
Voltage: 14.00 V
01592 - Air Quality Sensor (G238)
007 - Short to Ground
Freeze Frame:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. Labels:. 7Lx-937-049-V2.clb
Part No SW: 7L6 937 049 AF HW: 7L6 937 049 AF
Component: J519 2004
Revision: -0004--- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 220008002F00BC000000000000000000
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 005992A5364F543A573-8054
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: 7L0-959-655.lbl
Part No SW: 7L0 959 655 A HW: 7L0 959 655 A
Component: J234__0B VW8T 0270
Revision: 92013027 Serial number: 003C6001EM6L
Coding: 0012354
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 3B2325491F29F7E2421-806E
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel Labels: 7L6-953-549.lbl
Part No: 7L6 953 549 G
Component: J527 3601
Coding: 0010211
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 43D35DA967D98F220A1-8016
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 7L6-920-xxx-7L6.lbl
Part No SW: 7L6 920 890 P HW: 7L6 920 890 P
Component: J285 KOMBI-INST. 9833
Revision: KHH06V44
Coding: 0000101
Shop #: WSC 45926 004 104857
VCID: 45D743B169ADB112245-8010
1 Fault Found:
00470 - Company Comfort Databus in Single Wire
011 - Open Circuit
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01101011
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 20
Reset counter: 79
Mileage: 163151 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.02.18
Time: 16:36:42
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels:. 6N0-909-901-7L.clb
Part No SW: 6N0 909 901 HW: 7L6 920 890 P
Component: J533 GW-K-CAN TP20 9833
Coding: 77E2EFDBCB846002
Shop #: WSC 45926 004 104857
VCID: 70B9C26506AF44BAA73-8024
1 Fault Found:
00470 - Company Comfort Databus in Single Wire
011 - Open Circuit
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01101011
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 20
Reset counter: 79
Mileage: 163151 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.02.18
Time: 16:36:42
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 22: AWD Labels: None
Part No: 0AD 927 755 BG
Component: TRANSFERCASE 0126
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 015F97A13D155D3258D-5184
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 2E: Media Player 3 (J650) Labels:. 5N0-035-342.lbl
Part No SW: 5N0 035 342 B HW: 5N0 035 342 B
Component: SG EXT.PLAYER H13 0090
Revision: A1001003 Serial number: 7667771709
Coding: 020000
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 2615E43DF8EB5A0A0DF-8072
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr Labels: None
Part No: 7L0 959 760
Component: Sitzverstellung 0702
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 77ABF97963811382669-8022
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 37: Navigation (J0506) Labels:. 1T0-035-680.clb
Part No SW: 7L6 035 684 B HW: 7L6 035 684 B
Component: RNS-MID H02 0382
Revision: AB001001 Serial number: VWZ6Z7K9034171
Coding: 200500000100002600
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 35373371354D2192B45-8060
2 Faults Found:
03181 - Internal Error SDARS Module
000 - - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 5
Fault Frequency: 254
Reset counter: 119
Mileage: 163144 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.02.19
Time: 15:51:26
02635 - Tuner Not Enabled/Activated
000 - - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 7
Fault Frequency: 10
Reset counter: 118
Mileage: 163640 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.04.13
Time: 20:30:23
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. Labels: 7L0-959-933.clb
Part No: 7L6 959 933 A
Component: 4M HSG 0601
Coding: 0000085
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 40D952A5769F943A173-4B3C
Subsystem 1 - Part No: 7L0 959 701 N
Component: Tuersteuergeraet FS 6304
Subsystem 2 - Part No: 7L0 959 702 N
Component: Tuersteuergeraet BF 6304
Subsystem 3 - Part No: 7L0 959 703 C
Component: Tuersteuergeraet HL 0201
Subsystem 4 - Part No: 7L0 959 704 C
Component: Tuersteuergeraet HR 0201
1 Fault Found:
00470 - Company Comfort Databus in Single Wire
011 - Open Circuit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 47: Sound System Labels: 7Lx-035-4xx-47.lbl
Part No SW: 7L6 035 466 C HW: 7L6 035 466 C
Component: DSP 10 Kanal 0020
Revision: 00H06001 Serial number: 75835000890806
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 34310E753237389A83B-8060
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 55: Headlight Range Labels: 7L6-907-357-A.lbl
Part No SW: 7L6 907 357 C HW: 7L6 907 357 C
Component: AFS-Steuergeraet 0143
Revision: 00H04000 Serial number:
Coding: 1290435
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 3B2325491F29F7E2421-806E
Subsystem 1 - Part No: 7L6 941 329 B Labels: 3D0-941-329.CLB
Component: AFS-Lst.-Modul l 0004
Coding: 00000019
Subsystem 2 - Part No: 7L6 941 329 B Labels: 3D0-941-329.CLB
Component: AFS-Lst.-Modul r 0004
Coding: 00000019
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio (J0506) Labels:. 1T0-035-680.clb
Part No SW: 7L6 035 684 B HW: 7L6 035 684 B
Component: RNS-MID H02 0382
Revision: AB001001 Serial number: VWZ6Z7K9034171
Coding: 200500000100002600
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 35373371354D2192B45-8060
2 Faults Found:
03181 - Internal Error SDARS Module
000 - - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 5
Fault Frequency: 254
Reset counter: 119
Mileage: 163144 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.02.19
Time: 15:51:26
02635 - Tuner Not Enabled/Activated
000 - - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 7
Fault Frequency: 10
Reset counter: 118
Mileage: 163640 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2024.04.13
Time: 20:30:23
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 68: Wiper Electr. Labels: 7L0-955-119-V2.clb
Part No: 7L6 955 119 B
Component: J400__ Front Wiper 5301
Coding: 0001397
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 392F3F411555C5F250D-806C
Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 955 559 AH Labels: 1K0-955-559-AG.CLB
Component: RLS 040210 054 0403
Coding: 00208941
Shop #: WSC 31414
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 69: Trailer Labels: 7L0-907-383-1D2.lbl
Part No SW: 7L0 907 383 N HW: 7L0 907 383 N
Component: J345 Anhaenger 0080
Revision: 4A008002 Serial number: 00000125045766
Coding: 0016386
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 3FDB51590B31EBC26E9-806A
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 6C: Back-up Cam. Labels: 5N0-907-441.clb
Part No SW: 7L6 907 441 B HW: 7L6 907 441 B
Component: J772__Rearview 0033
Revision: 00H13000 Serial number: PA8 J010772
Coding: 0110001
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 34310E753237389A83B-8060
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 6D: Trunk Elect. Labels: 7L6-959-107.clb
Part No SW: 7L6 959 107 B HW: 7L6 959 107 B
Component: J605 HECKKLAPPE 1310
Revision: --H05--- Serial number: --------051215
Coding: 0122110
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 3A2D204D1013CEEA597-806E
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 6E: Ctrl Head Roof Labels: None
Part No SW: 7L6 919 044 AD HW: 7L6 919 044 AD
Component: J702 Dachdisplay 0401
Revision: 1030006S Serial number: 00000000150940
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 79AFFF4155D505F210D-802C
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 76: Park Assist Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No: 7L0 919 283 F
Component: 0L Einparkhilfe 1108
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 392F3F411515C5F250D-806C
No fault code found.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 77: Telephone Labels: 5P0-862-335.lbl
Part No SW: 1Z0 035 729 E HW: 1Z0 035 729 E
Component: FSE_2P8x H40 0190
Revision: 00000000 Serial number: 00000005188695
Coding: 0012077
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
VCID: 3A2D204D1053CEEA597-806E
No fault code found.
End----------(Elapsed Time: 02:19, VBatt start/end: 14.4V/13.9V)-----------
Sorry for such a long introductory post!!!
If there's nothing too scary here, I'll secure this car and hopefully be here some more - but bear in mind my location and difficulty with any big scary jobs if they look impending!
Cheers
Dom
