[OverSeasSoul]

Hi - this is my first post to the forum for my 2009 V6 TDI purchased from new with 112,000 miles that I am now servicing. I've replaced the water pump and want to fit a new serpentine belt while I'm in there. Seems there are two sensors and their wiring inside the loop of the belt (thanks VW!) and I am wary of just twisting and pulling to disconnect them. Think one of the sensors is the crankshaft location sensor; don't know about the other one. I've posted pics below. Can anyone advise on how to disconnect the sensor wires/coupling so I can refit the belt, or provide an easier way? I've tried all ways to solve this puzzle but its clear the sensor wiring crosses inside the ring of the belt.

Also posted similar on VW vortex, so apologies for cross posting, but they don't seem to be as mechanically active there and I need help. Car's been jacked up in the garage since Xmas eve and my wife is about to kill me.

 

[G6mdxvct]

Hi - this is my first post to the forum for my 2009 V6 TDI purchased from new with 112,000 miles that I am now servicing. I've replaced the water pump and want to fit a new serpentine belt while I'm in there. Seems there are two sensors and their wiring inside the loop of the belt (thanks VW!) and I am wary of just twisting and pulling to disconnect them. Think one of the sensors is the crankshaft location sensor; don't know about the other one. I've posted pics below. Can anyone advise on how to disconnect the sensor wires/coupling so I can refit the belt, or provide an easier way? I've tried all ways to solve this puzzle but its clear the sensor wiring crosses inside the ring of the belt.

Also posted similar on VW vortex, so apologies for cross posting, but they don't seem to be as mechanically active there and I need help. Car's been jacked up in the garage since Xmas eve and my wife is about to kill me.

You cannot just twist and pull any VW connector. If you look there is a locking tab that has to be released and then you push down and pull up . I use a small screwdriver that I put a small hook bend which helps release the locking tab. Even if you break the tab the connector will be pretty tight but better to learn to remove as all the electrical connectors disengage in a similar fashion.

 

[OverSeasSoul]

Thank you. I found the tab you mentioned on other connectors that were more accessible and practiced with them. With some fiddling was able to get the two connectors off cleanly and without trauma. Then I had to remove a bracket just to thread the ribbed/serpentine belt correctly, and put the bracket and wiring back together. Crazy to have to do that, but its done. Now just have to put the coolant back. Many thanks again.

 

[G6mdxvct]

Thank you. I found the tab you mentioned on other connectors that were more accessible and practiced with them. With some fiddling was able to get the two connectors off cleanly and without trauma. Then I had to remove a bracket just to thread the ribbed/serpentine belt correctly, and put the bracket and wiring back together. Crazy to have to do that, but its done. Now just have to put the coolant back. Many thanks again.

Great, glad you got it squared away. You will find in a lot of instances repair requires removal of something else for access or operation, etc. Seems to me that whatever I think is going to be the simplest part of a repair takes more time than anticipated .

 

[harrisod53]

Thanks for the information! I'm currently installing a new water pump and ran into the same issue with removing the serpentine belt, crazy that you have to remove a bracket and plugs to remove the belt. I also have a 2009 Touareg, 3.0 TDI, and after the VW Dealer replaced the water pump, for $900, 6 months ago, I decided to do it myself this time.