How do I fold in the wing mirrors on my 2017 Volkswagen Passat?

From what I can gather, the 2017 Passat in its Australian-delivered configuration doesn’t include the ability to automatically fold its mirrors in when you lock the doors. Certainly, you can do this manually for when you tackle an automatic car-wash, but that becomes tedious if you want the mirrors folded every time you lock and leave the car. But what’s interesting is that the car in other markets does, in fact, incorporate this feature, so it’s entirely possible, since your car already has the hardware) that the function is buried away deep, deep inside the set-up menus with a series of incomprehensible steps required to enable the function. Modern cars are subject to numerous hacks like this one, and a VW dealer might be able to point you in the right direction. It’s a handy feature and one that is valued highly by those who park on narrow streets each night. Actually, that’s why European versions of the Passat have the function in the first place, but it seems a bit mean that VW would drop it for our market.

Volkswagen Passat 2012: What does the flashing wrench indicator mean?

Hi Chloe, the wrench symbol is the service indicator light on this generation of Passat. I would take the car to your nearest licenced mechanical repairer and have them read the fault codes logged in the ECU, which is basically your car’s brain. Basically, when a part of your car stops working properly it sends an error message to the ECU, which has an error code it can display when the mechanic plugs their scan tool into the computer. This model Passat had an issue where the service light would come on, requiring the ECU’s software to be updated by the dealer. I’d take the car in and see what error codes come up as the first job.

Volkswagen Passat 2013: Is my car safe after a transmission failure?

There is little chance of anything else being damaged as a result of the transmission failure. I understand your concern about the safety of the car given your experience when the transmission failed and left you in a precarious situation, but the chances of it happening again are pretty slim now it has been repaired.

Volkswagen Passat: Key replacement cost

You can go to your dealer to get your key fob replaced, but without more information about your vehicle I can't guarantee how cheap it will be. If you don't want to go to your dealer to get your key fob replaced, check out this article for more options.

Volkswagen Passat 2006: Oil pressure dropping after top up?

It’s not related to the oil, the oil you used was correct. It shouldn’t lose oil pressure so quickly, if it does there is something going on within the engine that needs addressing. If the engine is making a bad sound, don’t drive it, and get a mechanic to check it.

Is the DSG gearbox good in a Volkswagen or Skoda wagon?

The DSG is a brilliant idea, but it was affected by a couple of issues that soured the experience for a lot of owners. The latest DSG is not affected by the problems of the older units; there have been a lot of improvements made to overcome the issues it had. You can buy one with confidence.

What's a good mid-sized wagon to buy?

You’re buying a used car, it’s not new, so you have to expect some wear-and-tear issues. The older the car, the greater the wear-and-tear, and the more likely it is to have suffered mechanical failures or even a crash. That means you have to thoroughly check the car before purchase, and you have to rely on the honesty of the vendor. If the car has had clutch problems it should be recorded in the service book. It’s the same with the others you’re looking at, check them thoroughly, and if you’re uncertain have an expert check them for you. Of the three others you are considering I would avoid the Passat as a potential money pit, and go for the i40 in preference to the Commodore.

What's a good mid-sized wagon to buy?

You’re buying a used car, it’s not new, so you have to expect some wear-and-tear issues. The older the car, the greater the wear-and-tear, and the more likely it is to have suffered mechanical failures or even a crash. That means you have to thoroughly check the car before purchase, and you have to rely on the honesty of the vendor. If the car has had clutch problems it should be recorded in the service book. It’s the same with the others you’re looking at, check them thoroughly, and if you’re uncertain have an expert check them for you. Of the three others you are considering I would avoid the Passat as a potential money pit, and go for the i40 in preference to the Commodore.

Volkswagen Passat 2011 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Volkswagen Passat 2011 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Volkswagen fix revealed for Australia

26 Nov 2015 · by Joshua Dowling

US owners of VW cars with diesel engines that can cheat emissions tests have already been given $500, but local owners still have no compensation.

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1995-2014

12 Mar 2015 · by Ewan Kennedy

Volkswagen Passat is a medium-large car aimed at those looking for a solid machine that should stand the test of time. Stylish it's not, but that's the way VW does its shapes, intending them to be ...

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 2008-2011

6 Jan 2014 · by Graham Smith

Most carmakers have a hot car division dedicated to turning mundane everyday drivers into fire-breathing, tyre-shredding, road-burners, and VW is no different.

VW recalls 2.6m cars worldwide, over 44,000 in Australia

15 Nov 2013 · by Joshua Dowling

Volkswagen has issued a worldwide recall of 2.6 million vehicles --including more than 44,000 cars in Australia -- for possible fuel leaks, electrical faults and gearbox problems.It is the second ...

VW recalls 2.6m cars, over 44,000 in Australia

15 Nov 2013 · by Staff Writers

Volkswagen is issuing recalls and advisories for about 2.6 million vehicles world-wide, including about 43,700 in Australia, for a range of three defects. The Australian vehicles include more than 16 ...

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1995-2012

15 Mar 2013 · by Ewan Kennedy

Passat is a medium-large German car that appeals to those who refuse to pay big dollars for a similar car from one of the more prestigious marques from the same country. Audi won’t thank us for ...

VW Passat a lemon?

Answered by CarsGuide 14 Jun 2012

It's impossible to say whether or not you have bought a lemon, but I would strongly urge you not to sell it, that would be the wrong thing to do at this stage. If you look on the positive side, VW has repaired the failures that have occurred, so they have backed the vehicle. The downside is that you would not expect a new car to have issues of the sort yours has had, and that's both disappointing and frustrating. But having bought the car, it's best to stick with it.

Transmission

VW Passat engine

Answered by CarsGuide 17 Nov 2011

Don't listen to "European car motor mechanics" for starters. I reckon if you checked in his back yard you'd find it full of Passat engines he would like to sell you. It's not a good idea to only do very short runs where the engine, gearbox and differential don't get a chance to warm-up, but runs of 10 to 50 km are fine.

Engine

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