About Robert Greenfield Expertise I can answer any question pertaining to B5 model Passats short of automatic transmission rebuilds. I may be able to field some questions about other late model VWs with crossover engines. I do not address performance modification questions.
Experience I have been doing all my own work on my two Passats for a decade. I have been giving sound repair advice on PassatWorld.com for the past few years.
Education/Credentials No relevant auto related degrees unless a BSME counts.
Expert: Robert Greenfield Date: 11/24/2007 Subject: 2004 VW Beetle
Question I know this may not be your area of expertise but I have a 2004 Beetle Automatic. It has a loud vibration when sitting still and in gear. It does not do it while in Park or Neutral or while driving. This vibration can only be heard inside the car not outside, to me it sounds like it is coming from the engine area. Any ideas? Thanks, Mark
Answer Hi
Sorry for the late response, but I was away for the holiday. This is a tough one to diagnose remotely. When the engine is in gear, but you are stopped, the engine is under load. In park or neutral, it is not. That is why the vibrations are more pronounced in gear. They may be there under other high load conditions, but normal road vibrations mask them. It could be anything from poor fuel pressure to an exhaust leak. Is the idle speed (RPM) constant? Does it change significantly from neutral to drive?
