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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 10369
Location: Oregon
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 Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2024 9:51 pm Post subject: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Hello good folks here. Some may know of me from other aircooled forums.
This is my introduction you you in the Eurovan forum.
I completed the purchase of a van described in the subject line of this post.
The EV I bought is in great condition with the exception of the broken glass EQJ transmission.
That, will begin to get sorted next week at GTA in Bend.
Yes, I know, this would be a great time to convert it to a manual, per Euro Tec's advice here and on Reddit. I just want to get an idea of what EV ownership is like before I dive in making mods to the van to make it more. reliable
If/when this trans breaks again, I'll set the manual conversion in motion at that time.
Other than the above scenario the van is well taken care of and I look forward to learning the ins and outs of EV ownership.
I'll have some stupid questions along the way, as I just don't have any experience with the T4 van. But I'll learn.
A few pics for your viewing pleasure.
My first stupid question is, What is a VDCS?
I've seen a couple posts regarding the use of one. I assume it's a diagnostic tool.
I just have never heard of one until I was lurking here over the last couple weeks absorbing information.
Anywho, I'm happy to join this forum.
Perry
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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EuroTec
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2020
Posts: 426
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
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| Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 4:46 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Congratulations and welcome to The Samba. 
VCDS stands for "VAG-COM Diagnostic System". It's a software package used to diagnose and adjust Volkswagen Group vehicles, including Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, SEAT, Škoda, and Volkswagen passenger and commercial vehicles.
VCDS is a Windows-based program that can perform many of the same functions as the expensive electronic diagnostic tools used by official dealers. Some things you can do with VCDS include: Reading and clearing fault codes, Viewing live data from sensors, and Resetting service lights.
The software is free but you'll need to buy a cable to connect to the vehicle OBD port:
https://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/VCDS.php
_________________
If it ain't broke, don't fix it! |
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HeyCrutch
Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2022
Posts: 271
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
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| Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:33 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Looks like a sweet van with some nice upgrades ... Fiamma Awning; 16" GW Alloy Wheels and larger tires; Texture lined bumpers, wheel arches, and side sills; roof rails, towers, and crossbars; tinted windows; swivel front passenger seat. And that's just what I can see from the exterior shots you've posted.
Hope everything works out over at German Transaxle and you get to shifting smoothly again real soon.
_________________
-2002 EV Camper- Arctic White - 24vVR6 - Ghost 2.0
-2003 EV MV Weekender- Dragon Emerald Pearl- 24vVR6 - Forest
-2003 EV GLS- Reflex Silver- 24vVR6 - (Parts Only)
-1997 EV Camper- Arctic White- 12vVR6 - Ghost (For Sale soon) |
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VanGeek
Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022
Posts: 308
Location: New England
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| Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 6:57 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Looks like you got a good one!
My family and I really enjoy our similarly equipped 2001.
VCDS tool is a good investment. I previously used a good autel tester but VCDS more easily diagnoses TCU issues and data. |
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Endopotential
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2012
Posts: 235
Location: Just outside SF, CA
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| Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Welcome to the group! I've got a '02 Weekender that I mostly love. Have learned a lot tinkering on it, though did have to deal with a burned out ECU this past summer which was a nightmare headache.
If you do talk to the Bend folks, let us know what the cost of a manual transmission swap is these days. I may consider a road trip up from SF.
Are EQF, EQH & EQJ all variants of the 01P transmission? Any meaningful differences between them? |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 10369
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 4:03 pm Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Thank you all for the warm welcome to this forum. I'm no stranger to the samba, but this is new territory for me to explore.
Being an aircooled shade tree mechanic, tinkering is in our blood. I for see many hours of tinkering ahead of me.
When I pickup the van from GTA, I'll ask Ken what the current going rate for the manual conversion is.
Ken and a couple of other friends and I spent a few days at this years World of Speed at The Bonneville Flats. That's where I got to know him, other than his reputation in VW circles.
| Quote: |
| Are EQF, EQH & EQJ all variants of the 01P transmission? Any meaningful differences between them? |
I have no idea.
Hopefully, one of the more experienced fella's here has a solid answer to your question.
I'm still trying to figure out what I bought. 
I can say with authority, the VW owners manuals for the van I received, Suck! Talk about a complete lack of useful information.
I'll learn more here than I wall ever glean from that waste of paper.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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jjvincent
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2016
Posts: 1377
Location: Bethlehem, PA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2024 7:12 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| My first stupid question is, What is a VDCS? |
It's what you use to diagnose all VW's. Here's mine, that I have in my 1968 Bus. It works wonders for tuning those carbs, setting the timing and dwell.
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 10369
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2024 10:08 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| jjvincent wrote: |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| My first stupid question is, What is a VDCS? |
It's what you use to diagnose all VW's. Here's mine, that I have in my 1968 Bus. It works wonders for tuning those carbs, setting the timing and dwell.
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68? That has a T1 engine correct?
If that's the case, I likely could use the VCDS to tune both of my 67 beetles.
The PO I bought the van from had it loaded up on a roll back and it is currently on the way to GTA for a trans repair. I should know the monetary damage Monday afternoon.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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bigfoot_ev
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2018
Posts: 229
Location: P.NW
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| Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2024 11:21 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| Endopotential wrote: |
| Are EQF, EQH & EQJ all variants of the 01P transmission? Any meaningful differences between them? |
I was wondering the same thing. Since I just went through the process of downloading all the erWin PDFs I took a look. It turns out there are many variants of the 01P. However, EQJ is the specific variant for the 24v 201 HP(150 kW) engine. It looks a little more complicated if you own a 12v VR6 since there are many variants EQE, EQF, and EQH. There are some slight gearing changes and final drive ratio differences between these. Perhaps one of these is specific to the North American market.
Something that caught my eye looking at the chart. All these variants list the same drive flange diameter, 108 mm. I am pretty sure the AXK (24v 201 hp) engine has a larger flange. When replacing drive axles you need to make sure you have the correct axle for the AXK.
Sorry 67rustavenger, I completely diverted your thread. Welcome to the EV samba! |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 10369
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2024 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| Quote: |
| Sorry 67rustavenger, I completely diverted your thread. Welcome to the EV samba! |
Nothing to be sorry about. I too was wondering about the 01P trans differences.
The drive flange size is interesting. If/when I need to replace one, I'll try to remember this info.
I'm pretty handy with a set of spanners and a hammer.
I'll be doing some of the easier repairs and upgrades myself. As long as these are in my wheel house.
Building T1 engines is dead simple compared to this complicated pile of hoses and electronics.
It should be interesting learning what I can and cannot do with my mechanical skills.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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HeyCrutch
Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2022
Posts: 271
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
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| Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 7:19 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| bigfoot_ev wrote: |
| Endopotential wrote: |
| Are EQF, EQH & EQJ all variants of the 01P transmission? Any meaningful differences between them? |
I was wondering the same thing. Since I just went through the process of downloading all the erWin PDFs I took a look. It turns out there are many variants of the 01P. However, EQJ is the specific variant for the 24v 201 HP(150 kW) engine. It looks a little more complicated if you own a 12v VR6 since there are many variants EQE, EQF, and EQH. There are some slight gearing changes and final drive ratio differences between these. Perhaps one of these is specific to the North American market.
Something that caught my eye looking at the chart. All these variants list the same drive flange diameter, 108 mm. I am pretty sure the AXK (24v 201 hp) engine has a larger flange. When replacing drive axles you need to make sure you have the correct axle for the AXK.
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Which document was this chart in? I recently downloaded everything from erWin for the 2002, 2003, and 1997 models. Still familiarizing myself with all the information that's in the dump, but would like to take a look at that chart you mentioned.
_________________
-2002 EV Camper- Arctic White - 24vVR6 - Ghost 2.0
-2003 EV MV Weekender- Dragon Emerald Pearl- 24vVR6 - Forest
-2003 EV GLS- Reflex Silver- 24vVR6 - (Parts Only)
-1997 EV Camper- Arctic White- 12vVR6 - Ghost (For Sale soon) |
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jjvincent
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2016
Posts: 1377
Location: Bethlehem, PA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 11:34 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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68? That has a T1 engine correct?
It's this. A bit different.
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jjvincent
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2016
Posts: 1377
Location: Bethlehem, PA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 11:39 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Sorry 67rustavenger, I completely diverted your thread. Welcome to the EV samba! |
Nothing to be sorry about. I too was wondering about the 01P trans differences.
The drive flange size is interesting. If/when I need to replace one, I'll try to remember this info.
I'm pretty handy with a set of spanners and a hammer.
I'll be doing some of the easier repairs and upgrades myself. As long as these are in my wheel house.
Building T1 engines is dead simple compared to this complicated pile of hoses and electronics.
It should be interesting learning what I can and cannot do with my mechanical skills. |
Your transmission has the same guts in it as an equivalent year MK4 Golf or Jetta. Only real difference is 4th gear, planetaries, the case and final drive. The rest is quite similar. I rebuilt mine myself and it's not that hard. The major issue is you don't want to grenade the case. Other than that, 70% of the parts can be had new and the rest, better look around for a month or two to find what you need. |
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bigfoot_ev
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2018
Posts: 229
Location: P.NW
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| Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| HeyCrutch wrote: |
| Which document was this chart in? I recently downloaded everything from erWin for the 2002, 2003, and 1997 models. Still familiarizing myself with all the information that's in the dump, but would like to take a look at that chart you mentioned. |
I used a folder structure that mirrors how erWin stores their pdfs. So, under the Service tab->repair manual-> transmission-> D3E8001FC34-Automatic_Transmission.pdf. The other automatic transmission pdf looks to be the 098. |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 10369
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 4:20 pm Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| jjvincent wrote: |
68? That has a T1 engine correct?
It's this. A bit different.
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I love the sound of a carbureted 911 engine!
How many transmissions have you blown before beefing it to take the torque?
I knew a guy in Newport Beach years ago that had a 911 engine in his Bay Window DC. Lenny regularly broke trans parts. But, while it was drivable, it was bad ass for sure.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 10369
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| jjvincent wrote: |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Sorry 67rustavenger, I completely diverted your thread. Welcome to the EV samba! |
Nothing to be sorry about. I too was wondering about the 01P trans differences.
The drive flange size is interesting. If/when I need to replace one, I'll try to remember this info.
I'm pretty handy with a set of spanners and a hammer.
I'll be doing some of the easier repairs and upgrades myself. As long as these are in my wheel house.
Building T1 engines is dead simple compared to this complicated pile of hoses and electronics.
It should be interesting learning what I can and cannot do with my mechanical skills. |
Your transmission has the same guts in it as an equivalent year MK4 Golf or Jetta. Only real difference is 4th gear, planetaries, the case and final drive. The rest is quite similar. I rebuilt mine myself and it's not that hard. The major issue is you don't want to grenade the case. Other than that, 70% of the parts can be had new and the rest, better look around for a month or two to find what you need. |
Auto transmissions are a mystery to me. I'll leave it to the pro's at GTA to sort.
Like I sated earlier, if it lets go again. I'll do the manual swap and smile all along the way.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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| Back to top |
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HeyCrutch
Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2022
Posts: 271
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
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| Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 6:12 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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| bigfoot_ev wrote: |
| HeyCrutch wrote: |
| Which document was this chart in? I recently downloaded everything from erWin for the 2002, 2003, and 1997 models. Still familiarizing myself with all the information that's in the dump, but would like to take a look at that chart you mentioned. |
I used a folder structure that mirrors how erWin stores their pdfs. So, under the Service tab->repair manual-> transmission-> D3E8001FC34-Automatic_Transmission.pdf. The other automatic transmission pdf looks to be the 098. |
Thanks very much! I used the exact same folder structure myself, so your directions were easy to follow.
_________________
-2002 EV Camper- Arctic White - 24vVR6 - Ghost 2.0
-2003 EV MV Weekender- Dragon Emerald Pearl- 24vVR6 - Forest
-2003 EV GLS- Reflex Silver- 24vVR6 - (Parts Only)
-1997 EV Camper- Arctic White- 12vVR6 - Ghost (For Sale soon) |
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IdeaNerd
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2016
Posts: 618
Location: Central California
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| Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 11:45 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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@67rustavenger just a quick, delayed note to chime in on welcoming you. Glad you are here, and thanks for posting. Your van looks nice!  |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 10369
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Thank you for the salutations IdeaNerd.
The guys at GTA working on my van commented to Ken (the GTA owner) how nice the think the van is.
The bad news is. The trans is completely shot. As in, not one salvageable part can be reused. The case has a hole in it from whatever happened to it on it's last drive between MT and OR.
All the internal rotating parts were virtually welded together.
When the van was delivered to GTA, the tow truck driver had a hell of a time getting it off the roll back as it would not roll, at all!
All that said, I'll loose the core as a rebuildable replacement and will need a used case and that will get rebuilt. Thankfully, GTA has a used trans on hand.
GTA will be installing one of their trans cooler kits.
Once the trans is rebuilt and installed, they will test drive the van to see if the TCU is in good shape or not. They won't know that until the test drive.
So, it looks like I'll have to lay out $10k+ just to get to drive the van for the first time. 
If all goes well at GTA, I'll be able to pickup the van next Friday 12/21/2024.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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IdeaNerd
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2016
Posts: 618
Location: Central California
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| Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 10:01 am Post subject: Re: Introducing my self and my 03 EV MV Weekender |
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Sorry to hear @67rustavenger!
The guys at GTA obviously see a lot of them, so neat to hear the nice comments.
FWIW, our first EuroVan had a newly-rebuilt GTA transmission (and cooler) in it when we bought it. We still have that van, and that transmission has performed flawlessly over the years.
Keep us posted once you get it moving again! |
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