My CEL just popped on, so I opened up the hood to check some things out. Only thing I could see was the coolant was right at the "MIN" guage, but the sensor hasnt gone off... I dont know if this is part of the light or not. Also its at 74k right now, still on first timing belt. Should I add coolant (if so what kind), and also is it really time to get the timing belt replaced? what happens if i dont and it goes???


also i found this kit, pretty cheap i guess... what do you think, something better out there?
http://www.purems.com/products/product.php/II=1152

 

Just add a little coolant.

Cell can mean a ton of things, you need to have the codes read, either at autozone or a buddy who has a obdII reader or a vag-com.

What year/engine is your car? If its 99 or older, do t belt asap, because the older years have a known poor design of tensioner that is very prone to failing early. At 74k, do it now. Yea, any of the t-belt kits are good, they run from 250-350 depending on where you get it. thats what you need. That one does not look like it has everything. You want tensioner/roller/belt/3 accessory belts/water pump impellar and thermostat. Also you will need some coolant.

I bought this one for my 97...
http://www.pap-parts.com/prodinfo.as...%20479%20SUPER

 

thanks man. i have a2000, so should i be less worried? how many arms and/or legs is someone going to charge me for the t belt? also, any specific kind of coolants ?

 

According to this, you should do it. Seems to me like 2000 was the first year of the new style, but I may be wrong, Its worth doing it just to know when it was done and be sure you are safe.

Here's a schedule:
http://www.bentleypublishers.com/ima...ance.sched.pdf

 

Coolant = g12. Get it from the dealer for 25 bucks a gallon or you can buy smaller amounts from www.ecstuning.com You will also need some distilled water. Get it from your grocery store for less than a dollar a gallon. Do a 50/50 mix or I even have heard of people going a little heavier on the coolant portion ....like 60/40. I don't the exact specs though...a search on these forums would help you I would think.
If you are not going to do a TB job (you're taking an expensive risk if you don't), then you can just top off the resivour. Go ahead and use the distilled water. Don't use tap water.

I'm a noob though, but I have seen acetrebo give plenty of good advice on these forums...I would go with what he says.

 

Better to play it safe, if you head goes you are up s**t creek, looking at about 3k to fix car. Do it now will cost about 1000 if u cant do it, if you can get a good kit ecstuning.com has some good stuff and follow the DIY.