I have a 1.8 20V Passat. i cant get the speed up quickly on first second or third. 4 and 5 are ok. when im in 1st, the speed takes ages to build up hence the problem changing into 2nd, this is also a problem as i go to work there are loads of roundabouts which i must cross and the 1st gear nearly kills me. 2nd and 3rd do the same, takes ages to build up speed, what do i do???

Aky, November 2008

I would guess that it is your Mass AirFlow sensor; when my Passat was returned from service, it took 45 seconds to get to 80MPH with the accelerator flat on the floor...! I mentioned this on "PassatWorld" and they said "MAF" and they were right.
There's a connector by the air intake hose. Make sure it is firmly connected.
Google passat and MAF for more information.
Hope that helps and that it is not something more serious.

Doug, January 2009

change clutch

glen, November 2008