u/eaglebtc

The recent executive order means that I can't buy an ECU / DSG tune, even though they had been legal for a long time. For example: Integrated Engineering has added a giant warning on their web page about shipping or selling to customers in California.

I plan to do my own flashes using a laptop, so I need their OBD-II dongle also.

Do any of the tuning companies care, or need to know, your real address after sale, i.e.: for warranty purposes?

Has anyone had a problem ordering tuning packages sent to themselves at a friend's house out of California?

Thanks.

Direct link to Auction catalog:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/20rkq3jr0m5sc7n5vucvj/Project-Hail-Mary-Detailed-Catalog.pdf?rlkey=mtngbsc5jemyajvy82dpztmud&st=q3ae5ha4&dl=0

Every item comes with a certificate of authenticity from the studio.

I saw a couple of items in there that were variations of things actually used in the film, as well as a few shirts that weren't used. For instance: the "Element of Surprise" shirt had a blue variant.

The bidding on some of these items is going to be nuts. I expect the helmet and the yellow jumper suit to fetch the highest prices.

I have a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle with 185,000 miles, a 1.8L turbo motor, and the 01M 4-speed automatic transmission. It has had some transmission issues for a while, and I finally got around to diagnostics and repair.

I posted this on other subreddits like /r/MechanicAdvide and /r/DIYAutoRepair, and someone suggested asking here because of the 01M's inextricable link to the VW TDI's of this era.

I've already replaced just about everything in the system, but it's still throwing a code for solenoid 7 (N94) after replacing all the solenoids, the wiring harness and ribbon cable, and swapping out the TCM itself.

While I had the valve body out, I did not clean, bore, or rebuild it in any way, because I was trying to change as few things as possible (fewer variables helps with process of elimination). I have a TransGo rebuild kit on hand--Jesus, those little boxes are expensive!--but was hoping I didn't have to use it. So, literally, the only work I have not done is to "rebuild" anything in the valve body. Just the solenoids on the outside.

I am a shadetree / garage mechanic. My background is in engineering, and I have amassed a lot of VW-specific tools over the years. I also have a hardbound copy of the Bentley manual, plus a whole slew of PDFs related to the 01M from VW, ATSG, Sonnax, TransGo, and a few other sources. I've ordered some small parts from KansasCityTDI, and read through his excellent documentation about the 01M repair and maintenance procedures.

INITIAL SYMPTOMS AT ~160,000 MILES.

• Vehicle no longer shifts automatically.
• In D, transmission uses only 3rd gear.
• Shifting manually to 1, 2, and 3 results in correct gear.
• VAG-COM: 00270 Solenoid Valve 7 (N94) Open Circuit.

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS AT ~185,000 MILES.

• Hard shift from 1 to 2, P to R, N to R, N to D.
• VAG-COM: 00258 Solenoid Valve 1 (N88) Open Circuit.

DIAGNOSTICS:

• Removed airbox to access transmission ribbon cable connector.
• Tested pins with a multimeter.
• Original solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 are between 61-62 ohms.
• Original solenoids 4, 6 are between 4.5 - 5.0 ohms.

PLANNED WORK:

• Replace shift solenoids (all 7)
• Replace ribbon cable

WORK PERFORMED:

• Drained trans fluid.
• Removed pan and filter, inspected (no damage indicated)
• Removed valve body.
• Install NEW shift solenoids (all 7).
• Install NEW solenoid ribbon cable.
• Reinstalled valve body.
• Install NEW filter.
• Reinstall pan and plastic oil pipe.
• Added new transmission fluid and adjusted fill level per procedure.

Note: I followed the KansasCityTDI procedure to fill the transmission through the hole for G38 (sensor removed temporarily), and to clear the code after the procedure is completed. It worked great, and I don't have to break or replace the fill plug.

FIRST TEST DRIVE AFTER REASSEMBLY:

• Car still reports 00270 Shift Solenoid 7 (N94) Open Circuit.
• Shifts smoothly up AND down through gears 1, 2, 3. No hard bumps.
• Shifts smoothly between P, R, N, D. No hard bumps.

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS:

• Remove TCM from inside car, under the dash.
• Probe solenoid resistance via TCM harness pins.
• Resistance on Solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 is 65-66 ohms.
• Resistance on Solenoids 4 and 6 is 5.5 ohms.

ADDITIONAL WORK:

• Replaced TCM with unit from a 2001 Beetle in a junkyard (1.8T + 01M).

TEST DRIVE AFTER TCM SWAP:

• Transmission defaults to 3rd gear.
• Must shift manually 1 - 2 - 3.
• No 4th gear / OD.
• VAG-COM still shows 00270 N94 Open Circuit.

SOLENOID RESISTANCE SPECS:

• Solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7: some manuals say 55-65 Ω; others give a range of 65-73 Ω.
• Solenoids 4 and 6 should be around 5 Ω.

QUESTIONS:

• Does "open circuit" mean the valve is stuck, or something else?
• How could a solenoid be an "open circuit" if it is showing resistance?
• How likely is it that I have two bad solenoids in the same position from a batch of new ones?

I wrote all of this without the use of any AI / LLM garbage, and I am hoping there are some transmission wonks here who can shed some light on my predicament, or give me advice on next steps to test this.

I have a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle with 185,000 miles, a 1.8L turbo motor, and the 01M 4-speed automatic transmission. It has had some transmission issues for a while, and I finally got around to diagnostics and repair.

I've already replaced just about everything in the system, but it's still throwing a code for solenoid 7 after replacing all the solenoids, the ribbon cable, and going so far as to swap the TCM itself.

While I had the valve body out, I did not clean, bore, or rebuild it in any way, because I was trying to change as few things as possible (fewer variables helps with process of elimination). I have a TransGo rebuild kit on hand--Jesus, those little boxes are expensive!--but was hoping I didn't have to use it. So, literally, the only work I have not done is to "rebuild" anything in the valve body. Just the solenoids on the outside.

I am a shadetree / garage mechanic. My background is in engineering, and I have amassed a lot of VW-specific tools over the years. I also have a hardbound copy of the Bentley manual, plus a whole slew of PDFs related to the 01M from VW, ATSG, Sonnax, TransGo, and a few other sources. I've ordered some small parts from KansasCityTDI, and read through his excellent documentation about the 01M repair and maintenance procedures.

INITIAL SYMPTOMS AT ~160,000 MILES.

• Vehicle no longer shifts automatically.
• In D, transmission uses only 3rd gear.
• Shifting manually to 1, 2, and 3 results in correct gear.
• VAG-COM: 00270 Solenoid Valve 7 (N94) Open Circuit.

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS AT ~185,000 MILES.

• Hard shift from 1 to 2, P to R, N to R, N to D.
• VAG-COM: 00258 Solenoid Valve 1 (N88) Open Circuit.

DIAGNOSTICS:

• Removed airbox to access transmission ribbon cable connector.
• Tested pins with a multimeter.
• Original solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 are between 61-62 ohms.
• Original solenoids 4, 6 are between 4.5 - 5.0 ohms.

PLANNED WORK:

• Replace shift solenoids (all 7)
• Replace ribbon cable

WORK PERFORMED:

• Drained trans fluid.
• Removed pan and filter, inspected (no damage indicated)
• Removed valve body.
• Install NEW shift solenoids (all 7).
• Install NEW solenoid ribbon cable.
• Reinstalled valve body.
• Install NEW filter.
• Reinstall pan and plastic oil pipe.
• Added new transmission fluid and adjusted fill level per procedure. Note: I followed KansasCityTDI's procedure to fill the transmission through the hole for G38 (sensor removed temporarily), and to clear the code after the procedure is completed. It worked great, and I don't have to break or replace the fill plug.

FIRST TEST DRIVE AFTER REASSEMBLY:

• Car still reports 00270 Shift Solenoid 7 (N94) Open Circuit.
• Shifts smoothly up AND down through gears 1, 2, 3. No hard bumps.
• Shifts smoothly between P, R, N, D. No hard bumps.

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS:

• Remove TCM from inside car, under the dash.
• Probe solenoid resistance via TCM harness pins.
• Resistance on Solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 is 65-66 ohms.
• Resistance on Solenoids 4 and 6 is 5.5 ohms.

ADDITIONAL WORK:

• Replaced TCM with unit from a 2001 Beetle in a junkyard (1.8T + 01M).

TESTING AFTER TCM REPLACEMENT:

• VAG-COM still shows 00270 N94 Open Circuit.

SOLENOID RESISTANCE SPECS:

• For 1, 2, 3, 5, 7: some manuals say 55-65 ohms; others give a range of 65-73 ohms.

QUESTIONS:

• Does "open circuit" mean the valve is stuck, or something else?
• How could a solenoid be an "open circuit" if it is showing resistance?
• How likely is it that I have two bad solenoids in the same position from a batch of new ones?
• If it's a bad ground, how do I test for that?

I wrote all of this without the use of any AI / LLM garbage, and did all the research myself over many months. The questions I can't answer have not been encapsulated in other posts online, and so I'm hoping a transmission expert or someone who has worked on the VW transmissions from 1996 - 2005 can shed some light on my predicament.

I have a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle with 185,000 miles, a 1.8L turbo motor, and the 01M 4-speed automatic transmission. It has had some transmission issues for a while, and I finally got around to diagnostics and repair.

I've already replaced just about everything in the system, but it's still throwing a code for solenoid 7 after replacing all the solenoids, the ribbon cable, and going so far as to swap the TCM itself.

While I had the valve body out, I did not clean, bore, or rebuild it in any way, because I was trying to change as few things as possible (fewer variables helps with process of elimination). I have a TransGo rebuild kit on hand--Jesus, those little boxes are expensive!--but was hoping I didn't have to use it. So, literally, the only work I have not done is to "rebuild" anything in the valve body. Just the solenoids on the outside.

I am a shadetree / garage mechanic. My background is in engineering, and I have amassed a lot of VW-specific tools over the years. I also have a hardbound copy of the Bentley manual, plus a whole slew of PDFs related to the 01M from VW, ATSG, Sonnax, TransGo, and a few other sources. I've ordered some small parts from KansasCityTDI, and read through his excellent documentation about the 01M repair and maintenance procedures.

INITIAL SYMPTOMS AT ~160,000 MILES.

• Vehicle no longer shifts automatically.
• In D, transmission uses only 3rd gear.
• Shifting manually to 1, 2, and 3 results in correct gear.
• VAG-COM: 00270 Solenoid Valve 7 (N94) Open Circuit.

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS AT ~185,000 MILES.

• Hard shift from 1 to 2, P to R, N to R, N to D.
• VAG-COM: 00258 Solenoid Valve 1 (N88) Open Circuit.

DIAGNOSTICS:

• Removed airbox to access transmission ribbon cable connector.
• Tested pins with a multimeter.
• Original solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 are between 61-62 ohms.
• Original solenoids 4, 6 are between 4.5 - 5.0 ohms.

PLANNED WORK:

• Replace shift solenoids (all 7)
• Replace ribbon cable

WORK PERFORMED:

• Drained trans fluid.
• Removed pan and filter, inspected (no damage indicated)
• Removed valve body.
• Install NEW shift solenoids (all 7).
• Install NEW solenoid ribbon cable.
• Reinstalled valve body.
• Install NEW filter.
• Reinstall pan and plastic oil pipe.
• Added new transmission fluid and adjusted fill level per procedure. Note: I followed KansasCityTDI's procedure to fill the transmission through the hole for G38 (sensor removed temporarily), and to clear the code after the procedure is completed. It worked great, and I don't have to break or replace the fill plug.

FIRST TEST DRIVE AFTER REASSEMBLY:

• Car still reports 00270 Shift Solenoid 7 (N94) Open Circuit.
• Shifts smoothly up AND down through gears 1, 2, 3. No hard bumps.
• Shifts smoothly between P, R, N, D. No hard bumps.

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS:

• Remove TCM from inside car, under the dash.
• Probe solenoid resistance via TCM harness pins.
• Resistance on Solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 is 65-66 ohms.
• Resistance on Solenoids 4 and 6 is 5.5 ohms.

ADDITIONAL WORK:

• Replaced TCM with unit from a 2001 Beetle in a junkyard (1.8T + 01M).

TESTING AFTER TCM REPLACEMENT:

• VAG-COM still shows 00270 N94 Open Circuit.

SOLENOID RESISTANCE SPECS:

• For 1, 2, 3, 5, 7: some manuals say 55-65 ohms; others give a range of 65-73 ohms.

QUESTIONS:

• Does "open circuit" mean the valve is stuck, or something else?
• How could a solenoid be an "open circuit" if it is showing resistance?
• How likely is it that I have two bad solenoids in the same position from a batch of new ones?

I wrote all of this without the use of any AI / LLM garbage, and did all the research myself over many months. The questions I can't answer have not been encapsulated in other posts online, and so I'm hoping a transmission expert or someone who has worked on the VW transmissions from 1996 - 2005 can shed some light on my predicament.

I have a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle with 185,000 miles, a 1.8L turbo motor, and the 01M 4-speed automatic transmission. It has had some transmission issues for a while, and I finally got around to diagnostics and repair.

I've already replaced just about everything in the system, but it's still throwing a code for solenoid 7 after replacing all the solenoids, the ribbon cable, and going so far as to swap the TCM itself.

While I had the valve body out, I did not clean, bore, or rebuild it in any way, because I was trying to change as few things as possible (fewer variables helps with process of elimination). I have a TransGo rebuild kit on hand--Jesus, those little boxes are expensive!--but was hoping I didn't have to use it. So, literally, the only work I have not done is to "rebuild" anything in the valve body. Just the solenoids on the outside.

I am a shadetree / garage mechanic. My background is in engineering, and I have amassed a lot of VW-specific tools over the years. I also have a hardbound copy of the Bentley manual, plus a whole slew of PDFs related to the 01M from VW, ATSG, Sonnax, TransGo, and a few other sources. I've ordered some small parts from KansasCityTDI, and read through his excellent documentation about the 01M repair and maintenance procedures.

INITIAL SYMPTOMS AT ~160,000 MILES.

• Vehicle no longer shifts automatically.
• In D, transmission uses only 3rd gear.
• Shifting manually to 1, 2, and 3 results in correct gear.
• VAG-COM: 00270 Solenoid Valve 7 (N94) Open Circuit.

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS AT ~185,000 MILES.

• Hard shift from 1 to 2, P to R, N to R, N to D.
• VAG-COM: 00258 Solenoid Valve 1 (N88) Open Circuit.

DIAGNOSTICS:

• Removed airbox to access transmission ribbon cable connector.
• Tested pins with a multimeter.
• Original solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 are between 61-62 ohms.
• Original solenoids 4, 6 are between 4.5 - 5.0 ohms.

PLANNED WORK:

• Replace shift solenoids (all 7)
• Replace ribbon cable

WORK PERFORMED:

• Drained trans fluid.
• Removed pan and filter, inspected (no damage indicated)
• Removed valve body.
• Install NEW shift solenoids (all 7).
• Install NEW solenoid ribbon cable.
• Reinstalled valve body.
• Install NEW filter.
• Reinstall pan and plastic oil pipe.
• Added new transmission fluid and adjusted fill level per procedure. Note: I followed KansasCityTDI's procedure to fill the transmission through the hole for G38 (sensor removed temporarily), and to clear the code after the procedure is completed. It worked great, and I don't have to break or replace the fill plug.

FIRST TEST DRIVE AFTER REASSEMBLY:

• Car still reports 00270 Shift Solenoid 7 (N94) Open Circuit.
• Shifts smoothly up AND down through gears 1, 2, 3. No hard bumps.
• Shifts smoothly between P, R, N, D. No hard bumps.

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS:

• Remove TCM from inside car, under the dash.
• Probe solenoid resistance via TCM harness pins.
• Resistance on Solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 is 65-66 ohms.
• Resistance on Solenoids 4 and 6 is 5.5 ohms.

ADDITIONAL WORK:

• Replaced TCM with unit from a 2001 Beetle in a junkyard (1.8T + 01M).

TESTING AFTER TCM REPLACEMENT:

• VAG-COM still shows 00270 N94 Open Circuit.

SOLENOID RESISTANCE SPECS:

• For 1, 2, 3, 5, 7: some manuals say 55-65 ohms; others give a range of 65-73 ohms.

QUESTIONS:

• Does "open circuit" mean the valve is stuck, or something else?
• How could a solenoid be an "open circuit" if it is showing resistance?
• How likely is it that I have two bad solenoids in the same position from a batch of new ones?

I wrote all of this without the use of any AI / LLM garbage, and did all the research myself over many months. The questions I can't answer have not been encapsulated in other posts online, and so I'm hoping a transmission expert or someone who has worked on the VW transmissions from 1996 - 2005 can shed some light on my predicament.

I have a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle with 185,000 miles, a 1.8L turbo motor, and the 01M 4-speed automatic transmission. It has had some transmission issues for a while, and I finally got around to diagnostics and repair.

I've already replaced just about everything in the system, but it's still throwing a code for solenoid 7 after replacing all the solenoids, the ribbon cable, and going so far as to swap the TCM itself.

While I had the valve body out, I did not clean, bore, or rebuild it in any way, because I was trying to change as few things as possible (fewer variables helps with process of elimination). I have a TransGo rebuild kit on hand--Jesus, those little boxes are expensive!--but was hoping I didn't have to use it. So, literally, the only work I have not done is to "rebuild" anything in the valve body. Just the solenoids on the outside.

I am a shadetree / garage mechanic. My background is in engineering, and I have amassed a lot of VW-specific tools over the years. I also have a hardbound copy of the Bentley manual, plus a whole slew of PDFs related to the 01M from VW, ATSG, Sonnax, TransGo, and a few other sources. I've ordered some small parts from KansasCityTDI, and read through his excellent documentation about the 01M repair and maintenance procedures.

INITIAL SYMPTOMS AT ~160,000 MILES.

• Vehicle no longer shifts automatically.
• In D, transmission uses only 3rd gear.
• Shifting manually to 1, 2, and 3 results in correct gear.
• VAG-COM: 00270 Solenoid Valve 7 (N94) Open Circuit.

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS AT ~185,000 MILES.

• Hard shift from 1 to 2, P to R, N to R, N to D.
• VAG-COM: 00258 Solenoid Valve 1 (N88) Open Circuit.

DIAGNOSTICS:

• Removed airbox to access transmission ribbon cable connector.
• Tested pins with a multimeter.
• Original solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 are between 61-62 ohms.
• Original solenoids 4, 6 are between 4.5 - 5.0 ohms.

PLANNED WORK:

• Replace shift solenoids (all 7)
• Replace ribbon cable

WORK PERFORMED:

• Drained trans fluid.
• Removed pan and filter, inspected (no damage indicated)
• Removed valve body.
• Install NEW shift solenoids (all 7).
• Install NEW solenoid ribbon cable.
• Reinstalled valve body.
• Install NEW filter.
• Reinstall pan and plastic oil pipe.
• Added new transmission fluid and adjusted fill level per procedure. Note: I followed KansasCityTDI's procedure to fill the transmission through the hole for G38 (sensor removed temporarily), and to clear the code after the procedure is completed. It worked great, and I don't have to break or replace the fill plug.

FIRST TEST DRIVE AFTER REASSEMBLY:

• Car still reports 00270 Shift Solenoid 7 (N94) Open Circuit.
• Shifts smoothly up AND down through gears 1, 2, 3. No hard bumps.
• Shifts smoothly between P, R, N, D. No hard bumps.

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS:

• Remove TCM from inside car, under the dash.
• Probe solenoid resistance via TCM harness pins.
• Resistance on Solenoids 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 is 65-66 ohms.
• Resistance on Solenoids 4 and 6 is 5.5 ohms.

ADDITIONAL WORK:

• Replaced TCM with unit from a 2001 Beetle in a junkyard (1.8T + 01M).

TESTING AFTER TCM REPLACEMENT:

• VAG-COM still shows 00270 N94 Open Circuit.

SOLENOID RESISTANCE SPECS:

• For 1, 2, 3, 5, 7: some manuals say 55-65 ohms; others give a range of 65-73 ohms.

QUESTIONS:

• Does "open circuit" mean the valve is stuck, or something else?
• How could a solenoid be an "open circuit" if it is showing resistance?
• How likely is it that I have two bad solenoids in the same position from a batch of new ones?

I wrote all of this without the use of any AI / LLM garbage, and did all the research myself over many months. The questions I can't answer have not been encapsulated in other posts online, and so I'm hoping a transmission expert or someone who has worked on the VW transmissions from 1996 - 2005 can shed some light on my predicament.

I am THIS close to finally being done with the valve body service and solenoid replacement on my '04 Beetle 1.8T with an 01M. Yet when I was installing the drain pipe, I accidentally set my low range torque wrench too high, and stripped it. Now it's totally stuck. I've resorted to destroying it and "pushing it out" with another bolt of similar thread. I already destroyed part of it while attempting to use a screw extractor. It's just too soft for that.

This little guy goes behind the drain plug, and is used to gauge the final fill level after the tranny has warmed up. It's about 1.5" long and has fine threads at the end. It goes inside the drain hole and has an H5 socket (hex, 5mm).

Which trans models use this same size drain pipe? The original part # is 096 321 363, and that one is being sold for $50-60 online. Crazy money for a piece of hard plastic. I might as well go to a junk yard.

Can I use 09G 321 363 or similar? It's about $30 and looks identical.

The "096" should tell some of you how long VW has been using this part; it's a reference to an older transmission code for the 4-speed auto transmissions. I noticed that the 09G variant has the same six digits for the part number after the transmission code.

Surely there is a pattern here?

Which trans pans used the same size pipe? I'm hoping some of your VW parts nerds might know.

Thanks!

^(P.S.: in one pic you might see a tiny bit of my mk7 GTI in tornado red with Austin 18" wheels.)