I recently tried to take my Passat to get it to pass emissions. The check engine light has been on for a while, but I was told by a mechanic in a neighboring county that what was causing the problem wasn't worth fixing. Well, I have moved to a county that has emissions testing, and it cannot pass till this is fixed.

Trouble code is P4011 Sec. AIR System Incorrect Flow Detected.

I took it to a VW dealer, and their diagnosis was that it needs a new combi valve and vacuum lines replaced (due to disintegration) all for the low price of $629! Does this sound right? I don't mind spending the money as long as it truly fixes the problem. Please help!

JCrane1971@comcast.net

Combi valves normally go bad the older the car gets. What happens is the seal in the valve goes out and it does not hold vacuum to release exaust gasses into the intake when the ecm provides vacuum to the valve. The valves dont cost that much for newer vw's so i dont think they should cost too much for older ones. I hae never put a valve on a vr6 before so I dont know how difficult they are. It normally takes about an hour for a 2.0/1.8t/ or v6 passat. ANd vacuum lines always go bad, they crack alot.

Thanks, veedub. I'm taking it to another shop for a second opinion.