Further to the valuable reply earlier, can anyone give helpful advice on the lifting of the carpet, as it appears from my first try almost impossible without removing seats.

Mike H, January 2009

how old is your passat, common fault is pollen filter housing seal failure you may be able to get goodwill on full repair at vw garage depending on age and milage. if out side criteria for above all seats will have to be removed including rear squab and rear back rest side pieces and kick trims to ns and os, carpet will need replacing cos it will start to stink , can be expensive try ur dealer first. note can also cause with alarm and central locking.

vwsparky, February 2009