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???
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.
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