How to Install JB4 on a Golf Alltrack

Why Burger Tuning JB4 for a Alltrack?

As promised in my VW forum post, here’s my JB4 install guide…

So I wanted a little more power delivered safely — well within the VW 1.8 4-cylinder’s happy place. And I didn’t want even “bolt-on” level of mods. This Burger Tuning JB4 isn’t even bolt-on level because it’s so easily reversed and removed. And at $429 it’s not cheap but it won’t break the bank either.

Additionally, if I didn’t like it I could remove it and sell it fairly easily.

On a new car, that’s the level of commitment I’m comfortable with.

 

JB4 Install on a 2017 Golf Alltrack – Overview

  • The install took about 2 hours. It’s one of those where the next time you do it it takes 1/2 the time.
  • I removed the battery to get the OBDII wire through the firewall. It makes it so much easier with the battery gone.
  • Some people say they can get the lowest connector done without jacking the car or using ramps. I have no idea how. I didn’t even try without jacking and removing the belly pan/splash guard. Wrong! I tried this last night, a week after the install, and I could get my hand down there. Undid the clip even.
  • Some of the connection clips are difficult to undo. A very small flat blade screwdriver helps, and IMHO is the best tool.
  • Battery terminals: 10mm socket.
  • Belly pan torx: T25.
  • Belly pan bolts: 13mm socket.

I used these sources for reference

  1. Burger Tuning’s JB4 install PDF
  2. JB4 install video
  3. For jacking points, I found this, but it’s really the same as any modern car: use the strong points on the subframe, when raising the front of the car.

JB4 Install Notes and Tips

Plugs B, C and D are pass-throughs. That means they go in-between the female and male connection that are already there. Unplug what’s there, insert the JB4 connector, then put what’s left into the JB4 connector. Of course, the blue AFR wire and OBDII connections you don’t do this with.

JB4 driving and power impressions coming soon in a post here. Also look for a post about the effect of the JB4 on my Alltrack’s MPG.

9 Comments

Hi,

Thanks for this blog.
So what is the verdict on this upgrade? Is it worth it? Does the wagon feel demonstrably faster with better acceleration? Also, what’s the impact on MPG?

Thanks, C

Clyde, it’s nice. No downsides. Seldom, on long highway entrance pulls at WOT up through 4th gear, it’ll set a Check Engine light. The OBD codes are P0087 and P0087 P. It’s the same highway on ramp every time (about 3 times so far). It’s a long, slightly uphill, straight pull.

Those codes are “low fuel pressure at the fuel pressure sensor”. They will reset (extinguish the CE light) themselves after 20-50 miles, or I DIY it with my $20 code reader.

I’m running a custom map, not the default JB4. Mine’s a little more aggressive map.

I’m going to remove the JB4 soon to get another apples/oranges feel.

So far, MPG has been about the same. More soon.

Hi Matt, thanks for the informative post. Just ordered the JB4 for my ‘18 Alltrack with M/T. Any advice for my first time installation? Also, how has your clutch been holding up?

Hi Jerry, clutch has been fine. I never slip it, and don’t power launch. The power has never run out on the clutch. I don’t know if that’s the right terminology. The clutch has always held.

First time… go from the top, don’t jack it up. STUDY the clips before you start, how they operate. You have to do two of them blind, with a small/tiny screwdriver.

There’s nothing I’d do differently than my DIY… there’s nothing to do differently.

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