VW GTI (All styles)

dkrause68

In response to numbers #147 and #148, I just had the same problem with the Emissions Workshop light. You posted in mid-July. I am going to call my dealer today but was wondering if you have found out what the problem is yet. 3rd problem in two months....broken passenger window regulator, blown rear speaker, and now this. Would appreciate any feedback.

Cooper

I believe the 4 has a belt and the VR6 has a chain.

kenr3

I am seriously looking at the GTI 1.8T, but my wife can't (won't) drive a standard transmission. How much difference in performance is there between the automatic transmission and the 5-speed? I noticed the edmunds review said to stay away from the automatic. Does anyone have any feedback on this. Thanks.

bargo

My 2000 GTi GLX has the same aircon whine and the same buzzing door panels. No solutions, just some sympathy from fellow sufferer.

bargo

Here's the real reason I'm here. I haven't seen any other complaints but my 2000 GTi GLX is catching teeth as it goes into 2nd. It has been doing this since new and it now has 1600 miles on the clock. The first time the dealer had it they claimed it needed a clutch adjustment. The second time they had it they drove it for a day and told me they could not invoke the grinding. Yesterday I got fed up and took the mechanic for a ride and the car co-operated by grinding the first two times I went from 1st to 2nd. The dealer now admits there is a problem, potentially with the synchros, and is taking the car in next week to pull and potentially rebuild the transmission. I have to wait until next week because their tranny guy is just starting work on another GTi GLX with the same problem! Any others having this problem and if so what was the outcome? I want to love this car but a tranny hooped from new is not leaving me with a warm fuzzy feeling.

adg44

Well, sometimes that happens on my 2001 GTI GLX, but that's because this is my first manual and sometimes I let off the clutch too soon! Also, if you know how, try double clutching to get the synchro's up to speed with your shift/engine. E-mail me if you feel like it.

adg44@earthlink.net

- Anthony

Cooper

To 153: I just saw the 17" wheel / 225/45 combination on a Jetta at Flemington (NJ) VW today. A friend that's the salesman wasn't sure if they will be the same wheels for the GTI. Maybe not, as it's a $400 option on a GTI and $600 on the Jetta.

To 164: My '97 Passat GLX (VR6) also occasionally grinds second gear. But, it sounds like your problem is worse. This is also discussed on another VW site. I've noticed it generally in two instances: under hard acceleration or when I'm lazy and not paying attention. The other posts also concurred with these instances.

adg44

The 17" wheels on the Jetta and the GTI are different, but not because of the price. The Jetta's 17" wheel package also includes sport springs, which is stock on the GTI. The GTIs 17" wheels are nice 5 spokes.

- Anthony

Cooper

Just re-read your posting 167 that the Jetta and GTI 17" wheels are different, so please ignore my question.

gchu2

Sometimes when I shift into 1st gear and Reverse the shifter sometimes gets stuck (half way) and doesn't fully go in... i have to release the clutch and keep trying. My GLX 2001 only has 100 miles on it.... did anyone encounter a similar problem?..

Cooper

Two things have been mentioned in recent postings: vibrating front door panels with the lower speakers and rough shifting.

For the speakers, both a friend and I have '97 Passat Wagens (i.e., we're in our early 40s). He used to have an '83 GTI, 1st year in the states, and I had an '87 GTI 16V, first year for the 16V. The doors vibrated with bass on the Passats, too. Dealers were wadding some foam behind the speaker to dampen it a little back then. Yes, this isn't a proper fix, and it's fixing the symptom, not addressing the cause.

With the shifting, I've gotten used to an occasional 1-2 grind. Like I mentioned, it's usually when I'm just lazing along and not paying attention. Yes, I know it's unacceptable that it should do it at all. But, it's only occasional in my case, and I've gotten used to it. I've always attributed it to, in part, the change from the mechanical shift linkage to the cables. My '83 Rabbit and '87 GTI never grinded (ground?). The '87 transmission did self-destruct at 175,000 miles, though.

There are "short-shift" kits available to reduce the throw. They're more expensive than the shift kit with the mechanical linkage in which a lever was replaced. I'm curious if anyone had the 1-2 grinding, and was able to fix it with a short-shift kit.

I'll be buying a GTI GLX, probably in the spring, that's why I'm here. Considering silver/black, like ADG44's.

Cooper

Yes, my '97 Passat does that, too, occasionally. Just have to clutch again.

My '83 Rabbit also had a problem getting into 1st on occasion, too. It was the clutch cable getting a little stretched and needing to be adjusted or replaced. But, I don't think that's the solution any more, as the clutch cables, I believe, are self-adjusting.

bargo

Thanks to Cooper, gchu2 (bless you) and adg44 for the input on the transmission troubles. I have spoken with the dealer and he's silent on the repairs going on to the other GTi that is in the shop right now. Parts are coming in from the US (I'm in Canada Eh)so it will be a few more days. I have not had the problem with the shifter getting stuck going back into either first or reverse but it does protest sometimes. I'll let you know of the problem with my 1-2 shift and resultant fix for intrests' sake.

I've seen the new wheels on Jettas and GTi's too. My vote goes to the Jetta.

adg44

My vote goes for the GTI cause the wheels will be a LOT easier to clean with the thin 5 spokes. My 2001 GTI GLX wheels take forever to clean!!! But I am kind of obsessed with them. Zymol wheel coat, EBC brake pads to reduce the dust.... ya know. If you want a chip for your 2001 VR6, talk with Autothority in Fairfax VA. I got mine put in there about 2 weeks ago and it feels great. 15 HP and 18 lbs of torque. My GTI was the first 2001 VR6 they tested the chip on, so I have their FIRST VR6 chip. You can thank me later. www.autothority.com

- Anthony

guskris

Has anyone seen the Monte Carlo style wheels that are an option on the 2001 GTI? If so, is there a web site that shows a picture of them......

ataie

even after removing the 'fuse' and the 'relay'. if I hit a bump it'll go off. this is on a 96 GTI. any idea as how is this possible?????

ataie

which is the best lowering springs for a 1985 VR6. I'm also going with the 17" wheels.

ataie

thanks for the info, I'll check them out.

I've had 'suspension technique' and 'sprint' on my previous GTIs. All I was asking is specifically for GTI who's had the best 'look' and 'performance', and which ones to stay away from. You really can't tell much by sales promo. With Sprint, I had less than an inch of drop, and it cost me almost twice as the other one.

after this maybe we can chat a bit about other performance stuff to make these fine cars into a real 'pocket rocket'.... thanks,

Cooper

In fact, I've gone through European Car and entered just about all of the URLs I found interesting. If you want, e-mail me at paulokar@ptd.net and I'll e mail you back the URLs. They should be hot links, so you'll just have to add them in a "Car" folder under your favorites.

guskris

In response to #177, thanks for the information...
It was very helpful..

adg44

I had a set of H&R Sport Springs on my 2000 EX V6 Accord Coupe and they were very good. I also do like Eibach, but they are a little more expensive than the H&Rs. Neuspeed springs are H&R springs, but Neuspeed just paints them a different color. I haven't had any experience with Sprint or Intracks or Suspension Techniques, so I don't know about those. But I have heard the Sprint is very good.

- Anthony

bagster

Can anyone give me info about upgrade chips for my 99 Gls. Which makes deliver the goods, costings etc. Also is it a big job to get them fitted
Thanks

mzn

In addition to the information you get here, bagster, be sure to Search our Maintenance & Repair conference for a similar topic already underway. The Search button is on the left menu bar.

Please, keep us posted on your progress!

carlady/host

adg44

Does anyone else find that it is really hard not to get the car to jerk whenever you shift into 2nd? I really find this problem only with 2nd gear, and none of the others. Also, as for the chip goes, check out www.autothority.com. That is where I got my chip for my VR6. Excellent chips, in my opinion. But could someone please comment on the second gear jerking? Is it something I should have the dealer look at?

Thanks
- Anthony

vwgti2000

When are the 17" 5 spoke wheels suppose to come out for the GTI? No one in the whole Northeast, that I found has them at dealers. Anyone know when they are coming out? I know they are out in Canada, but what about here? I've seen the Jetta's there are very nice.
Thanks
2000 VW GTI GLX silver/black 16,600 miles

iamcdn

I just picked up my 2001 GTI GLX Silver/Black, and it has the PJA (17" 5 spoke) option. However, I live in Canada and therefore am not much help in answering your question. On a side note, I find the rims a bit aftermarket-like, but am getting used to them. I too, enjoy the Jetta's new 17" but have seen them on Passat's as well, and have a feeling they may end up being too common. One thing I found interesting is that they do not have the Michelin Pilot Sports on them. Instead, they have Continental ContiSportContacts. May have something to do with the fact that the car is assembled in Germany as opposed to Mexico (Jetta). Has anyone come across, or know of a good site for tire reviews? I tried tirerack.com and there wasn't much in the Continental area.

With respect to the 1-2 shift, I agree is does seem less smooth than the rest of the gears, but considering I am still in the break-in period, I probably don't see as much of a difference. I have a feeling I might just end up getting used to it, unless it is unbearable once I start driving it the way it was intended. Giddyup

sludog1

i am looking to lease a gti this month and i'm torn between the two cars available. i like the glx because of its "luxury-car" type features and more horses to play with but an article in euro car mag(sep 2000) comparing the two engines has left me undecided. why spend more cash for the vr6 if the 1.8t is equal if not a better performer. the article does state that the vr6 "feels" better and has better throttle response than the 1.8t giving only a slightly less fuel economy. my local dealer is having lease specials on both cars with a difference of $25.00 more per month for the glx. anyone have any suggestions or comments about the cars? also is it possible to get the glx options with the 1.8t engine? thanks, sludog

adg44

This is my first manual, and I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong, or everything is normal. First off, the 1 to 2 shift is almost always jerky. It doesn't jerk if I wait almost 2 seconds from the 1-2 shift. Also if you don't match the engine revs when you downshift, it will jerk too. I only notice this jerking when shifting into second gear. Any ideas?? Also, I noticed that when I'm in 1st or 2nd gear, and I punch the gas, and then drop the gas, the car kinda "bucks" and you can hear a popping sound coming from the tranny. Normal? I don't know. And third, I also notice some bucking when I use compression braking around 2,000 RPMs and lower. Is this normal or is that the result of my chip? Thanks for any help.

- Anthony

cinemafia

I remember the first time I saw a Harlequin Golf. I was getting off the 10 West in Santa Monica and there it was, streaming past me like an acid flashback. "Oh my god!" I shouted. That was three years ago, and now I've decided I really want one!

Okay okay, there's a '96 harlequin Golf at a dealer near me that they JUST got less than a week ago. I've dug up a little info on the Harlequin, but it's barely a handful and web searches are turning up even less. From what I know, the Harlequin was a special edition for the 4-doo, 2.0L, 8v Golf with four-spoke alloy wheels. What I'm trying to figure out is exactly how many were made. First I heard there were something like 255, but recently I read somewhere that only 133 were made. Also, I originally thought all of the Harlequins were the same, however I also recently read that each one was unique and different. Can anybody shed any light on this?

Also, any other information you know of would be a help. I have to go today to find out how much the dealer wants, and who knows maybe they'll take my '89 Cabriolet as a trade in!

whee!

bargo

I am reporting on the rectification to my transmission problems as reported in a couple of earlier entries. Some of the recent entries re: 1-2 shifts sound a little different to my problem but similar in that they are with the 1-2 shift- so you may want to read this.

About a month after I initially got the dealer to admit to the problem I now have my car back and they have replaced the second gear synchro, 1st and 2nd gears and the main culprit which was apparently a ring in the synchro mechanism. For those who are experiencing problems I would suggest calling/visiting your dealer (and documenting what was said) as soon as you can. Also, talk to your service rep or sales rep and test drive another similar GTi to see if it is you or the car that is the problem. Anyhow, the problem with my brand new car was serious (and my car was not the only one with the problem) so get it checked!

cinemafia

Hey all, well the dealer wants $11k for the Harlequin, which aint bad considering the average '96 4-door Golf would probably go for between $8k and $10k. It's in perfect condition, and has 65.4k miles. If you figure it was probably purchased maybe the summer of 95, that gives 5 years, divide 65.4k by five and that's a little over 13k miles a year, not bad at all.

It has a Blaupaunkt CD player, one of the colored models in bright yellow (which, btw, goes well with the exterior!). The wheels are aftermarket chrome five spokes, and IMO are quite ugly. If I were to get it I'd sell them and find some cheap, OEM VW silver alloys. All in all a good buy, but the problem is I don't have enough for a down payment!! Well we'll see...

lafinjack

I'm pretty sure I saw one of these the other day, but I just figured it was a custom paint job. Multiple bright colors (like post #192 said) on each panel. But were there any other differences? Paying a premium just for a custom paint job you could get done yourself seems a bit... excessive to me.

shyne555

I was wondering what would be a great chip upgrade for the new 1.8t golf, and what would be some good coil-overs for 17" wheels. I wondering if theres a chip that can boost the HP close to 200 HP.

adg44

I have an AutoThority chip in my 01 VR6, and it feels great. I know that APR (audi performance racing) has some good chips out there too. You can turn the chip on and off through the cruise control buttons, erase the chip if needed, and more. They "CLAIM" 200 HP and 235 lbs of torque. The Autothortiy one raises power to 200 HP and torque and only costs 400. The APR one is near 700. As per coil-overs, I know that H&R has a set out with their sport springs and bilstien shocks. The price?? $1,995. I hope you have a lot of money. But the good thing is it can drop the car 90 mm. e-mail me if you want some more info. adg44@earthlink.net

- Anthony

adg44

I the dealer put a new instrument cluster in my 01 GTI GLX, and the first time they put a standard GLS instrument cluster in which doesn't have a computer. They then replaced it with the proper GLX one. Today when my friend opened the trunk, the computer said "Bootlid Open" instead of "trunklid open". Does this mean I have a canadian or european instrument cluster? This instrument cluster also has a snowflake that comes up whenever it is cold out, and I don't remember the old one doing that. Any Ideas?? I think it's pretty cool if I have a non-US spec one. Thanks.

- Anthony

hemant7

Anthony,

I have the same cluster you do one my 2001 GTI GLX and mine also says "Bootlid Open". I get the snowflake when it is 39F or colder.

BTW, why did they have to change your original panel? Was your car made in Germany or Mexico?

-Hemant

nedzel

Anthony:

they all say "bootlid open." And yes, the snowflake is standard as well. No, you don't have a non-US spect cluster. It's the same one as my US-spect 2000 GTI GLX.

Jared

ataie

http://go.to/mygti

vwgti2000

My 2000 GTI's outside temperature reads in C degrees instead of F degrees. Can that be switch through the dealer? Anyone elses car read in Celsius degrees? I leave in New England.
Thanks
VW GTI GLX 2000 silver/black

adg44

You can push the "auto" and the "econ" button at the same time on the climate control and switch between C and F. I like mine on C though, it makes me feel like I drive a GERMAN car. Good luck. If I'm not very clear, you can refer to your owners manual and it will give you a picture.

- Anthony

silvercoupe

Had to replace the instrument cluster??? Better get rid of that piece of crap.

Just thought I would visit here since you can't seem to stay out of the Accord forums.

silvercoupe

He is a spoiled kid that had a Honda that he was not happy with. For some reason he continues to bash Honda on the Accord forums. He needs to get over it and move on.

cinemafia

For the love of all things holy, can we please get on with it?

4banger

Hi all. Just got a new VW. I have a 12sec 92 Eagle Talon so I was looking for a reliable sporty car or SUV. While looking at a Isuzu Rodeo I saw a 01 Gti that I instantly fell in love with. It is silver with black cloth and has an auto which is exactly what I wanted for a daily comuter. I already have a few upgrade plans like a chip from GIAC and clear tail lights.

Does any know where I can get an Altezza (or european) style clear tailights with round bulbs that will match the fronts?

I must say I think I bought the car for some silly reasons (Blue gauges and sweet headlights) but when I saw it has the 1.8l Turbo I knew it was for me.

Has anyone used the GIAC chip (or is there better)? With the proper air fuel mixture and timing I would think the engine could easily handle 1 bar although I am sure the relatively small 03 turbo will be pushing some hot air.

Anyone know of a good cold air intake? Do I need a cat back exhaust with the chip or is the stock sufficient for 195hp?

Sorry about all the question but I am a MODaholic and need something on this car that isn't stock. So far I love the handling, light weight and great brakes. Power is good and smooth but a little low compared to what I am use to. I also miss the sound of a blow off valve venting to the atmosphere but I guess I am out of luck with and auto. At the bottom are some links to my page so I will shut up for now but drop me a e-mail if you know some good links or have a GTI Turbo.

Thanks,
James
http://boostin.com/jmr/
http://boostin.com/jmr/gti.html

adg44

Send me an e-mail, I'm sure we can help each other out.

- Anthony
adg44@earthlink.net

01 GTI VR6
Silver/black
AutoThority Chip
Modified airbox w/ K&N
Thermal Cat-back exhaust
EBC Brakes/rotors

bigsimmons

You've got that needle buried at 140!!! I have a '01 1.8T GTI too, and love it. I haven't been that fast in it, but I wasn't far off... I too am getting that mod bug, and am just considering my options. We'll have to compare notes in a couple of months...

4banger

Unfortunately I can't take credit for that. I grabbed that pic off of this site:

http://www.machanna.com/hsp/

I just wanted to show a pic of how cool the gauges are. Keep me updated on your mods. Any pics yet?

-James-
Boostin.com/jmr

hat_trick61

I bought a '01 GTI VR6 a little over a month ago. What a helluva car. My question pertains to the steering wheel radio control. When the radio is in use and you use the tuning buttons on the wheel, should the radio tune to the next preset or to the next station that comes in? I would like to tune to the next preset, any recommendations?

adg44

I know what you mean!! I would love for it to go to the next preset, it only makes sense. But if you have the 6 disc changer, if that button goes to the next preset, it won't be able to skip tracks on a cd.

hat_trick61

I have the 6 disc changer and am able to change tracks using the wheel controls. However, the only way to change discs is on the head unit itself. Is this what you're referring to? The wheel controls on BMW's provide for changing presets, I'm just wondering why the engineers in Wolfsburg didn't think about it...