Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • renfrewrenfrew Member Posts: 13
    I believe that my 4 month old 2002 Jetta 1.8T is afflicted with the dreaded coil pack problem. On Friday I was stopped at a light when the MIL light came on and the care started to shake and would not go above 25mph. Got it to the dealer who can't look at it until today, but he told me it was probable that it was the coil packs. Oh well...

    My question is how much is standard for a 10,000 mile service. The dealer quoted me 125 dollars, which seems to me to be double the normal rate? This dealer is not the one I bought the car from because of course I moved a week ago. If I did not move, I probably woud not have had a car problem. Anyway, does that seem excessive to anyone? I live in Boston, and I know it is pricey here, but....

    thanks
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    Which dealer did you go to? If it was Boston VW, they are quite a ripoff. I would suggest doing the service yourself, if you don't mind getting your hands a little dirty. You should be able to do it for less than $30 out of pocket, while using better oil than the dealer would anyways.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i think i paid around $60 at the dealer for my 10k service. all they do is oil and filter and tire rotate. anyone can do that. if you don't like the price, take it to another place. doesn't HAVE to be a VW dealer. of course, you can't do that until they replace the coils. PLEASE let us know which coil(s) failed (the number), and what they replaced, model number wise. thanks!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    They will replace the coils for free, that's the problem. It's a very well known problem with the 1.8T. Some have complained to NHTSA about it (see above post of mine).

    The 10K service should be $60-70, that's it. Oil change is usually $35, and so is tire rotation.
  • renfrewrenfrew Member Posts: 13
    Yeah, I came up with about 60-70 bucks as well. Thought I would ask to just to see.

    I did not go to Boston VW, Bernardi on Route 9 in Natick.

    Have not heard from them yet to see if it is a coil problem. But I am pretty sure it is. So when I call VW to complain about this, I imagine they will very nicely tell me there is nothing they can do? Correct?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    They can replace the coils, that's about it. When the engine light flashes and the car loses power, it's the coils. They will only replaced the affected one(s) for now though, because they are so backordered. That's what everyone is throwing a fit about.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    YES! I HAVE been in a VW when the points failed at 55MPH on an interstate. (Totally dead engine)

    I pulled to the side, removed the points and re-finished the contacts with my wifes fingernail file. After re-installing the points and timing the engine by ear, The family continued on our trip. This was a 1979 Scirocco.

    Since the Scirocco, I have owned a VW pickup truck and helped my daughter purchase a Golf. (in which I replaced the brakes, steering rack and several other items)

    A failed ignitor does not kill the entire engine (the vehicle still moves) and I am SURE that I could jury-rig somthing from an auto-parts store to get it running fine again.
    (perhaps a Ford, Toyota or Saab ignitor may do the trick... All I have to do is read the specs and engineer a workable replacment...I have done this kind of stuff for a living.... It pays to be able to fix virtually anything with the parts on hand when the goal is to make it work ASAP. Just give me an Ocilliscope, wire and some electronic components and I can BUILD an ignitor)

    Please do not get upset with me because your VW is having problems. Personally, I would either exersize the Lemon Law or ask the dealer to to strip some ignitors from a vehicle on the lot. I would not put up with any cr@p from a dealer because I KNOW much more than they can ever dream of about internal combustion engines. Their smoke-n-mirror stories cannot fool me. (Do not forget that I read the factory service manuals for entertainment.) I just LOVE asking the technitions at the dealership to review THEIR service manual with me.... When I tell them what page to turn to to, they realize I am no ordinary customer that can be fooled.

    (I once had the dealer INSIST that my vehicle takes 5 quarts of oil.... I referred them to their shop manual to show them that it takes 6 quarts of oil) I wonder how many vehicles had left that dealership with 1 quart low of oil??

    [I know, I am a bit odd, I live, breathe and dream technical stuff. but people look to ME to fix their most perplexing technical problems 8-) ]
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The sad story here is that VW/Audi is getting a 'black eye' due to the batch of bad ignitors for the 1.8T engine. I am sure it is costing VW/Audi a bundle both in $$ and in long-term customer relationships.

    Has anyone researched the cross-reference / swapability for the 1.8T ignitor for other Audi ignitors? (do not forget that the 1.8T engine is an AUDI design)

    EXAMPLE... VW TDI owners are well aware that the VERY expensive TDI intake sensor can be replaced with the 2.0L gas one. There are detailed instructions on this procedure on the web. Now, this common-failure part can be replaced with one that costs 1/2 the price!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Sounds like you would be handy to have around incase my coils failed. :)

    It just scares the hell outta me that the car could almost stop, considering I drive all freeway speeds most of the time (work 35 miles one way from home). The lemon law isn't going to help with the coils, since VW is replacing them. And my car is over 15K miles anyway, so it wouldn't help me (MD's limit is 15K miles).

    I am sure VW will get this all straight sometime, but still think it should be a recall.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    I liked the idea to ask the dealer to swap out some good ones from a vehicle on the lot.

    That should keep them fumbling for an answer.
  • 4fisch4fisch Member Posts: 11
    I've been gone from these forums for almost a year. New job, recently new house and high-speed cable internet, and now I'm back (known now as 4fisch).

    VWoA recently offered me a "buy-out" deal on my 2000 GLS 1.8T. First off, it has been a wonderful car in every aspect except one; the MIL came on about 12 times between 12K and 32K miles (the point at which I said no more). The first MIL turned up a burned out air exchange valve in the intercooler, and the mechanic discovered a plastic air shield mistakenly installed in the factory. It doesn't belong on turbo models and restricted air flow to the intercooler. After the repair, they assured me the unit wouldn't suffer long-term damage. Since then I've had a host of air system/emissions valves replaced: two other turbo air valves, fuel/air cutoff, hooty valve, boost presure valve. Vaccuum leaks, turbo leaks, bad connections also resulted after valve replacements. At end I couldn't drive 200 miles without another MIL and the frequent trips to the dealer were really wearing on me. Finally, no one knew why the check engine light kept coming on, so they relaced the entire ECM!!

    The engine never ran poorly. I ran out of warranty and some of the parts weren't covered under the powertrain, but VW paid for them all! I worked with the dealer's GM who brokered a deal with VWoA - my car's list price minus depreciation applied toward a new VW. $16,200 is over full retail, and when applied to anew car plus my loan balance, I came in at $4000 UNDER invoice on an '03 GTI 1.8T with 17" wheels, leather, sun roof and monsoon. Not a bad deal, huh?

    I was surprised at how well VWoA did considering the horror stories poeple tell about customer service. If anybody has more questions about my experience, just ask. I'll post in the 'Jetta' section, too. Hope everyone still happily motorin'! Oh, and the GTI is pocket rocket!! I love it.
  • akuahakuah Member Posts: 1
    Hi guys,
    I need an insightful and sincere advice
    right now. I am thinking of buying
    VW Jetta 1.8T 2001 ed. with milage of around
    30k.

    Would it be a bad idea to buy 1.8T with all
    its problems?
    It seems to have lacking serious problems,
    when I test drive,though.

    THANKS FOR all your concern..

    AKUAH
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    Is this real, or the name for an acronym? What is it, and what is its function?
  • 4fisch4fisch Member Posts: 11
    It's easily visible - look at the hose coming off the airbox on the left. There's a small square housing on the line right next to the box - that's the hooty valve. I forget the technical term, but I think it has a reed or butterfly inside that bleeds air for the intake system. Any techies out there agree with that?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Would it be a bad idea to buy 1.8T with all
    its problems?
    It seems to have lacking serious problems,
    when I test drive,though.


    I own a 2001 VW Jetta 1.8T with 25k miles.

    So far I've had the car in for AC problems, rattle issues, replacement brakes at 20k, and the ubiquitous coil issues. They replaced my windows clips as part of a TSB. I'm taking the car in tommorow because my electricals are all screwy...the car locks itself, often the interior lights won't work and the alarm seems to go off when it feels like it.

    Personally, I'll never go near another VW again - and I'd strongly suggest against buying a 2001 Jetta that's totally out of its warranty.

    My car runs well, it's quite luxurious and feels safe but I think that all these trips to the dealership are way out of hand for an 18 month old car.

    I'm leaning toward Mazda, Infiniti or to a lesser extent BMW (I fear German cars now).

    On a brighter note, I drove a 2003 BMW 745i on Xmas. Holy moly...that car is insane! Driving anything else now is like going from Halle Berry as a trained courtesan to Roseanne Barr. You know what Nirvana feels like and the real world is forever spoiled because of it.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I think it's called a blow off valve by VW.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    At the risk of being off topic, I was just curious what you thought of the I-Drive system in the new 7. It sounds pretty complicated to me. Thanks!
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    I drove a 745 back in May, the day that I bought my Jetta in fact. I will agree with Blueguy, everything else feels like crap. It accelerates great (325 hp I think), it corners really well, especially considering that its so big. The seats are insanely comfortable, with vented airconditioned leather, inflatable seats to contour to your body, etc etc etc. The I-Drive was pretty confusing, I almost ran somebody off the highway trying to figure it out. I think it would make sense after a few hours in the driveway with the instruction manual though.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    and i think we can all agree on this. DRIVING the BMW 7 might feel like a Halle experience, but looking at it on the outside - you'd swear it was Roseanne! now, the 2001 BMW 7 on the other hand...almost as nice looking as a new LS430!

    i drove about 600 miles over Christas through snow and mountains. no problems! i shouldn't have to be thankful since my car only has 17k miles on it....but with my luck....
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    I rolled over to 20k today, and did my 20k service last week (oil, filter, fuel filter). I haven't had a single problem with my car so far. :-D (I also installed my new smoked E-code headlights)
  • 4fisch4fisch Member Posts: 11
    Even though I had problems withmy Jetta, I'd still recommend VW. Since '99 1/2 I think they've got things pretty well worked out by now. Remember, most people come here to talk about problems - they don't as often come here to heap praise on their car for doing nothing wrong. VW is quality and the new 4/50 warranty was a great marketing move.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    they don't as often come here to heap praise on their car for doing nothing wrong. VW is quality and the new 4/50 warranty was a great marketing move.

    Yeah but that guy was asking about a used 30k 2001 1.8T. It's outa warranty...danger will robinson, danger.

    Vocus: The I-Drive seemed like cake to me. The car's owner said it took him a bit to get used to it but now he does everything without even thinking. Plus the car has numerous redundant controls...some manual, some voice and finally I-Drive. Give me one day driving the car and I feel confident the I-Drive would be 95% mastered. All the necessary functions are N-S-E-W. So it's pretty darn easy to figure out.

    BTW, I love the 745i's active suspension. That sucker doesn't lean at all! And the back-up radar's pretty sweet too...it shows a full color LCD image of the car and the proximity of everything nearby. Very nice.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    my car insurance rates will go DOWN if i trade the Jetta in on a new Miata LS. either they get stolen a lot more than the Miata, or the "turbo" engine is killing me insurance rate-wise...
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Or the VW cost much more to repair than the Miata.....it could be a number of factors....

    Hooty valve? I've never heard of someone refer to a blow-off valve as a "hooty" valve. Is that kinda like a blowfish valve?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    hootie and the blowfish. who knew they were Jetta enthusiasts??

    :-)
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Or the VW cost much more to repair than the Miata.....it could be a number of factors....

    We all know the VW will require more repairs...lol
  • 4fisch4fisch Member Posts: 11
    The real term is the "mass air flow meter" It measures and adjusts air as it leaves the air box for the engine.

    Expensive parts? Anything foreign is expensive. We have a toyota as well - $370 for you average O2 sensor - ouch! There's a good reason to buy American
  • muzzieloumuzzielou Member Posts: 2
    Chmeeee: My Jetta is a 2.0 liter automatic engine. I called the dealership and spoke to the service department manager myself and will have him check it out in early January.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    It's the cost of repair for parts. I had this talk with my insurance agent when I traded the Protege for the Jetta. The turbo engine didn't help me either, and neither did the 1 point for speeding.. :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    You got smoked E-codes? I am so jealous... I hate you right now!! :) Just kidding. Are they alot better than the standard ones? I heard they were, but never have driven behind them.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    Well, I actually can't tell you right now, because they need to be aimed, and I don't know how to do that myself. I am planning on bringing it somewhere this week to correct that problem, then I will let you know.

    I will say that the city lights (used instead of parking lights), look really cool, the whole lamp kind of sparkles. Fog lights are nice too. Also, the smoked look of them really changes the style of the front end, it looks nice with a dark colored car.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    What color's your car anyway?

    I was going to do smoked taillamps and side markers (on the fenders) on my car because it's white and I think it would look neat (the bumper markers are already tinted). I also got some eyelids and am planning to APR the car soon, as well as add sport springs/shocks and a TT exhaust.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    At you 20K service......did they not replace your brake fluid? Or is that at the 2 yr mark only?
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    2 year mark only.

    At 20K, it's oil change and filter, fuel filter change, cabin air filter change, rotate tires, and top off fluids...and the other "checks"
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    Vocus: My car is Baltic Green.

    Fish: I did my own service, and brake fluid wasn't mentioned in the manual as a service item this time around...
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That's one thing they said nothing about at my 20K service, the cabin filter. I will prolly just get one and replace it myself soon.

    My next check will be 30K, but that's just oil change and tire rotation. My 17" tires still have ~50% of their tread left at 28K miles, surprising to me. I thought I would have had to replace them by now. They are wearing pretty well though.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Oh that's right, you said your car was Baltic before, I forgot though.

    I think I have about the only Cool White 1.8T in the MD area, never see any others (all the rest seem to be 2.slows).
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    well i have NEVER seen another reflex silver/gray leather combo 1.8T ANYWHERE. i am gonna try to get on Fox 5 News tonight....haha.
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    The cabin air filter...it's in the manual and the VW.com service/maintenance website.


    Maybe you can haggle them for the filter at their cost, if the invoice shows no sign of them replacing it.


    Purolator has a nice install instructions:

    http://www.pureoil.com

  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    You said 2.SLOW again....stop reading Vortex.......... ;-)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I had seen the filter online for $19 or something like that, so I will just get that one.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I can't stop reading Vortex, I am addicted! :)
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    I thought it's 2.Oh so slow :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    No comment... :) Another one I heard: VR600 pounds. :)

    Every Jetta I see on the road (ok, every other one) is a 1.8T anyway. Why don't they just make that engine standard and be done with it? Wouldn't that be great... :)
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    Most Jettas I see are 2.0's. The 2.0L is about $1000 cheaper also.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I agree...make the 1.8t standard.......though I guess allot of people buy the 2.0.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    The thing you have to realize is that a lot of people could care less how much power the car has. As long as the engine moves the car and isn't painfully slow (which it really isn't), then its fine for them. Better that they keep it as an option, if it was standard then I imagine the base price would just jump $1,000.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I agree...make the 1.8t standard.......though I guess allot of people buy the 2.0.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    really isn't that slow. and it is a down right rocket compared to a 1.8T with coil issues :)
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I guess before I line up next to a 1.8t at a stop light I'll roll down my window and ask if they have any coil issues...If they don't I'll most likely lose.....
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