Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

600kgolfgt

I agree with bpeebles - any 40K service over $300 is highway robbery. My dealership charges around $275.

jeffyscott

$450 at local dealer near me according to coupon on their website, but that
includes some dealer recomended services beyond what VW requires...their list is:

fuel injector cleaning
spark plugs
fuel filter
all VW 40,000 mile services
20,000 mile services

ycanela

Does anyone know step by step how I can replace the bulbs for the front turning signal. I tried but ny hands wont fit eonough to twist the bulb out. Is there any other parts of the unit I have to remove to work on it comfortably? :mad: It's very frustrating..

wai

I know that 2004 GLI 1.8T has traction control and no ESP as standard equipment, but 2004 GLI (VR6) has ESP but no Traction Control. Is there is any difference between these two controls?

bpeebles

ESP includes the following:

ABS (Antilock Braking System)
EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)
ASL (Anti Slip Regulation ...aka acceleration skid control )

I suggest that you do some research about ESP and all the things it can do. It is quite possibly the VERY BEST OPTION you could ever get on a vehicle.

Here are some links to help get your research started;

http://autoweb.drive.com.au/cms/newsarticle.html?&id=MER&doc=mer0011291
http://rb-k.bosch.de/de/start/index.html

dflanagan

I just purchased a 2001 Jetta GL, The cigarette lighter dose not work...I am guesing the fuse....I can not locate it.....any advise?

dflanagan

thanks for any recommendations

hivesenated

That happens to my 2004 GLS Jetta aswell!

I figured it was "normal" for the damn car to do that. Not sure why though.

hivesenated

I recently purchased a used ...

2004 VW Jetta GLS 2.0liter 4 Cyl. Fuel Injected
Automatic transmission

However I bought it off the stupid Nissan dealer and they didn't provide a drivers booklet or anything of such sorce.

Aside from the obvious accessories : Power everything, Cd/Cassette player, Power Sunroof, Cruise Control, etc. How would I know if I have heated seats?

dancerman

My 2002 GLX has heated seat controls in the center of the dash just below the vents. They are thumbwheel controls and are labeled by a side profile of a seat. The interior pictures on this web site show them clearly on the 2004 model year.
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2004/volkswagen/jetta/100352599/photogallery.html?pg_type=Seda- n&imgsrc=%2Fpictures%2FVEHICLE%2F2004%2FVolkswagen%2F100352600%2F029473-T.jpg

hivesenated

Thanks for that. Yeah I obviously don't have them then. I wonder about how much it would cost to get them?

Thanks for the help.

bpeebles

Since you are new to VWs and do not have any documentation, I will tell you one thing you should know.

DO NOT LEAVE THE HEATED MIRRORS TURNED ON! (they wull burn out and then will not work when you need them)

The knob for the xternal mirror adjustments has a "center" position. That "center" position is the "ON" for the heated mirrors. NEVER-EVER leave the knob in that "center" positon for more than 20 minutes. The mirrors will get warm to the touch by then and any ice will have been melted.

anyo33

Can anyone suggest a deep throaty exhaust system or muffler for a 2001 VR6 Jetta?? The stock system is so quiet it's hard on the clutch...do not want the spitting cat back system!!..Also why a pre-muffler after catalytic converter...has anyone removed this??...thanks

hivesenated

Oh I didn't know that about the heated mirrors. I have been leaving them on for awhile on recent rides. Quite frankly I'm not sure that they work, the same goes for the back mirror defroster.

waisun

I was wondering if I need the first oil change before 5000 miles as suggested by the owner's manual, since the verhicle is manufactured on June, 03 though it is a 2004 model and I only purchased on April this year with only 1,200 miles on it now. The salesman suggested me to change synthetic motor oil after break-in (500miles)

ruking1

No, not at all! Stay the course till 5,000 miles! At that time if you want synthetic oil, that would be the time to switch.

bpeebles

I beleive that the VR6 engine has been MANDATED to use the synthetic oil. (A TSB was issued to all dealerships to use synthetic in all VR6 engines.)

I might be safe to say that ALL VWs should be running synthetic oil.

The dyno oil is just not up to the task of lubricating, cooling, removing wear-particals, not oxidizing and at the same time STAYING LIQUID at the extreme tempertures found near the exhaust valves.

The switch to synthetic lubricants can be seen across most carmakers lines. Toyota had troubles with "black death" due to dyno oil turning into tar within the engine... Apparently VW/AUDI has also recognized this problem and is now recommending synthetic lubricants.

ruking1

Yeah actually I think using the new definition, you are correct. I define synthetics as group IV and probably still think of synthetic subconsciously AS group IV. i.e., Mobil One, Redline, Amsoil, etc.

The real issue NOW (seems to me anyway) is getting an oil that meets the latest "differentiation specifications" With my 2003 VW Jetta TDI depending on how you read the owners manual and technical data you could pretty much wind up with any oil. The TSB's to me were of little help in that the directive was year related. So starting with 2004 it seems to be a whole new ball game.

wai

When you are talking about changing 1st oil when the oil is in your engine for within one year, that will be good. But mine the oil has stayed there for almost two years even though not driven much. The oil will be deteriorated or oxidized.I think some cars recommend changing the oil for 5000 miles/ 6 months, whichever comes first, is it apply to here? Actually, I prefer Mobil 1 but I know only Castro has 5W - 40.

ruking1

UOA's (used oil analysis) has demonstrated the "two year limit" ( sic mine, but refering to your situation) as completely arbitrary. The oil does not oxidize to the point of being less chemically able. There have been documented cases of say a Porsche Sports car going 5000 miles in 5 years and the oil is COMPLETELY chemically active. Having said that, I am well aware of EVERY MANUFACTURER of oil recommending 12 mo or die. I personally have taken up to THREE YEARS to go a 15,000 mile oci or 5,000 miles per year.

Having said that, the arbitrary 12 mo interval does have its utility. It has more to do with statistical deviation and the "deviants" AND more importantly, product liability more than anything else. It is a known fact the average American does between 12-15k per year on a car. Most cars use SOME oil (up to 2 quarts of oil per 15,000 miles, some even more)

An illustration: if an oem said 13 mo up to unlimited there are truly some folks (deviants) who will not even check the oil. Naturally if they burn their engine out due to low oil, they will first look to the oil and engine OEM and say DAH (translation: aim for the deep pockets) this is all your fault. There are many other examples.

It also is a base line. The truth is one can change the oil after every trip and it will do no harm to the engine. However, you do increase the chances of stripping out the oil plug threads

600kgolfgt

Mobil 1 0w-40 is on the VW 502.00 list of approved oils. I'm going to try it at the next oil change of my 2003 Wolfsburg Jetta...

wai

Is your car come standard with ESP or not? Do you think the braking is strong enough for emergency stop?

achopkins

Can you please tell me how to remove/change the fuel filter?? And, everytime I use the cigarette lighter to charge a phone, the fuse blows???? One more, the cd changer suddenly stopped working. When the car is off, you can hear the changer clunking in the trunk. Any idea what this might be??

dancerman

I didn't know that either. Our mirror switch has been in the center position for 3 years. I don't know if the heaters work or not and really don't need them.

dancerman

I would think adding heated seats is a great big deal $$$. I think you would need to replace your seats and perhaps add a wiring harness (or at very least tear into the dash to put in the controls). Our heated seats are leather. I am not certain but think heated is only available in leather.

maks898

I recently purchased a New Jetta (the new body). Just a few days ago, 3 weeks after I purchased the car, a few lights came on (check engine, traction control, electronic power management system, and so on), so I brought it in to the dealership's service department, where they told me that they will give me a response soon (which was today). Well, what happened is that, since this car is fully electronic(i mean everything, brake pedal, gas pedal, transmission, everything), there was a computer malfunction between the gas pedal and engine, which caused the entire car's computer system to shut down, leaving me with many problems, like a transmission that wouldnt shift gears. So, I would recommend everyone who wants this "New Jetta" to wait a year or so till Volkswagen fixes all the bugs....also, since this car is fully computerized, every now and then, you will have to come into the dealership to get "bios"(motherboard) upgrades, so that your car will run smooth....

jeffyscott

Not that big a deal. I have been told that you can get after market heaters added to the existing seats for a few hundred dollars...like $200-400.

musclecarlo72

I have a used 2001 GLS 1.8t manual. I have heated seats (mine are cloth) and mirrors. I too had left them in the on position for a while, but since I live in Florida I dont need either very much. I have 17" wheels with Continental Sport Contacts. They ride great with little road noise for there size, though Florida roads are in a little better shape than most in the snow belt. I have the monsoon sound system and CD changer and have had no troubles with either, though I had the exact same problems with my cig. lighter blowing a fuse, the one in the trunk does it too. My girlfriend owns a Civic Del Sol, and I am still blown away by how quiet the Jetta is (I think the Honda's removable roof and the Jetta's much more aggressive tires equal out) compared to it, and soooo much fun to drive! I had the transmission replaced free of charge (Bob Boast is GREAT!) because in 5th gear the shifter would vibrate alot, you could hear it and see it, and it would slip out of 3rd pretty easy. Since it is a sealed unit they put a new one in, and I have since been trouble free with it (it shifts like its brand new...oh yeah...cus it is) I was wondering if anyone else had a similar problem.

I do have a question and I would love some tips. I drove my car home the other night with absolutely no troubles at all. Then the next morning went to start it and it wont turn over. The starter is working great and the battery is charged. As you can tell by my name I have a collection of older american muscle cars, and this is an area I'm not real experienced in. It seems like it may be a fuel pump, but thats just a guess. Does anyone know of anything it may be? I have had all recalls done on it within 6 months. I am going to take it to get fixed but just was wondering first. :sick:

One last thing, If anyone in the Tampa Bay area is looking for a great VW shop go to BOB BOAST VW in Bradenton! I go 40 miles to get to them even though I have a Dealership 3 miles from my house. The are open on the weekends and have GREAT SERVICE and HONESTY. :shades:

musclecarlo72

I have not noticed any unusual jerking with mine, I have the 5 speed though, I do not know if the ratios make a differance or not though. I would recomend the Sport Cont. when your tires need replacement. I have had great life out of them and they are as grippy as any other tire I have had, and they are as cheap or cheaper than others ive looked at.

llfmpt

I just bought the new 2005.5 last weekend and I have two carseats in the back. They fit nicely, no problem. I would think that there may be an issue if they have to be rear facing, but nearly all cars (even SUVs) have issues with the newer car seats rear facing. Of course, noone else can sit back there, but they couldn't in my SUV, either.

llfmpt

Oh, I am frustrated already with my new 2005.5 Jetta! I guess that most of my issues are really with the dealer and not the car, but geez!

Of course, I first had issues with the salesman saying that we were set for a specific payment for 60 months and then get in with the finance guy and he says it wasn't for 60 months but for 66. Well, we got them to work it out to nearly what we had talked about and decided that was okay. It was late Saturday night when we bought it, so I brought it back Monday evening to have it detailed since it couldn't be done then. I sat for an hour and a half for my car to be washed, but I guess that was my problem.

I told the salesman when I took it in to be detailed that the two power outlets up front weren't working at all and the Homelink would not enter the programming mode as far as I could tell. He said he would have the service department call me the next day.

No call, so I called them and the service guy told me to come in Saturday at a specific time as I cannot make it during the week unless they want to give me a loaner car (due to the distance to where I work and the fact that I travel during my workday). My husband takes the car in today b/c I have a sick baby and they turn him around and send him home stating they have noone certified to work on that car working on Saturdays...at least not for the next two weeks. Grrr..this dealer is about 40 minutes from my house! They said, oh, the salesguys will say stuff like that and not know about who is certified, etc...so I called them when I realized this and told them it was the service dept. that told me to come in the first place! I told the service guy of the day and he said, well, it's no problem..I immediately told him that it was a problem since we changed our entire day's plan to take the car up there just to be sent back home.

I have already spoken to the follow up people with the dealer and VW, but I called that person at the dealer and left a message regarding my dissatisfaction. When I had spoken to her previously, she had said that the previous stuff should have been handled better by my salesman anyways. Now these issues with the service dept. I am starting to regret my purchase.

So, these little issues I am having with my new Jetta..is this a bad sign or typical of a new model car?

Is there any other people I need to make aware of my issues thus far, or is this typical with new car buying (this is my 4th new car purchase and I have never had these problems, but thought I would ask this question anyways)?

Thanks for letting me vent!

sundhario1

I'm sure its been mentioned in here before, but is there any timeline on a release of a Jetta Wagon?

600kgolfgt

That would be typical of a new model year car - there will be some bugs that need to be worked out... As a rule, I tend to avoid cars in the first one or two model years - to give the manufacturer time to work out the bugs...

fish8

Sorry to hear about the problems with your Jetta. Is this the newly styled Jetta or the previous generation?

Bottom line: You should be getting a loaner car while your BRAND NEW Jetta is in the service department. I have been dealing with VW for over 5 years and if you ask enough and talk with the service manager, they will most likely provide a rental/loaner. Advise them that the car only has XXX miles on it and you have been completely inconvienenced and you would like a loaner until your car is fixed. If you put up enough of a fuss, they will most likely give you a loaner.

As far as the car is concerned: Give the dealer the opportunity to make your car 100% and then just try to enjoy it. Almost every car I have ever owned, whether it was a Honda or a VW has experienced some sort of problem/issue when it was brand new. Once these problems are remedied, hopefully you will have a troublefree car. I owned a 2002 Jetta and never had any mechanical problems in the 34,000 miles I had it. I did experience a rattle or two and a heat shield came loose which caused a rattle at 2800 RPM's. These were fixed and I enjoyed driving the car from then on. Now I drive a 2004.5 Passat and have had ZERO problems with it so far in 13,600 miles. I love my VW's and I hope you will also.

BTW: All VW dealers I have dealt with always mention the survey I will receive from VW Corp. These surveys are very important to VW dealers (or should be at least). You may want to mention this survey to the service manager and how frustrated you have been with their lack of service. Maybe this will prompt them to provide better service AND a loaner!!! Good Luck!!

wai

I thought llfmpt is only complaining the service of the dealer and not about his car problem. Is there any problem with this new 2005.5?

wai

600kgolfgt, I am sorry that I overlooked the middle part of the message complaining about the power outlets not working and the homelink need to reprogram.

600kgolfgt

No problem...

600kgolfgt

I was at my local Auto Zone to pick up the Mobil 1 0w40 oil that meets the VW 502.00 spec, and lo and behold, they also had the previously elusive Castrol Syntec 5w40 in stock, as well as the Valvoline Synpower 5w-30 (also on the list). So I stocked up on the Castrol Syntec at $5 and change/per quart.

Now I know where I'm picking up my oil for now.... :shades:

llfmpt

I guess I should be a little more demanding of the dealer for a loaner car. The problems, albeit minor, I had from day one, so with basically no miles on it.

It is the new body style Jetta.

The salesman called me today to apologize for the problem, but I told him it was a bad time and to call me in the evening (it was a bad time), but I haven't heard from him this evening.

VW America had already called me that morning before the service mixup happened, but I have a notion to call back the number on my caller ID to tell them I am even more unhappy. I did tell them that I had to arrange the service myself and they took note of it, supposedly.

It is just so frustrating! :mad:

tricia1108

First let me say I love my jetta and up till now I've really had no major problems. However, currently my temperature gauge has been doing some weird things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it'll be in the middle (where it should be) and sudden drop to the left side. Sometime it'll start to move to the middle and then drops back to the left side. I talked with on mechanic (not VW) and he said that I should "bail" on my car! I was shocked!! I have an appointment on Monday at the VW service station. Has anyone had this problem???

bpeebles

I can think of several possible scenerarios wheras the temp indicator would behave in this mannor.

Is this occouring while steady interstate driving...or in stop-n-go traffic?

tdigearhead

see post 12362. Nails it on the head. Either way, with the car under warrantee, take it immediately back to a competent dealer (sometimes sketchy with a VW).

tricia1108

This seems to happen more offen in stop-n-go traffic. However it has occured on the interstate.

bpeebles

Given that the temp indicator is reading LOW (never high) and it has occoured at BOTH "stop-n-go" and "highway" conditoins, this points to either a thermostat sticking OPEN or the temp sensor is flakey.

The next step is to temporarrly add a second temp sensor with display in the cabin. Then, when your guage acts up agian, look at the tempoary guage to see if it is REALLY the watertemp or not. This will narrow down the problem quite nicely.

tricia1108

Thanks for the advice

jrosasmc

Around what date did the 4th-gen Jetta (1999-05) end production for the 2005 model year? Was it October or November of '04? The earliest New Jetta (Gen 5) I've seen has a production date of 12/04. My mom would like to purchase one of the last '05s...2.0 only, as she doesn't need a lot of power. And I've told her to go with the '05, since the '00-'02s had some teething troubles.

jimsvw

We traded in out minivan for a 2004 Jetta TDI wagon and have been driving with great joy ever since. The only problem is that I have a great Saris bike rack that requires a 2" receiver hitch yet I cannot find anyone that sells such a hitch for this vehicle. Does anyone know of a manufacture that makes a 2" receiver hitch for the wagon?

jettagirl79

i have one of the old body style 2005s. Actually, this is my second one. The first one had a gas tank, fuel pump, mass air flow sensor, instrument panel and a couple other things I can't remember right now replaced within the 2 months of owning it. They claimed it was just that one that was a lemon (but the lemon law didn't apply since the same part wasn't being replaced constantly, it was different parts). This was my 2nd jetta (I had a 2002 that had no problems, it was awesome but I wanted a little bit newer one before the body style changed to the Toyota look) so I believed that maybe I just have bad luck with this one, took a $1500 loss and traded for another 2005. It has issues with gas too, but they now claim it's just a software issue. I was told in February that they were working on a software update to correct the issue (the gas gauge will never read completely full even when it really is) and the update would be out in about 3 weeks. This is the end of May and still.......no update. I'm basically used to the problem now. Anyway, I was told after buying the second 2005 (technically my 3rd Jetta) that all of the older body 2005s have this gas issue. If your mom can deal with a faulty gas gauge, then go for it. Even the salesperson that sold me the car had problems with hers. She got a 2005 a week after I did. Her gauge was showing that she had a little gas left and she actually got stranded somewhere. But in terms of production, she told me that they stopped making them in October. Both of my 2005s were made in July of 2004. If your mom does decide to go with one of these, maybe one from a production won't have the problem. Oh, and they were/are both 2.0.

jettagirl79

sorry, i didn't finish my thought at the end of my lengthy post. maybe one that was produced in a later month won't have the problem my 2 have had.

kylep86

I own a 2004 Jetta GLS 1.8T with 13,000 miles on it. (bought it used at 10,500 miles) I noticed as well that when i fill it up, it never reaches the full mark. Also the gauge jumps. i took it to the VW dealer but they said they couldn't "duplicate it". What am i going to do? i want this problem fixed. I called another dealer and they said they never heard of this problem before........which i think is a complete lie. HELP! thanks.