Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

bpeebles

Here is the "official" VW oil recomendatiaons.
http://www.vw.com/vwcom/content/objects/pdf/service_maint/engoil_gas.pdf

Ands here is VWs "official" list of approved oils in North America
http://www.vw.com/vwcom/content/objects/pdf/service_maint/oilchart.pdf

It sure looks to me as if you should be using synthetic oil.

I know I would only run synthetic oil in a turbocharged engine. It sounds to me as if you are more interested in how it "sounds" and the "coolness" of a turbo-timer instead of making your car last... everyone has their own priorities. 8-)

As for a "louder" BOV... have you tried removing the muffler from the existing BOV?

sossowski5

how do you remove the muffler for the existing one and its not about the sound its better for the turbo seals and everything to have a good blow off valve and to have a timer so you dont fry the turbo seals for using it to frequently

fish8

Only my opinion, but you should be more concerned about the oil in your engine right now than removing the muffler to get a better sounding exhaust.

Who changed your oil?

VW sent a letter to all 1.8t owners advising them that this engine requires ONLY synthetic oil, not conventional. Sludge WILL build up in your engine and since you are using the incorrect oil, VW will not honor the extended warranty.

bpeebles

Your argument that you need to replace the BOV with a "good" one seems flawed... are you suggesting that the AUDI engine designers (Yes -- the 1.8t is an AUDI engine) made a mistake when they speced. the BOV?

Also, you are mistaken about the REASON for a BOV... it has very little to do with the oil-seals on the turbocharger bearings. Instead, the BOV is there to keep the turbocharger shaft from twisting which causes unwanted harmonics that can cause catascrophic turbocharger failure.

May I ask you what you think a "turbo timer" is and what it does?... again it has very little to do with the turbocharger bearing seals.

Your choice of ENGINE OIL is farrrr more important to the turbocharger bearing seals than either of the items you are asking about.

How many pistons have you held in your hands while rebuilding an engine? Have you seen what the use of dyno-oil can do to the inside of your turbocharger bearings?

I wonder if you are you trained in engineering... or perhaps you should be listening and learning from those of us that know a thing or two about engine design.

bminotti

i drove this car that i bought for my daughter for 10 miles. turned it off and it will not turn over. fuel pump runs lights come on radio works. any ideas?

fish8

'91 Jetta? 2 words....Money pit. How many miles on this car?

poweryuan

Hi, I've just got a used jetta 2001 GLS. I found the engine oil level drops quickly (1 quart per 1000 miles?). But does that mean that I don't have to do oil change? Because before 3000 miles most of the engine oil has already been changed.

thanks,

Quan

fish8

The 2.0 NA engine is known to use/burn through allot of oil in between oil changes. You still must change your oil per VW's recommendations. The oil filter will still need to be changed.

dinom

VW came out with the new 2007 Rabbit and starts out at $14k. They are very economical and depends on how you drive it. The trim level such as GL,Gli,etc are models that described how they are equipped. I suggest u look at the 4 door model since they are a lot easier to get in and out. VW can last a long time if you keep it maintain and that is the key of long term ownership. Check out www.vw.com or go to the vwvortex.com where we VW enthusiast spend our free time. Good luck.

jess11

did you ever find out what the problem with your jetta was mine is doing the same thing..i have no idea what it is

john404

Hello, im trying to modify my 1999 jetta, and im looking for either abs or urethane kits which i can't find many of. Anyone have some suggestions on a good place to go? Thank you

kreveron

Does anyone know where or how I can get a good sun shade that goes in the front windshield? I found one at a store that is "universal" and it is terrible.

vwregretta

My 2002 jetta and I have nothing in common. Our relationship is going nowhere FAST, and the lemon layers don't think i have a case. I bought the car and applied for my IDIOT license in late January, only to have the engine light come on early may. It cost $800.00 for a piece of paper stating i need $8000.00 in work done. A NEW TRANNY!!! It remained in the shop from May to June, while I continuously fought with the dealer, warranty company, and manufacturer about who is responsible for the bill. While they were having it out, I'm trying to find a ride to the bank so i can make my car payment. YES. Clearly the $14,000 loan i just signed included a transmission, but i must have missed the fine print that says..........."parts don't have to function at all."
I am now on my 3rd transmission, and even though the car runs now, i'm planning for the future by watching for signs of transmission rejection. Does anyone have some info? A word? Anything? Oh yeah, and the engine light never went off. :sick:

pat

Let's continue here: vwregretta, "Is my Jetta a lemon?" #1, 25 Jul 2006 6:03 pm.

agcarver

Ok, need a little feedback here. I'm having some issues that I can't find any information online. I have a 04 Jetta 1.8T I've replaced the stereo with an aftermarket Kenwood deck with the ipod connection. Anyhow, about a month ago I started having problems where the AC, and radio would shut off and the car would almost stall, a couple times it almost caused an accident. VW replaced the transmission control module saying it was faulty and causing an electrical overload. Was driving it last week and it happened again, its currently in the shop and they are grasping at straws here with no answer. Has anyone had anything like this happen? What was the solution if anything?

Thanks

jettamn

Do you still have the 2004 Jetta? Just curious to see if you are still having the problem, or if it's been resolved.

sgates

I have a 03 Jetta Wagon. For the past couple of months it has "lurched" as I accelarate. It only happens a couple of times a week and usually when it's "cold." The VW dealership replaced a speed sensor and the problem still happened. I took it back and they replaced something on the harness. It happened again and they still have it saying they don't know what it is. They have been able to make it happen one time while driving it but can't replicate in the garage. It's already cost $1000. Anyone?

fbonet

jackrabbit

I recently bought a 2000 Jetta for my son and also am running into the same situation. Have you found a solution that could assist me? I spoke to a VW expert who thinks that the brand of gas may have something to do with the issue. Soecifically the amount of ethanol in the Mobil 87 Regular gas we used.

bpeebles

A "VW expert" would have hooked up his VAGCOM and told you what was causing the CEL instead of guessing what the problem is. 8-)

Also... I dont belevie that VWs are "approved" to have ethanol run thru them. Ethanol may cause damage to the fuel system unless a vehicle is SPECIFICALLY designed for ethanol.

pat

You might be thinking of E85. In a lot of areas, the only gas you can buy contains about ten percent ethanol.

ccostable

I have a 97 Jetta and live in New York where gas is formulated with 10% ethanol. This will not harm your car.
I have learned to live with my check engine light since 1997 when I bought it. The car runs very well for its age but I've noticed that if 87 octane gas is run through it consistently, my engine light will come on. I have stuck
to 93 octane for six years now and haven't had a fouled sensor since.

ccostable

I apologize for replying to a post that is a few months old but I thought I could add some valuable input. I have an automatic transmission in my wife's 97 Jetta that last winter would slip in 1st gear until the car warmed up. I brought it to the VW dealer being new to the Rochester area (that's my excuse for going to the dealer) and told them I thought the fluid is low. He said no way because it is sealed and should never need to be changed or refilled. They then got back to me saying I needed a new throttle body and possibly
a new computer. Translation; $$$$ for them. Having dealt with VW service in the past I said forget about it and my wife in the meantime found an AAMCO where the guy had a Jetta and was familiar with them.
He hooked it up to the computer, ran it till the fluid heated to the proper temp and surprise, it was too quarts low. He filled it with VW fluid he had on hand and I walked out the door without him charging me a penny. So don't believe everything a VW service rep tells you. I learned that a long time ago. Find a local mechanic you can trust or at least get a second opinion. A lot of mechanics have scanners and you can get a good one yourself relatively cheap.

pat

Don't apologize - all input is welcome! Even if that person doesn't see your reply, it could very well help someone else. It's great that you found someone who just took care of it. Thanks for the post.

sewing312

Hey guys
I've already gotten a ton of great information from this thread, but wanted to see if anyone could offer me any advice. I'm driving a 95 Jetta with 111k miles. I drive it about 100 miles to work a day, and today, it died on me.
I've noticed a strange "tugging", or a refusal to go over a certain rpm, the car will just slow down. But it usually clears up after a second or two, and I just attributed it to the rain, as I know Jettas can be tempermental about that.
But today, it stalled out at a stop light, and just refused to turn over. I eventually was able to get it going again, but only as far as the mechanic. I dropped it off there and am waiting word. What do you guys think?

bpeebles

You did not say which engine you have... If it is a gasoline engine - my first suggestion would be replace the sparkplug wires and inspect the ignitor coil for cracks and carbon-trails.

There should be no reason whatsoever for wet/rainy weather to cause poor running. In fact, a good "test" for an ignition system is to 'spritz' water on an idling engine at night to check for any stumbling or spark leakage. (Use an old windex bottle with water in it)

A healthy ignition system would allow you to "bathe" an idling engine with a garden hose and it will not miss a beat. (Please dont try this without proper training... There are certian items which should not be hosed down!)

alfmz3

I'll get a new Jetta in a few days in México. This one is the same sold in the rest of the world from 1999 to 2005.
I'm going to review of what you all have written about it.
Thanks a lot.

awbvwowner

I am having a similar problem with my 2003 Jetta GL. The VW dealer is saying it will cost $900 to replace the transmission control module. I'm looking for a cheaper alternative (buy the part used and have a good transmission specialist put in) - any thoughts? Supposedly the used part has a one year warranty on it. :confuse:

bjfb52

OK, I am new to this, but I am hoping someone can offer a little help. This morning, I went to get in my 2000 jetta, and the keyless entry would not work. The weird thing is the lights flash like it is working however the locks dont move. I unlock the drivers side door with the key, and get in and start the car, and it doesn't start, the alarm goes off. I get the alarm turned off finally, and I am stuck. The drivers side panel will only roll down the drivers window, not any other window. Also I cannot unlock any other doors. I took out the fuse for the horn, and was able to eventually start the car. I get to work wait an hour, and go out to mess with it, and the alarm goes off.
HELP!!!!!

vwjetta

OK, I took my 2003 Jetta to get detailed and the car battery died. They jumped it 3 times to move it to various places on the lot to detail it. Afterwards I brought the car right over to a mechanic to replace the battery. On the drive over I noticed the radio was stuck on 100.3 and no sound was coming out. AFter the battery was replaced the radio was now stuck on 88.3. I read the manual, and it talks about the anti-theft feature, but it only states how to fix the problem when the radio reads "SAFE". Any ideas... I drive around for my job and I need a RADIO!

vwjetta

I also just wanted to mention that I have tried to pull fuse #42 but it did nothing. 88.3 continues to show up with no sound and no way to change the station

vw_ilove

you could check VW Parts Online if you want to and if you have the patience and time.

akkjetta

Hi,
I have a 2002 Jetta, automatic transmissin with ~67,000 miles on it. Just this Saturday I noticed the gears were slipping (making a jering sound) when thecar shifed from 1st to 2nd gear.
I took the car to the shop that my family has gone to for some years. They told me it could be either that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed or that there was a problem with the transmission. They were about to close so the owner asked me to bring the car Monday morning to flush the transmission fluid. Well on Sunday the jerking/kick back noise got a lot worse, and
the check engine light went on too. This morning the repairman told me the error he got was P1778 indicating the transmission is no good anymore.

So it looks like I need a new transmission.
My warranty information said the Powertrain warranty is good for 5 yrs/60,000 miles. Has anyone else had similar experiences/problems? Any luck in getting VW to cover the cost of changing the transmission. Or does anyone know of a good place to get the transmission replaced that isn't too expensive in the Washington DC area?. I hear transmissions can cost ~$4000-5000

By the way I looked up error code P1778 and supposedly it means "Solenoid EV7 Electrical Malfunction" - what does this mean? Does it actually mean the transmission is bad?

Thanks

hurley5

I am looking into buying a 1995 VW jetta 2.0 with 165000 miles on it. How many miles are these cars good for? Are the reliable cars? Any info. Thanks

chuckycheese

I have a '06 Jetta TDI with another problem (see #1540 for background). Light in instr cluster is on (not blinking). Looks like an engine block. Owner's manual says it has to do w/emissions &/or catalytic converter. Have noticed a diesel smell (as in a leak) the past few days. Unable to locate source of leak causing smell. Will get it to dealer, but may be 2-3 days before I can work out alternative transportation. Any suggestions/ideas welcome. Please reply to cncheez@yahoo.com

undertheknife

VWJetta, Any luck with the radio problem? I tried replacing Fuse #42 as some other threads on other sites suggested, but with no luck. I had the same problem as you and it started right after replacing a dead battery. The loss of power did something to the radio, but it doesn't go into "SAFE" mode as some of the other Monsoon radios seem to, according to the guide book. It just stops responding, except for the On/Off, volume and CD "eject" buttons. When you turn it on, the radio is stuck on 88.3 FM and no noise comes from the speakers. Please, anyone with answers to this dilemma please speak up! I don't have the cash for a new radio!

jpedd43

I bought a 2001 Jetta with 77,000 miles for my son less than a year ago. 7 months ago, the car overheated while traveling and he had to replace the waterpump. 5 months ago, the check engine light came on and the car quit running. Took it to a VW dealer, and their first diagnosis was bad gas(they said it looked like turpentine), so they dropped the tank and put gas in it. Afterwards, they said when they got it running, the compression in all 4 cylinders was extremely low, and then did a wet compression test with no improvement. They then said they needed to check the fuel injection system. They said the injectors were clogged and needed cleaned. Once completed, the car wouldn't run at all after $1,000.00 into it. Took possession of the car and took it to another mechanic. He said the head gasket was blown and needed to replace it. Work accomplished, and compression is at 120 in all 4 cylinders and running, but he said it won't run at low end rpm's and that he would have to replace the control unit. Control unit replaced, but still won't continue running when at 1,000 RPM or less where it should idle. I'm now $2200.00 in and still don't have a resolution. If anyone has any answers/suggestions, please please advise.

jettison

i just started to have the same problem last friday....initially the radio was working..then my cd stopped playing, the radio spit it out and that was that..stuck on the station. i disconnected the battery to see if it was just something battery related and checked the fuses..but to no avail. I will probably be taking it to an audio place that look at the electronics of it....because you know even with it on 88.3 station. if you turn the radio sound all the way down..it still makes that indicator sound ("boop") that you've turned the radio down...i even tried using my transmitter to see if it wouuld overcome...no luck..so if you find anything out before i do...please LET ME KNOW...because like u I CAN NOT afford to buy a new radio or speakers and hope it is just a faulty wire or disconnect that can be restructured and won't cost an arm and a leg.

iyoulow

Hi all. I'm having major problems. First let me say that I replaced an ignition coil a few months ago. I had a difficult time locating one. Once I changed it everything was fine. I did drive the car for more than a week with a bad coil though.

Last Thursday on my way home from work the engine started running rough and losing power. I figured it was a coil again. The next day I swapped out each coil with a good one with no change. I then changed the plugs. It ran rougher. Then ran a little smoother. Now it is very rough. I had the codes scanned at Advance Auto Parts. I'm getting P0172 - System Too Rich (Bank 1) and all four cylinders are misfiring. They keep switching around so I know its not the ignition coils.

I have read that the catalytic converter can be damaged when driving with a bad coil. I think the cat is bad and have ordered a universal one online. I drilled holes in the old one today hoping it would improve engine power. That was dumb. Loud but no change. I can't drive it anymore until I fix it. I can't afford to take it to a mechanic.

Could the problem be something other than the cat? Would a bad O2 senser cause the engine to misfire. I also have the rotten egg (exhaust smell). What causes the system to be too rich? Thanks

jpedd43

Still haven't fixed my 01 Jetta, now I'm getting po 606. Any help?

bpeebles

The code you are seeing (P0606) translates into "ECM/PCM Processor"

I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but this is pointing to your engine-computer having a problem.

If I were you, I would disconect the battery and clean every connector (including all grounds) to the engine computer.

kristingus

I have a 2005 Jetta (before they changed the body style). I'm coming up on 50,000 miles and I'm wondering if I should keep it after the warranty is up. I know VWs are expensive to have worked on and a real pain when they get major problems. I'm just wondering if mine is at the mileage when problems will start. It has also been in an accident, (about 1 yr and a half ago) no real deep damage, but I never know if somethings lurking beneath the surface. Cosmetically it looks great and is valued at a good cost for selling right now, so should I jump on the chance to sell before any issues surface? Or, bide my time and hope major issues won't start til more like 70000 miles? Please help me decide! Thanks.

ndmike88

Are you trying to talk yourself into a new car??? Maybe.
If you have taken care of your Jetta no reason to think it won't go another 50,000. If your starting to hear gremlins then trade. Of course tomorrow it could blow up, or it could last another 5 years.
If you want piece of mind trade. If you don't have any problems now keep it.
My reply is clear as mud right? Sorry to confuse you more. If it was me I'd hang on to it till the first sign of trouble.

backy

I traded in my 2000 BMW 328Ci today on a 2005 Jetta GL, silver blue with black interior, 47k miles. Decided to go with something more practical, and lower cost for repairs and maintenance. The Jetta is an automatic while the BMW was a stick. Personally I prefer a stick, but my wife sometimes has to use the car and she has "issues" with a stick (she destroyed one in another car... and yes, I've tried to show her how to properly use a stick.) The Jetta is VW Certified and has a 2-year, 24k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The dealer had 2.99% financing available for 5 years for all VW Certified cars, so that was icing on the cake. (Rate on the BMW was 5.29%.)

I've owned many different brands of cars but never a VW. I guess I was scared away by the reliability reputation (or lack thereof), but the warranty helps there and I like how the car drives. It's nimble if not quick, and seems very solid and also pretty smooth and quiet for a small car. I would have preferred a New Jetta, but I wanted to do an even-up trade for the Bimmer or as close to it as I could get, and a New Jetta with low miles and a warranty was a stretch there.

I'll miss some things about the BMW such as 6 cyl. power, bun warmers, styling, xenons etc., but I won't miss the upcharge for premium fuel and the repair and maintenance costs ("OK, we looked at it sideways... that's $1000 please." :P ) One reason I traded for the Jetta is that the dealer sells a lot of pre-owned BMWs and gave me the KBB "excellent condition" trade-in value. Everyone else I talked to said things like, "We can pick tons of these up at auctions for $6000." The car is in pretty good shape and has been well maintained, but has quite a bit of minor body damage (many scratches, dinged-up rear bumper, several door dings) and the moonroof shade doesn't work--quote to fix it was $1000 just for parts. The interior is very good except for a couple of small tears in the door padding. Plus the clutch slips occasionally and I suspect it will need replacing soon (over $1000 for that, from what I've heard). I'd rather put my money into car payments.

I'll pick up the car tomorrow as we were not able to complete the paperwork before closing today. A "new" car for the New Year.

gforce211

Hello all,

I really like this gen Jetta and am thinking about buying one to use as a daily commuting vehicle to and from work. I must admit though I have ALOT of concerns about buying this vehicle due to all of the negative posts I've read. It seems that most people have a "love/hate" relationship with these cars. They love them but with all of the problems the hate them as well. I just recently test drove a 01 VR6 and loved the way it accelerated and handled. I just don't know though, should I buy a older Japanese car of the same size instead, say a Corolla, Sentra, Civic?

I look forward to seeing the replies and I apologize if this thread was previously started.

gforce211

I'm thinking about buying an older one 2000-2003 with an automatic. I test drove a 01 VR6 yesterday and was somewhat impressed with the performance and handling.

backy

I like the way the car handles also, and I have just a base GL. It has a solid, firm yet compliant ride. But mine is a 2005 that must have been driven gently because it looks brand new inside and out. A 01 VR6 might have harder miles on it. Be sure to have it checked by a good mechanic.

bpeebles

In general, German vehicles NEED to be meticulisly maintained. The mindset in Germany assumes that everyone will follow the suggested maintenance plan to the letter. This includes using PREMIUM fuel in the VR6 and turbocharged engines. Also specific oil should be run those engines. If one does this, a VW should give you well over 100K miles of enjoyable driving.

Also, you should expect to look for a mechanic that KNOWS how to maintain a VW. Othewise you may be asking for trouble.

On the other hand, Aisan cars are designed to be pretty much ignored. If you are the type of person who just wants to get to your destination and not be worried about using the proper oil or following the owners-manual for maintenance, then a VW may not be for you. Also, most Asian cars are kinda booring to drive compared to VWs.

Personally, I have owned over 5 VWs since my 1979 VW Scirocco. They have all gone over 100K miles. My current 2003 Jetta TDI has over 100K miles on it now and I fully expect another 100K.

BTW: If you live in an area where they use salt on the roads in the winter, VW dips the entire body in electrogalvanizing at the factory. The body on all VWs is waranteed for 12Years/Unlimited milage. This is somthing that NONE of the Aisan cars offer.

backy

When I open the driver's door on my 2005 Jetta GL 2.0, there is a brief electronic buzzing sound. I have never heard anything like it. Anyone know what it is? :confuse:

gforce211

Thanks for your reply bpeebles. Good to know about the dipping thing since I live in Mn. Salt is a constant on the roads here in the winter. I don't mind giving a vehicle attention as I do that anyway with my current vehicle (04 F-150 4x4 Supercrew). I run full synthetic AMSOIL in it and detail it almost weekly.

gforce211

I'm looking at a 02 Jet with the 1.8T. AUTO, 80K miles, in Mn. Car is in excellent condition. Dealer is asking 5999.00 (below book, NADA and KBB)

Is this a good deal? Is this 1.8T less problematic than the VR6? or more?