Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

2000jettaturbo

Yes, the lights on the heat/ac panel should light up. The lightbulb is probably out or there may be something wrong with the wiring. Whatever the problem, I'm sure it'll be really fast & easy for the dealership to fix it. (o:

blackjetta18t1

hey, what was up with your gas tank? why was it replaced?

cap5

I have a 2001 jetta 1.8T...When I am at a stop I here a small bumping noise that sounds like it's coming from the right rear side...Sounds like someone is trying to get out of my trunk!...Does anyone no what that could be...Thanks

Mr_Shiftright

Could be your idle is too fast while you are in DRIVE and the brakes are slipping ever so slightly.

blackjetta18t1

sometimes, whem im at a light or something, and my foots on the break(auto trans), the car realy starts to vibrate and get a rough idle, if i put it in park or neutral, it stops, what could this be?

Mr_Shiftright

Maybe the idle is too low......what does your tachometer say when warm and in neutral?

jettavw01

I have a 2001 Jetta GLS VR6 manual. Does anyone know how to change the gear shift knob. Does it unscrew or do you have to pop the top off. Thanks.

rss749

1999.5 Jetta (green). Surface paint(hood, roof, & trunk lid)has started to show missing specks of paint, down to primer. Any ideas? Thanks.

bluejetta

Email me!!! This goofy forum does not allow you to post URL's properly. I have directions available for you, but was not able to post the URL here because of some freakoid restriction of some sort. (((

-Jim
http://www.jettaownersclub.org
http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com

blackjetta18t1

hey people, some of you already know this, but for those of you dont, ive had my jetta for about 2 weeks now, have 715 miles on it, and imm getting horrible mileage. It's been almost all town driving, but I've been average around 15-17 miles per gallon. I get about 240 miles per tank, first my tires need air so i got the air and have changed my driving style to a more normal form(slower accel., no sudden stoppin) but I'm still getting bad mileage, i talked to my delaer and he said that he'll ask about it, but also agres with me that if i take it into the service departemtn, they'll say its nothing, and tell me to come back if it remains...

wsommariva

The lightbulb for the HVAC controls is in the shaft of the center knob. Easily replaced by the dealer. To do it yourself pull out center dial using pliers covered with a cloth to protect. Pull out dead bulb with needle nosed pliers. New bulb costs a buck from the dealer.

lnav2121

Okay, I think maybe our cars were made in the same batch. I'm hearing you all the way on the
" sometimes, whem im at a light or something, and my foots on the break(auto trans), the car realy starts to vibrate and get a rough idle, if i put it in park or neutral, it stops, what could this be? "

I'm having the same question.. just thought I was crazy.

And the gas issues. ME TOO !

To top it off the car been in 3 times already. 1st time for a grinding noise in the front, strut was tightend. 2nd - grinding again. REPLACED strut. 3rd time- Check engine light on. replaced fuse and air pump? uh hello i have 1500 miles on my car and the check for the first payment hasen't even cleared yet. LOL

I love the car, frustrated, but i love it. Anyone else feel my pains?

- Laura

jettajon

My '95 has had three window motors die. One friend's '96 has had two, and another's has had one. Noticed post #848 mentioned two others. Any other folks out there with dead window motors? At $500 a pop, I think VW should be required to issue a recall if this problem is as widespread as it appears to be.

bluecaribou

I'm trying to decide between purchasing a 94 Jetta GLX or a 96 GL. I like the idea of having the GLX 6 cyl. engine, but I'm concerned about reliability since the GLX will be 2 years older than the GL.

Any advice as to which engine or particular model years to avoid? Any reasons I shouldn't consider an older GLX?

bluejetta

Peter Savalle, a Volkswagen Guild Member, took a trip to the plant down in Puebla. Check out his observations and a few photos over at: http://www.geocities.com/jettaownersclub

-Jim

97jettagtgrl

I know what everyone says about aftermarket sunroofs, but I want to install one in my 197 Jetta GT. Should I go to Volkswagen, or can I go to another dealership. I know the specialist who the nearest Honda dealership sends their's out to. I would like anyone with this kind of experience to help me please!!! and also someone told me about putting power windows into a car...which i do not have...id appreciate the advice!

97jettagtgrl

I also put a new cd changer into my jetta...but afterwards i noticed i do not have to code for my origional radio. Where can I obtain the code, if i ever want to put the radio back in? And I was told two things about the jetta radios, one that they were made by clarion, the other panasonic. Which one is it??

vwprob

VWOA has no fix for the gear whine sounds from their VR6 automatic transmissions. They all seem to whine between 35-40 mph, VW finds this sound acceptable, but I do not! Completed BBB arbitration to resolve the problem, still awaiting results? Customer satisfaction is NOT VWOA's goal with this issue. After months of negotiations, VWOA has taken a "take it or leave it" position. This is poor service. Has anyone broken off transmission mount bolts yet? I have snapped off two to date (14K miles), no explanation as to the cause? Beware the delay tactics used by VWOA & their dealerships, it puts them at an advantage. Replaced one ring & pinion set, and two complete transmissions, the car still whines! When I get the BBB decision, doubt I'll purchase another Jetta VR6 automatic!

tromoy

I just bought a 2001 V6 Jetta and my seat is so uncomfortable that I have had back pain since I bought the car. I have electric seats and you would think that with all those adjustments I would have some success, but none yet. Has anyone had this problem or have any suggestion on a solution for me? I'm considering trading the car in, it's so terrible.

bluecaribou

Tromoy,

Look into aftermarket seat pillows or back supports. Check Sharper Image for ideas, then shop the internet. Good luck.

wsommariva

I have a 2000 Jetta GLS, no electric seats. It took me quite some time before I found a comfortable position, but once I did I find it very comfortable.

Remember to adjust the steering wheel tilt and in and out.

97jettagtgrl

ok now my check engine light will not go off...i was hit in an accident, and it is driveable, and i have driven it since the accident and the light did not go on. I was told by VW that if it is an emmissions problem, it is covered by warranty, but if it is not then i have to pay. Does anyone else have this problem??

bangster

I own a 2000VR6 and my transmission whins the same as yours. Factory rep said it was ring and pinion and no "fix" was available yet. It is not acceptable to me either. What can be done? Also, there is a rough idle at 1000-1100 rpms. Please return via e-mail.

bangsterwalt@hotmail.com

blackjetta18t1

hey people, had my car for less than a month, and for this period of time, there has been a rattle in the lower portion of the rear left door and it has become more nopticable, the thing is that it is more noticable and present in the morning when the car is cold. When i took it to the dealer to get my plates, I brought it up and they said I should schedule an appointment for one of the serice men to drive in the car with me, but how will they hear it since my car will be warmed up by the time i get there

msmialek

Is it just me or is VW Corporate Service the absolute worse? I asked for assistance several times since the dealership was not cooperating with me on my problem Jetta (2000 VR-6 manual) Corporate kept telling me to "cooperate" with the delaership and to communicate better. Kind of hard to communicate when no one returns your calls. After about 10 attempts with no solid response I decided to pay $260 for a 3rd party independent inspection. To my surprise and satisfaction the body shop (which does work for a different VW delaership) determined the car had been in an accident, yet was sold to me as "brand new" Findings: bondo in the hood, imperfections in paint, bent a/c compressor, damaged hood latch, etc.....Way to go VW!! Your fraudulent activites will be greatly publicized. Anyone else have problems with Corporate VW service?

daviejoe

All Jetta owners of 1999-2000 models with p195/65-15 Goodyear Eagle LS tires, please check your tires for abnormal inside treadwear and listen for roaring noise. Some Jettas and Passats with these tires tend to wear the inside tread of all four tires (as in my case). After two alignment checks and several trips to the dealer and Goodyear, and several calls to Corporate offices of both, I have found that both companies knew about a potential problem with the tires. It has to do with the specifications of the tires and the negative camber settings that VW cars use. I would like to note that Goodyear has offered to prorate my tires (28000 miles on them), allowing me $50.00 credit for each on the purchase of a new set @ 146.00 each. The new tires are the same model, but have been modified to accommodate VW'S negative camber. Corporate VW also informed me that they were replacing tires with less than 25,000 miles (prorated, of course). So, for all Jetta owners out there with these tires, please look at them, and listen closely for a roar in your car. VW corporate needs to step up and notify us of this, but , the representative told me that it wasn't a safety issue.

smcmullen

The "check engine" warning light just came on in my 2000 Jetta VR6. Manual says it is indeed an emmissions problem. I seem to recall seeing posts here about the oxygen sensor going bad rather frequently? I'm going to scroll through right now. If anyone has experience with this, please advise.

Thanks!!!

njjetta

I purchased a 2001 Jetta in November and have had no problems to date. I was wondering if everyone is content with the regular schedule to change oil every 5000 miles or six months. I come from a long line of "every 3000 miles" changers but VW says the oil and new technology allows for the longer wait. I'm also considering having them put the CD changer in the trunk. Are those working for everyone???

97jettagtgrl

i have the same problem, but it may not be caused by emmissions. I went to my VW service center, where i was told to make an appointment. They obviously do not think it is a big deal. I have a 97 Jetta GT i bout used, and I asked if it would be covered under my warranty (there is 18500 miles on the car). After talking to three people, i was told "I dont know". If it emissions it would be, but that light could go on if any system on the car is not working properly, ie a hose of somesort. (as i was told). I would take it to a mechanic to see what the problem is, not to VW.

bluejetta

5,000 miles is plenty good enough. People have tested oil past 10,000 miles and it's still fine, which is what VW recommends for the 2.0 and the TDI. Yes. 10K miles between oil changes. The VR6 and 1.8T have a lot more stress on them so their changes are 5K miles.

As for the changer in the trunk? Yeah, I have mine there. It was designed to go there.

-Jim
http://www.jettaownersclub.org
http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com

flaca

bluejetta:
I called VW customer service to question them about the oil changes. They said to change every 5k miles and to use synthetic oil. VW pays to change at 5k, 10k and 20k. But we should do the others inbetween. I hope this clears up the oil change question.

bluejetta

That doesn't make any sense as everything you said that 'they said' is against both VW's free service for 24,000 miles, against their owner's manual and against their Service Circular at: http://tech.vw.com/vwpdf/vms0003.pdf

The TDI and the 2.0 oil is changed at 5K and 10K and then at 10K intervals after that, paid by VW. The 1.8T and the VR6 are changed at 5K and paid for by VW. If you desire to change at 5K for the 2.0 or TDI those costs, of course, would be paid for by the customer.

Did you talk to VWoA customer service or your dealer?


-Jim
http://www.jettaownersclub.org
http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com

blau127

like person #855, i, too, am experiencing thumping noises from gas tank area...had car in 3 area dealerships and noone seems to know or "hear" the problem except for me and ANYONE who rides with me! also, just this week i had to replace a 02 sensor (other problems abound) anyone have this thumping problem?

blackjetta18t1

hey, just curious, does anyone else here hear the gas in the tank moving around when u get your tnak filled? is this normal,??, also, does anyone know who makes the stock stereo in the jetta?

flaca

VW Customer care. I just do not want to mess up. I read your attached care maintenance info and you are right. I just don't want sludge just like my 97 Camry developed. That is why I am so concerned about the time span between oil changes.

jlpatrick17

I have scrolled through the postings, but couldn't find one I was looking for. I just got
a 2000 Jetta GLS and it is fun to drive. However,
While leaving the dealer, I went over a rough patch in the road and my radio stopped working. I think I remember this being a problem with the antenna, could someone please let me know if it's something I can fix? The tape player works fine, but both FM and AM do not get any reception. Thanks.

2000jettaturbo

Okay, here's the deal...I bought my 2000 Jetta in May of 2000. During the hot summer months I noticed this thick waxy stuff on my car. There was so much of it that there would be globs of it on my driveway. The wax (or whatever it is) is only on the bottom door sills. Even though it's not hot anymore, the wax is still coating the bottom part of the door sills and it's really nasty looking. I have tried and tried to remove it with no luck. I've been really careful because I don't want to scratch my paint. Has anyone else had a problem with this nasty wax? If so, how did you remove it? Thank you so much!

amascia

i have a 99 jetta gls and have been experiencing the following problems despite 4 unsuccessful repair attempts:

-rough idle when stopped (rpms just drop, the car shakes and then returns to 'normal')
-stalls on start
-occasionally no power in first or second gear even when the accelerator is completely to the floor

if anyone has had similar problems that have been fixed by vw (i am still under warranty), i would greatly appreciate a post or an email detailing what was done.
i am about to file under the lemon law because things are getting dangerous with the no power issue.
i really love my car and just want the problem fixed.

thanks

smcmullen

This is melting out of the doors. I think they said it was insulation. They put too much in, and in very hot weather it melts out. It must stop eventually. I only have the problem on the passenger side, and since I mostly drive alone, I'm ignoring it. Maybe what is in the door sill will eventually melt too! I did try wiping it with a rag on a really hot day when it was soft and did get some of it cleaned up, but I'm too lazy to really go after it. I take my car to a car wash, and that seems to help diminish it - because of the hot water perhaps? Plus the staff hand wipe the whole car to dry it. Maybe a detail kind of place could clean it for you?

smcmullen

My Jetta was due for its 10,000 mile service anyway, so I took it in today for that, the light, the broken passenger window motor (again), and a "creaky" steering column. And I asked them to rotate the tires while they were at it; I think that's the first time I've ever had that done in my life! But now that I am driving a VW instead of a Toyota, I'm trying to be dutiful about maintenance... The light went out yesterday, so who knows. I'm still waiting to hear from the service department what they found...

blackjetta18t1

hety, i get a rough idle to sometims when at a light or just stoipped with the carf on, it starts idle rough when in reverse or drive or any gear except neutral and park, rpm doesnt change though, always around 800 or a little under..what could this be? plus, i think my tires may be wearing very early, ive 1087 miles on it, had it about a month, now i'm not sure how you tell if its wearing, but on the front tires i do see a yellow line going down and then i di the penny test and the top of lincolns head is no where near the tread? ive read about problems with the Goodyear Eagle LS, asnd am wondering, if i take it in and they say they'll replace it, can i ask them to put better, more expensive tires on the car and id pay the differnece?

Mr_Shiftright

Yes, they should be able to pro-rate your tires as long as VW has authorized the dealer to do this. So you'll still have to pay for whatever percentage of the tire's life you used up.

blackjetta18t1

so is it possible for me to pay the differnce and get a better set of good years? and if so, can anyone recommend a good pair of good years for the jetta, 15" tires...

Mr_Shiftright

You could try other types of tires....I like Pirellis and of course Michelins if you want to pay the price for them...Pirellis are quite reasonable and a decent tire. I never had good luck with my Eagles either, although my cars handled well with them...I think they were just too soft for decent wear....I could go through them in about 8,000 miles. (I drive hard, though).

k_h_b

I can't believe you think jetta seats are uncomfortable. I just got done putting 5,000 miles on my brand new wolfsburg edition in the last 2 weeks. 2 long drives of 2,000 miles and a few shorter trips in seattle/vancouver. At no time did i EVER have the SLIGHTEST hint of back pain/ache/soreness whatsoEVER. I couldnt be more comfortable in a lazy boy. Its not like i'm a small guy either, 6' 200 lbs, its a good fit. I don't think theres much different in my wolfsburg besides the sport cloth. The firmness is wonderful. I like to sit high and straight, move the seat back a little when cruising. I don't think you're adjusting the seats enough, either that or you're too big for the car, heh heh. Seriously though, strange :I

shoequeen

I have the sticky stuff too coming from my doors. You can get it off when it gets hot with a paper towel, it not take it to the dealership and make them it off. (in live in Texas the thing is always dripping out) I think finally it stopped.
My locks drive me CRAZY!! They seem to always rattle. When I took it to the dealership they said they could not hear anything. Yeah right!
I heard something thump too. I thought it was my backseat, but I bet it is my gas tank. I told them about that too, and they could not hear that either.
But I really love my Jet:>)

dinan76

I bought the 2001 Jetta GL. I had to have the rings replaced at 6,000 miles which didn't work so they replaced the motor at 8,000 miles because of all the oil that was leaking. As for the people with some rattles in the front of the car like from the front speaker or the dash, it is the fuse cover that is loose!
I am now having problems with the small speakers (tweeters) on the back doors making a cracking sound. If anyone knows why it does that sometimes but not other times, please let me know. It is going to repair soon and it's still under warranty so hopefully they will hear the problem too. For all the uncomfortable seat people~~My seats are uncomfortable and the material is terrible too. The exterior and style is to die for and it handles well on curves. But over all I think it will be a good car (I hope).

lokki

For the sticky stuff, try a solvent called "Goo Gone" You should be able to get it in most supermarkets. It may work for you. Note that it will also take all your wax off so be prepared to wash and rewax those areas afterwards.

As for the rear door tweeter crackle I would wonder if you don't possibly have some insulation rubbed off a wire where it feeds into the door.
The crackling might be when the bare wire touchs metal; is there any correlation between hitting a bump and the crackling noise?

Another possibility would be a loose connector on the speaker causing the same problem, but that's going to require opening the door up to check... so don't.

twflowers

My dealership has finally stopped all the rattles, except for the creaking sound coming from the doors. The problem is that the latches come loose and allow the doors to vibrate at the latch/door frame contact point. The temporary cure is to readjust/tighten the latches, but within a week or so, the sound starts coming back. The service writer tells me that no official VW service bulletin has been issued concerning this problem, which has affected every 2000 model year Jetta or Golf that I've driven.
Other than that aggravation, all my other problems have been sorted out, except for an occasional idle jump which the dealer can't duplicate.
One word of warning about VW dealers: no matter what problem your car has, the service writers will tell you either 1) they can't find anything wrong, or 2) you are the only person having this problem; they haven't experienced it with other customers.
Of course, the power of the internet blows their cover. My last Jetta was an '87, and it was terrible. The dealer was incompetent (and now out of business), and VW corporate was totally unresponsive to my complaints. I was hoping that they had changed their ways, but my interactions with my local service center haven't been encouraging.

sda

That goo you see dripping from your car is a wax based rustproofing the VW has used for years. I had the same stuff dripping from my '88 Fox,'90 Passat,'95 Jetta GLX,'99 Passat(wife's) and '00 Jetta GLX. It is easily cleaned off by spraying some WD-40 or bug and tar remover on it and wiping if off with a soft (clean) rag. Best done after you've just washed the car. After you wipe if off you can follow up by taking your damp towel that you just dried the car with and wipe the area down to remove the remaining residue. I have found that WD-40 is also great for removing black heel scuffs from the interior, tar, and bugs. Hope this helps. Enjoy your VWs. I've enjoyed ours!