Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

mtena

I tried the heater recently on my 2001 1.8T and noticed an odor that's not evident with the A/C. It's a burning smell, but kinda "chemically," to borrow your term.

I'm going to ask the dealer next week when I go in for my 5k service. Because I bought the car in late spring, I hadn't had occasion to use the heater before.

iown2

I own two 1999.5 Jettas (2.0, 5-spd GLS) and recently had Lowell's experience with one of them. When I used the remote to lock the doors and set the alarm, the driver's side door would not lock. Also, that gimmick where you put the key in and hold it and all four windows roll down ... that wouldn't work either. My car was out of warranty, but VW Corporate did agree to cover the cost of fixing the problem anyway.

Similarly, I had the common window regulator problem, where the window rolls down and there's a loud CRACK sound and it won't go back up again. VW Corporate covered that repair also, as if the car were still under warranty.

The car was just over two years old and had about 34,000 miles on it when these problems occurred. I was, of course, pleased that VW covered the cost of the repairs.

riswami

appears to be a problem with 2.0 liter Jettas. There is a board in the Maintenance and Repair Thread on this subject. Also read something about it in the Boston Globe Sunday Automotive Section.

anshul

I am planning to buy a 95 jetta with automatic transmission. I heard that many of these jetta's need to have power transmission changed after 60 to 80,000 miles. Any comments on this.

AS

64tree

I bought my Jetta in June and love it.....my problems so far have been the air conditioner making a really strange noise.........mostly when you turn it off........but today, i had an accident.....when i hit the brake, the car kept going up the curb, took down a tree, etc...i'm ok, and miraculously not a dent, just scratch on the car........any problems with the gas pedal or brakes????????????

thanks............

nwvw

I have never heard of such a problem. You definitely need to take that baby in for a looksee and a checkup.

-Jim

mtbarr

I have now had my Jetta for 1.5 years (18,000 miles) and I am considering trading it in for a new car. Not another VW.

I bought the TDI because I like the 43 city and 51 highway mileage, but that novelty is wearing off considering my uneasiness about the quality of the car.

Since having it, I have had many "little" issues. They included:

Driver seat frame was broken, had to be replaced.

Brake switch went bad, had to be replaced.

Brake switch for Cruise control went bad, had to be replaced.

Cruise control would not disengage when you applied the breaks (an adjustment was made).

The car "surges" at 45 mph in 5th gear (1,500 rpms).

Doors squeaked and had to be adjusted (ok, explain having to adjust doors on a unibody construction car?)

Car has many rattles and squeaks of unknown origin.

Air flow noise at highway speed that cannot be fixed.

I must take the car to VW for service since the filters are cartridge and a no one else does them ($79.00 per pop, because of the synthetic oil for the TDI).

After having an 83 GTI in 1983, I test drove the Jetta and feel in love with that "feel of a fun car" again. I had Pontiacs since 1985. A firebird (don't even go there with that lack of quality), a 91 Grand Am. The best car I EVER owned. It had 118K on the QUAD 4 engine and never failed me (ok the covered head gasket leak was and issue rattling catalytic converter), then a 98 Gran Prix.

I now realize what was "boring" about those cars. I never had to think or worry about them. They were good, reliable transportation that never made me wonder about the quality.

I will never buy another VW. Sorry for all you enthusiast, but I am not a masochist like yourself. I want a trouble free car.

Lacho

I have few minor issues to complain about:

1) When opening driver's door, after unlocking with remote, the passenger's side mirror always hums. This could be some bug that is related to the memory function for mirrors and seats in the GLX? Mine does not have memory feature.

2) Driver's seat creaks and moves very little when going over bumps, potholes, or turns.

3) Groaning/grinding noice coming from the front when doing a sharp turn from standstill. No, its not the tires scratching the wheelwell.

Any suggestions?

blackjetta18t1

hey people, i was driving today, just a few hours ago with windows all up and music off because i thought i heard something. As I begin to move from stop, I hear a kind of knocking, or light tapping noise from underneath the car, but it is definately something mechanical and not from the interior. The sound sometimes get more rapid as I move, but it is there whether I am accelerating, braking or cruising. I am worried it might be something dangerous, it sounds like it may be from the suspension or axles. I am taking in on Thursday to fix rattles creak, and a moving chair, all being fixed for the 5th time in 7 months, so I'll tell them abvout this to. Anyone have any idea what this could be?

-Ali

nwvw

You two have more squeaks and creaks than I have read about any other Jetta's on the entire Internet. Amazing...

The knocking sound I have heard about before though. Try searching on Vortex for your answer before heading out to your dealer.

-Jim

blackjetta18t1

i'll be honest, vortex scares me, hehe, it is very intimadating going on that site, could you look for me, i wouldnt even know where to begin

sliksunny

HEY GUYS

this is very wierd...my key is stuck in the ignition i can turn it off and on but it wont pull out!!!

it worked fine this morn when i went to skool took the key out and went to all my classes
than i got back in after the classes and drove to a car wash...they didnt turn the car off or n e thing they left the key in there... and than it was dried and ready to go so i took off with it and i come home and i try to pull the key out and its not coming out!!!

the key is in the ignition right now i locked the doors with a spare key and will be taking it to the dealer tom. or day after when i first get time...

has this happend to n e one?

n e suggestions

HELP!!!

i hope no one breaks in and steals the car
i love my car! but if they do oh well... i got full insurance

SunnY

moparbad

quote of mtbarr -I must take the car to VW for service since the filters are cartridge and a no one else does them ($79.00 per pop, because of the synthetic oil for the TDI). -end

Buy the oil and filter yourself for around $20 per oil change for the oil and the filters are $6 each. Take the car to an oil change place of your choice and pay them for their labor. You should be out a maximum of $46.

Question to mtbarr - How have you had the experience of having to pay for an oil change? The maintenance is free for the first 24K miles on 2000 and you stated you have only had the car for 18K miles and 1.5 years?

I wish you the best of luck with the TDI. Mine is trouble free including no squeaks or rattles.
My 98 Nissan is another story, 17 trips to dealer in 26K miles for problems. Some of them multiple attempts to fix the same problem. The Nissan is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned for reliability. Even worse than Chrysler.

hausmanj

We just picked up our 2001 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 1.8T last night and were very happy until we got home. We turned off the car, engaged the parking brake, and turned off the lights. When we got out of the car, we noticed that the interior semi-orange panel lights, as well as the exterior rear license plate light would not go off. Also, the dimmer for the interior lights has no effect on the level of lighting. After spending over an hour playing with the doors, trunk and light switches, the only way I could get the light off was to pull the fuse to save the battery.

Has anyone ever had this problem? I've looked on this site, but could not find anything similar. We expect to have it back at the dealer this afternoon.

nwvw

Whatever became of this problem with your WE? I've been waiting for ya to repost with the solution.

-Jim

darrin3

My 2002 Jetta GLS 1.8 turbo 5-speed is leaking oil. It's been to the shop twice now for a total of 12 days. First time the CV boot was replaced. Second time the entire turbo unit was replaced. They said it was a defect in the actual mold of the unit. Well, now it's leaking again. Has anyone had this problem????

nwvw

Defect in the engine or transmission? Sounds like they are shooting in the dark with yanking the CV and then the turbo. If there is a defect, then it sounds like they will have to replace the 'unit', whatever you are referring to. And no, this is a new one. Where was your engine and transmission manufactured? It says on the sticker that was in the window.

-Jim

blackjetta18t1

I'm pretty sure all the turbos are made in germany and the 5 speed manuals are made in argentina..

nwvw

I just found it odd that they'd change a CV/half-shaft and then go for the turbo for the same leak. They aren't even related, or in the same area, unless there's some oil-filled turbo component over there by the half-shaft.

Of course, it's still leaking so maybe they'll try changing out something else next time.

Keep us posted Darrin on this problem as we're all curious as to the outcome, as some of us, like me, also have 2002 1.8T's.

As an aside: MY engine (2002 1.8T) and tranny (tip-tronic) were both manufactured in Germany.

-Jim

justin

I just bought my 2002 GLS Turbo Tiptronic last Tuesday. It was made in 9/01, but the engine and transmission were made in Germany it appears. Hope the car is reliable/durable. Love the turbo!!

cuff4

I have 1200 miles on my '02 Jetta GLS 2.0l. It's a stick and I've noticed the RPMs seem to run high in 5th gear (4000rpm @ 80mph in 5th). My 1987 Jetta ran at about 3100rpm @ 80mph. Any reason for concern or should I expect this to mellow in time??

nwvw

Cuff4: 4K rpms at 80mph for a 2.0 is normal. I used to own one.

Justin: We bought our '02 on 8/10, we have 3K miles and zero problems. The turbo is smokin' man! I sure love driving that car...

-Jim
http://www.jettaownersclub.org

dasher2

automatic trans will not engage 1st gear immediately, then slams into 1st. Dealer said this is normal because it takes the auto trans a while to heat up. Had the car 4 years now and this strange behavior started about 2 months ago. Anyone else experience strange shifting with vw auto trans.

nwvw

Have you had the proper service done on the tranny at proper intervals over the 4 years? First thing to check would be the filter and/or fluid levels. How many miles? And what exactly do you mean immediately? If the dealer is suggesting that you need to wait any length of time other than maybe a few seconds to engage the tranny, he's on drugs. Then again, you should not be shifting into drive while the starter motor is still turning, but I'm sure you know that. ;-))

-Jim

skot_

my main concern is a single knock in the front end when i make a turn. somewhere between a pop and a thud. the dealer couldn't duplicate it and said i was probably over-extending my CV joints, but (a) i was turning the wheel that far (b) it's only when there is a weight shift in the car, like making a corner, or pulling into a driveway w/ a lip (c) i can turn lock to lock while driving at low speed (parallel parking etc.) w/o it happening. could it be springs/struts/tierods bushings?

randomly i will roll up my back windows just to have them come down on their own again, and the other day my driver window wouldn't work for an hour.

i've read several people saying they have lots of cd error and no cd from their cd changer. my dealer also can't duplicate this prob. so they wouldn't change it, anyone w/ this prob have luck getting it changed out.

my factory warranty ran out, but i've got an extended from my credit union, waiting to see what kind of problems i'll get from them for not having a VW warranty.

thanks for any replies if any of you have had these problems and had them fixed. p.s.: those eagle RS-A's suck, barely got 20k out of them

justin

I have a 02 GLS Turbo with just over 400 miles. The two front doors have, over the last two days, developed a small rattle when going over DC streets (all crappy, bumpy roads). Will this get worse? Can a dealer even fix?

blackjetta18t1

i have a knocking type noise which could be sescribed as a popping noise. With me, when driving slow as to not have the engine sound fade the knocking out you can hear it clearly. Also, when turning the steering wheel, it sounds worse, like a knocking and creaking. It comes from the front area, primarily the front drivers side area. I took it in and they replaced the stabilizer link rubber joint, only to have it comeback 1.5 days later and it still hasn't been taking care of...

dasher2

nwvw, Not immediately = sitting at red light - light turns green - step on gas - cars sits there for about 2 seconds and does not move as if in neutral - after 2 seconds or so 1st gear engages and tires break loose. Car has 70,000 and trans started acting funny about 2 months ago. As far as having the transmission serviced, I not specifically requested that but I do take the car to the dealership for all necessary service and just had it in for brake fluid replacement, timing belt and water pump. I am very happy with this car and I hope whatever the problem is, it is covered under the 10/100,000 warranty.

nwvw

That is definitely not normal. Go back to your dealer and tell him to go to the Clue Store and buy a dozen, and then fix your car. ;-) Call VWoA, or take it to a different dealer if he refuses to repair it.

-Jim

dieselcar

Recently - got a 2002 VW Jetta tdi 5spd and like it a lot. Great car for most driving. I've had diesels many years ago (MB 220D & 240D's) but the new TDI technology is just awesome, esp with 50+ mpg !!! My concern - is there isn't much info on car sites about diesel fuel, need for detergents, other additives, winter changes, etc unless you go to truck sites where they talk about large fleet experiences and monster sized diesel engines. Can anyone recommend websites or manuals where I can become a new generation diesel expert? My questions range all over. Here's some:
- How do suppliers vary winter #1 vs summer #2 mixes?
- Any anti gelling additives recommended - if drives up north to below 0 temps?
- Do various brand Diesel fuels vary with sulfur? or additives (injector cleaners)?
- Are any specific Synthetics oils recommended?
- Any special Oil filters availale besides VW parts?
- How is Dieselfuel in Europe different than US?
- Why isn't everyone demanding more Diesel engines (like in europe where it's ~ 50% of car market now) ? What's the catch?

Thanks for the info

nwvw

Anything and everything you'll ever want to know about the TDI can be found at the TDI Club Website: http://www.tdiclub.com/

They have a forum and everything...Good stuff.

-Jim

metrograde

I just bought a '94 jetta w/ 92K on the odometer. After a week the auto won't pull out at a light shifts bad and the fluid stinks of burned up money. That's when I read how notorious the 94's were for poor tranni performance. So, does anybody know:
- if it is worth a rebuild, or am I just screwed?
- can I swap to a newer unit and if so, do I also need to swap the electronic controller or am I just screwed?
- of a good web site for jetta lll's, or am I just screwed?
thanks,
brooks

Mr_Shiftright

You might talk to the person or dealer you bought it from, or better yet, find out where they had the car serviced. If you can track down that this car was diagnosed with a bad tranny, and the seller covered up that info, you have a very good fraud case on your hands for small claims court. Maybe seller is innocent, but it might be worth a bit of detective work, since you are in for an expensive repair no matter which way you go.

rc7762

I personally do not think you are being greedy at all and I wish you all the luck in getting something/anything from VW showing their sincerity for all of the frustration you have to deal with driving a new VW. I read these posts and hear the frustration that owners go through and a lot of the time the answer they get back from VW is "It's Normal" (Read the post on oil consumption) Also there are a lot of people who will buy VW knowing full well that they are going to have problems and they are OK with that, I am by no means trashing these people, they are very loyal to VW and I am sure most of them are repeat buyers, in fact in reading these posts a lot of these people have owned nothing but VW.

The people I feel bad for are those who by a VW because they like the way it looks and rides thats exactly the reason I bought a Jetta (I still think VW is a sharp looking car) or the people who have no idea how to research or even know they should research a vehicle before making a purchase, VW attracts a lot of young people who save their money to buy the car but have no idea just how costly it is to maintain it.

I would like to see a class action law suit be brought against VW or better yet nothing would make me happier than to see VW start building a reliable automobile and if that did happen I would be a repeat buyer.

flaca

Jetta only has 8k miles and the infamous MIL came on today. Now what? Will call dealer tomorrow. And it isn't the gas cap 'cause I make sure to click it at least 3 times. Darn it!

nwvw

Nothing to cry about. Just have the dealer pull the code, diagnose the prob and fix it. This happens to all cars these days with the smog requirements being so freaking tight.

freespec

After reading all the reports from CR, comments made by owners and messages on this other boards, I am holding off my decision of purchasing a VW Jetta GLS 1.8T. Like some of cross-shopping customers, I am from Japaness car camp(assume most VW shoppers can't afford MB or BMW without bleeding somewhere else). I've thoroughtly enjoyed the quility and reliability of japaness cars. Also like some of cross-shopping customers, I am lured by VW's style, interier finish and handling. But the issue reliability has never been cleared in my mind. In general, a VW will definietly have more chances to end up in a dealer's shop for fixes than a Japaness car. From all I heard, VW dealers/techs have done a very poor job serving customers(not a surprise given that they are also victims of poorly manufactured VW cars which result in so many "goingbacks"). VW cars, when labeled sporty and "fun to drive", are actualy family cars tuned up for performance cars after given a big tire and firmer suspension. You don't see Honda and Toyota do that by having a line of accords or camry suited up for sports cars. If you want a true sports car, then buy a true sports car. Don't mess around with "dressed up" family sedans. The only results of such dress up are more chances of failure. VW still seems to me they just want to sell a German name in US for the folks who can't afford a MB or BMW. It's intended to be a volume car so it has to be made in Mexico to lower the cost. Along the way, it loses its ture germanness to me. I guess I either stick with a Japaness car or wait until I can afford a BMW. I geniuely like the style and look of Jetta but I know I'll kick myself's butt when car has to to to the dealership for numerous fixes.

blueguydotcom

I dislike my Jetta 1.8T, but there really isn't a Japanese car I'd trade it for. The only one with that more of a fun factor is the WRX. Toyota, Mazda and Honda don't even make interesting cars. Beyond the WRX there's really not much in the way of fun, nice, near-luxury Japanese cars.

freespec

in the dealer's shop for repairs. Everyone gets what he paid for. I pay for reliability then fun in that order, not the reverse.

justin

and then see what happens. Enough said. It WILL be in the shop. Have you read the Honda Accord and Civic forums?

Also, what Honda or Toyota can you buy, out of the box, that is sporty, outside of an RSX or Celica? The beauty of the Jetta and Passat is that they ARE family cars, with a sporty edge. Drive a Camry or Accord, and you might as well be in a minivan. And yes, the WRX is a nice performer, but you have to live with the Japanese cartoon car look. I can't do that. VW's are nice cars. They are not for everyone. Some people would rather "feel" safer, and drive a Honda. Some would rather go with their heart, and drive a VW. I know, I just traded a 2001 Civic EX on a 2002 Jetta GLS. Night and Day. Best decision I ever made.

flaca

I filled up the car the next car and clicked the gas cap 5 times instead of 3 and Voila - the light turned off.

blindvodo

got the jetta wagon...within 65 miles the auto trans goes electronic sensor bonkers...me on the freeway...the dealership replaced the trans...ok now...have to remmember the five clicks...but compared to my ford focus(bad mexico car muy malo) and gms finest saturn...the jetta wagon a much much better car...I don't want a mb or bmw or toyo or honda or etc...

sm48

I've read with interest some of the maintenance problems on the list and I am more than amazed. I've had two Audi's, 2 Volvo's, three Toyotas - and now a Jetta V6 with the performance options. It is absolutely most fun car I've ever owned and must admit I like it better than the Porsche. It has 11,000 miles on it and at this point I'm only going to add an Authority chip and a K&N air filter for better performance. I've had those options in the past on the Porsche - and had 120,000 miles on it with only minor (maintenance type work). I'm expecting the same with the Jetta. Somehow I wonder if some of the people really know how to properly maintain a car as I've never heard of many of the problems expressed here.

Happy Motoring....

sm48

I've read with interest some of the maintenance problems on the list and I am more than amazed. I've had two Audi's, 2 Volvo's, three Toyotas - and now a Jetta V6 with the performance options. It is absolutely most fun car I've ever owned and must admit I like it better than the Porsche. It has 11,000 miles on it and at this point I'm only going to add an Authority chip and a K&N air filter for better performance. I've had those options in the past on the Porsche - and had 120,000 miles on it with only minor (maintenane type work). I'm expecting the same with the Jetta. Somehow I wonder if some of the people really know how to properly maintain a car as I've never heard of many of the problems expressed here.

Happy Motoring....

blackjetta18t1

question-speakers are covered under warranty right? if so, any reason a dealer wouldn't fix it? I'm pretty sure my front left tweeter is on the fritz..

molly101

trying to decide whether to get the VR6 manual or the 1.8 GLS turbo manual.
any advice?

blueguydotcom

At this moment the 1.8T offers more HP and lighter weight than the VR6. It's a rock solid engine that VW uses in just about everything.

The VR6 is a fun with lots of low end power, but it's heavy in the car's nose and considering how poorly the Jetta handles with the sport supsension, adding the VR6 is too much.

Of course in 2002, probably post-January, an even more powerful 6 will come out. 200+ HP!

Kirstie_H

Hi all -- I'm kirstie, the new roving host. I'll be hanging around in maintenance and repair for awhile.

I drove both before I bought, and I went with a 2000 VR6. Perhaps it is simply because i like to pull away from traffic lights too quickly

Agreed that it's a bit heavy up front, but I also went for the automatic transmission since I've got a heavy stop-n-go traffic in to work, and it offered me everything I want. (especially heated seats. I gotta have them)

pamlita

I just recently bought a 2002 Jetta GLS 1.8T with the upgraded Monsoon stereo system. This system is prewired to install a CD changer in the trunk. My salesperson told me that I could buy the VW cd changer, but he recommended that I just go over to Best Buy and buy one of their cd changers for a cheaper price. However, I spoke with somebody at Best Buy and they told me that none of their cd changers will give me the digital quality sound that the VW cd changer would give me. Are there any cd changers in the market that I could buy that would be compatible with the Monsoon stereo system? If so, would it be worth buying elsewhere as opposed to buying from VW? Thanks.

blueguydotcom

That is the OEM model. Best Buy does not carry it. Thank God. Do NOT buy the DP610 from a major chain. If you look around your area you'll find a local dealer selling the DP610 for far less than Circuit City or the Good Guys' price.

Figure maybe 210-220 for the changer and cable. Takes 5-10 minutes to put the changer into the car.