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Volkswagen Cabrio

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Comments

  • craffieldcraffield Member Posts: 13
    I haven't had this particular problem on my Cabrio or my daughter's Cabrio......but the emergency brake is usually a cable linkage that gets pulled tight when you lift the handle inside the car....Ys off towards the back and pulls two mechanisms on either rear wheel that tightens up the brake shoes inside the rear drums. WD40 works wonders in two ways. If it did freeze up, that means there is water back there in the line WD40 disperses water. Second WD40 is a lubricant.....spray the two mechanisms on the rear wheels (these should be under the car in back of the tires and also spray as much of the exposed cable as you can, even up to the handle linkage.
    Kelly
  • larissajeanlarissajean Member Posts: 1
    I recently just got a 1996 cabrio off ebay. It didn't come with an owner manual. Is there somewhere I can download one from? I haven't been able to find one at all. The only manuals i found were like 40 dollars, is it worth the money to buy? Or are they somewhere else cheaper? Thanks!

    - Larissa :confuse:
  • jessilynndolljessilynndoll Member Posts: 2
    Did you ever figure out what was wrong with yours? Mine is doing the same thing, 2002 cabrio GLX....thx
  • fookyufookyu Member Posts: 1
    Im havin the same exact problem with my 01 cabrio, so did you ever figure out what was wrong with yours
  • dsb249dsb249 Member Posts: 2
    I have had my Cabrio for three years and have begun to experience problems when adding fuel. The gas station pump shuts off at about half full and then I have to manually add the rest of the gas. This has happened at a number of gas stations. Does anyone know why this is happening?
  • camiolocamiolo Member Posts: 1
    I have the same thing, and the CD changer plays/broadcasts on radio station 89.7.
  • sassgirlsassgirl Member Posts: 1
    Are Cabrios really not worth the money? Do they really have lots of problems? How can one tell if it's a "good" engine? Even after my VW dealer telling me the dealership won't touch them because they're trouble ... I want one, go figure! Can anyone give me some guidance? Is a Jetta a better investment? Thanks!
  • driveacabriodriveacabrio Member Posts: 5
    I paid 6500.00 on mine last November 2007. I added a full coverage warranty for 1200.00 (used once for 550.00 on power windows). So far it's been great, very reliable specially on the cold days. It doesn't matter what car do you buy, if it is a used car you don't know what's gonna fail so i highly advise you to get extended warranty ( full coverage ) to cover yourself from expensive repair.
  • sarakisaraki Member Posts: 6
    Why would you want a car that many people say has tons of problems, including the dealer! Are you a glutton for punishment? My 01 Cabrio was nothing but trouble since day one! I finally unloaded it in December! Get yourself a Toyota or similar. I just bought a Scion and I love it! It was a sunroof, so I dont miss the convertible much. Go to consumer reports and do your homework.
  • craffieldcraffield Member Posts: 13
    I have owned both. Had a 89 Jetta got it second-hand. Drove the car 237,000 miles with minimal problems. Biggest problem was the floor board rot. My daughter has a 98 cabrio as I do now. Traded my Jeep Wrangler for it - straight trade. Did it because it was costing me 50 bucks to put half a tank of gas in it. Now 25.00 does the cabrio and I get 30 mpg. My daughter has had hers longer. She has but on 189,000 miles and the car still runs good. The biggest problem with hers was the check engine light. A local repair shop kept telling me it was the gas cap. Finally took it to a VW dealer and they found that a pump was the problem. Mine has 90,000 on it and runs good. Knock on wood, no problems yet.
    It is a great convertable. Just unlatch and put the top down. The jeep top was a nightmare.
  • danas200danas200 Member Posts: 2
    I own a 96 and am also having trouble opening my trunk, I found out that the rear seats wont open forward while the truck is locked. I can turn the key to the left fully but the button doesn't open the trunk
  • craffieldcraffield Member Posts: 13
    I have found I have to turn the key twice to the left to get the passenger side door and trunk to unlock. The first turn left only opens the driver door.
  • cew613cew613 Member Posts: 2
    how do you put your seats down?
  • sterno15sterno15 Member Posts: 1
    My wife heard a "clunk" noise when she tried to put the driver side window down. Then she heard what sounded like parts falling into the bottom of the door. Now the window is stuck in about half-way up. We have the same problem with the passenger side window. Is this something I can fix? I live in a small town and it is hard to get an honest opinion from any of the mechanics.
  • jessilynndolljessilynndoll Member Posts: 2
    Its common, from what I've read, take the door panel off, be careful not to break the clips, and check and see if there are any screws that disconected, it could also be electrical, in that case you may just have to trust one of the mecahnics to take a look...
  • cbg2005cbg2005 Member Posts: 1
    I have had my Cabrio for 11 years and I'm devestated that they're discontinued now that it's time for me to buy a new car. I've driven every convertible I can find, and I'll probably get an Eos because my VW has been the most reliable car in my family - that's between a Volvo, a Porshce, and a Suburban. But it won't be the same. I've been trying to find a used '03 or '04 Cabrio, but nobody seems to have any for sale. I don't know who has had problems with their Cabrios, but every car make and model has a lemon now and then. The Toyota Solara I test drove last week broke down during my test drive - and it was an '08 with 24 miles when I got in. Turns out it was a faulty fuel line that they'd "fixed" after a test drive ealier that day that went bad again. Yeah - go buy a Toyota - that's certaibly more reliable!
  • 98cabrio98cabrio Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a cute "98" Cabrio for my daughter, I tried to change manual trans. fluid. I removed approx. 2 quarts and am haveing a problem replacing it. There seems to be a hole(small slot) where trany meets engine . The fluid would run out prior to being full at a certain level if I filled too fast , but I believe it is supposed to settle in. The book I have dosnt discribe it very well but they say its complex, it even says to put it toghether drive and recheck level but its unclear where the level would be. Is this normal? :confuse:
  • 98cabrio98cabrio Member Posts: 3
    I think they stopped makin them in "02"
  • rossi1101rossi1101 Member Posts: 1
    I am new to the vw and not too sure if this is a good buy. The car hasn't had major mechanical problems, new clutch and top. it has 102, 000mi on it, and in good condition. I have heard "love" stories and "hate" stories. Any opinions would be welcome. I am currently driving a saturn sl2 with 234,000mi and longevity is priority to me. The saturn has been good to me, but on it's last leg. Any help again is VERY welcome.
  • myvwsylviamyvwsylvia Member Posts: 2
    Hi all, I am the owner of Sylvia, she is an 01GL. It sucks to read all the posts on here of ones who hate their cabby's but its ok. My girl has about 87,000, which 30,000 of those that I put on. I am her second owner and I have had her for about 18 months. I drive alot for work and live in Phoenix, Arizona, so that says it. I have had a few problems with her. The catallitic converter went out, I replaced the struts, abs brake systems is erroring and my side seat airbag is not working. I think I have a really crappy auto warranty cause they hardly cover anything it seems.

    I need a new top for her now, Like everyone else it seems, the back seams around the window are ripping. I used "Gorilla Glue" to glue the back right side and although it doenst look that great, it has postponed the purchase, which Ive been quoted $850.00 for.

    What irritates me most about my car is that the small, things on the inside keep breaking. My glove box opener, the plastic covering on the dash surrounding the headlight switch, and the rollers to move the seats up and down wont seem to stay on. The vacuum pump in my locks, has quit and I am manually locking my car every day, which sucks becuse since it is on a pump, the passenger side is really hard to get up. If i dont push it down all the way, its easier to pull up, but, its not covered on my warranty, which is crappy, and its a 500 dollar job... UGggh.

    I thought about getting my boyfriend to help me install the top and just purchase one from a few suggestions on here , but man, it seems like alot of work..

    im so upset at myself because a couple months ago, i was really tired and backed into a abandoned car on my old street and banged up her left rear a little, even had to put a new light in there. Oh i was so mad! I love her though, and try to take care of her well with all her regular maintenance. oh she had some water line leak and so I had to have that replaced as well. All in all, she seems to drive great, and her engine is great but [non-permissible content removed] i feel like she is falling apart at the seams....lol, and she is.

    I wanted to know if anyone here has had any luck with a replacing the top, its a manual top, and im thinking the information on the intstall in the top forum by the gentleman is not accurate for my top,. I have a metal frame up there, not wood. It is somewhat frustrating, but when I have the top down and im driving around, It is all better..you all know what I mean :) Glad to be here.,. :)
  • myvwsylviamyvwsylvia Member Posts: 2
    Hey there... I have an 01, i just put my first post on here. I believe truley that they are wonderful "driving machines", VW put a great engine in there and i feel it will drive me everywhere with no problems. Its the small stuff, that tends to be less, well designed. If it has a new top, great, cause I have to replace mine and i hate the price. Well maintenace is crucial for these cars, as they like to cause problems and get mad at you if your not taking good care of them. Like a kid, lol. I love my car alot, but hate that she has to have so much attention all the time. And i cant say its been real costly, just more annoying than anything, but with unconditional love, comes a Cabrio. I named her sylvia, and my kids, 11 and 7 love her too. Wer have so much "FUN" with her and all the kids in the neighbor hood love me to drive them around and do swervys. Another thing, The Cabrio has the most awesome turn radius I have ever felt in any car that I have driven, its amazing how easy and controlled you can perform a U-Turn on a one way street. No problems there.And there cute as a button so , with the wonderful things, your may get some other things, its kind of a balance. Just sit in the car for a while, and if you feel good in it, and its clean and maintained, then go for it..... :P
  • jillowolfjillowolf Member Posts: 2
    Have a 97 vw cabrio that was run over by a 12 point buck. Found pieces of the black vacuum reservoir under the vehicle but cannot figure out where it came from. Found the vacuum line hanging free under the fender when the fender was removed so I figure it goes in there somewhere but need help to return the new one to its proper place.
  • jillowolfjillowolf Member Posts: 2
    Will a 97 Golf fender work on a 97 Cabrio? I understand that the golf fender does not have the hole for the antennae but it appears to be the same otherwise.
  • plm50plm50 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know where to unlock the rear seat so that you can release the levers to lower the back of the seat?

    We have located the lever but cannot find wherever it is you are suppose to unlock them? Any help would be appreciated.
  • stephangstephang Member Posts: 9
    Me too! I was wondering what on earth is happening! Could this be weather-related? (I am in the Northeast).
  • ave10ave10 Member Posts: 2
    Recently we became owners of a 1998 Cabrio....for my son. Today his front Drivers side turn signal is out. Since the car came with NO owners manuel I am not sure how to change this out. Does the whole unit snap out or just replace the bulb....and I am not really sure how any of this is done....I have large hands and it is tight space by the place where the unit is. Again how does this get replaced
  • craffieldcraffield Member Posts: 13
    Can anyone explain to me how to find the evap canister on a 98 Cabrio? I looked from the engine compartment down on the passenger side but can't see anything that looks like it from that angle.
    Do I have to go under the car to see it? Is there any cowling that has to be removed?

    Thanks,
    Kelly
  • craffieldcraffield Member Posts: 13
    I haven't had to replace one yet on my 98 cab. But I believe the light just twists and removes from the fixture. Then you just replace the bulb and re-insert.
  • ave10ave10 Member Posts: 2
    Well I thought that....but trying to get my big hand in a tiny space was difficult..but managed to get to where I think the bulb is...and tried to turn it but could not. When I was searching parts they didnt show a light bulb but a whole light, housing and all...so I was unsure if that meant that was what was needed to be done...thanks for the help
  • cuscocusco Member Posts: 2
    Question I hope someone can help with,, I have a 2001 VW Cabrio that I had to have jumped, and now the Radio does not work. I checked all the fuses and they are still good, but still no radio. I'm thinking relay? but do not know where it is, plus someone one said theres "2 relays? "
    any help or sugestions? thanks

    Lanny
    cusco1959@yahoo.com
  • uneektecneekuneektecneek Member Posts: 2
    Recently purchased a '98 Cabrio for my wife, generally satisfied with the car (though not overly pleased). One of the main issues that I'm seeking help with is the very loud whistling that seems to come from the area just in front of the driver where the top should be flush with the sealant. It is slightly disconnected and whenever driving more than 40 mph, the whistling begins and worsens with increased speeds. Took it to the dealer and they stated it needs a new sealant (apparently runs $650, and with installation labor, the total would be about $1100). Ridiculously high in my opinion.

    Is there anyone who has experienced this issue that knows of any makeshift ways to get at least lessen the sound? Although it is annoying, hard to think of paying 1/5 of what was paid for the car itself for what seems like it should be a fairly easy fix. Thanks for any suggestions.

    One more issue if anyone cares to comment: Horrible radio reception, dealer charges $110 just to diagnose and mentioned $150 for a replacement antennae. Audio guys want to sell us an HD antennae ($450), stated a regular antennae would not likely work... just want reasonable reception at less than $200 or so.
  • craffieldcraffield Member Posts: 13
    I too had a lot of air noise on my 98 cabrio. There are two adjustments for the latch system that pulls the top toward the front. I suggest you move the latch one space back on both sides which will pull the top more forward. That considerably improved my air noise.
  • courtnatedogcourtnatedog Member Posts: 1
    I have a 98 cabrio with out an owners manual. Need help with the programing step to enter the code. I got the code off the radio and now I need to know the programing sequence to enter it. Please help Wife is need to hear the radio again
  • golf8hdcpgolf8hdcp Member Posts: 2
    If you have lost power i.e battery power you need the radio code ..usually 4 digits to reactivate the radio
    usually in your manual :shades:
  • golf8hdcpgolf8hdcp Member Posts: 2
    If you are having problems make sure you bleed the system after top up
  • lorrburnslorrburns Member Posts: 1
    Thank heavens somebody has something good to say-----I just picked up my '02 Cabrio about an hour ago and after looking at this site--I'm terrified!! I also own a Wrangler '98--and it will always be my #1-love it, love it, love it. I have to agree the ragtop is nothing but a headache. I think I'm on my 3rd top--but none the less--I wanted one for 10 years, have owned it for 5 and plan to be buried in it one day!
    However with a 55 mile round trip commute to work, it was just killing me at the gas pump. So, I'm hoping the Cabrio will fill the bill for better gas mileage--it seemed so practical, but my goodness people sure seems to have had many problems with them. Should I have read this site BEFORE buying ?????!! probably, but on the other hand, I was set on a convertible--(that I could actually USE!) and I have noticed that they are not easy to come by--dealers seem to be turning them over very quickly. Well, we'll see how it turns out-but it was good to hear a little feedback that wasn't negative from bumper to bumper. Good luck with your Cabrio!
  • 98cabrio98cabrio Member Posts: 3
    I just bought 98 cabrio w/115k miles a month ago, read this afterwards and was scared. The first week I needed a wiper motor , I thought this was the begining of the end. But I am presently surprised my daughter looks so cute in it . The gas milage is great! I was assured by my mechanic that he can talk me through anything wrong, Without a good honest mechinic it could be exspensive...good luck on your purchase...
  • dummy157dummy157 Member Posts: 1
    I just got a 1995 Cabrio for my youngest daughter and the check engine light is on. I went to Autozone and had them put the computer on the car. The computer would not "Link" with the car. But, while the computer was still hooked up the check engine light flashed 3-3-3. I checked and that code is for Knock Sensor #2 circuit high input? What those that mean, to a normal person?
  • happymoverhappymover Member Posts: 1
    Hi all

    Recently found that there was a hole in the rubber part in picture one as shown image as freon was leaking out. I want to replace the part although does anybody know what the name of it is, and where to find it??

    The second picture <img src=http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m203/switzerebay/picture2.jpg im missing the passenger side one, i'm assuming these are for protect certain parts from water splash. Could anybody please name that part and where to find it?

    I appreciate anybody taking the time to answer this.

    Take care
  • uneektecneekuneektecneek Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the response! Could you please give me a bit more detail on where this latch is located? I haven't stripped the top off completely, but the only latch I seemed to find was the gold latch on the driver's side area that releases the top from when it's down to put back on. Does the latch need to be adjusted with a tool or can it be done by hand?

    Thanks alot for your advice!
  • mike293mike293 Member Posts: 1
    i just got my 95 cabrio a month ago and i just noticed that when i turn it on i release the switch but i keeps doing a sound like when you do not release the key ang the starter keeps rotating my dad thought i wasn't releasing the key but i do if anyone has had this problem would you inform me of a solution, oh another thing the door lock does not work, i opened it and tried to see what was happening, because i can not lock it manually the pin will not go down, and i noticed it has an air based door lock it works with an air pump that pulls the lock up but i don't know if it had keyless entry, i think so because everything is electric on it, thanks :confuse:
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    I just helped my 17y.o. daughter buy her 1st car... a 1997 Cabrio (standard trim). The car has high miles (125K) and is in pretty nice shape, but far from perfect. One thing in particular, the interior light assembly (above the rearview mirror) is broken. I've been looking around online for a while and can't find the part. Does anyone know of a good online source of parts for this car? Thanks in advance!!
  • cabrio98cabrio98 Member Posts: 8
    Try Napa Auto parts. They're pretty good with finding random small autoparts. I bought a parking lamp reflector for my 98 Cabrio from them for $15.00.
  • cabrio98cabrio98 Member Posts: 8
    Hi, i own a 98 Cabrio. In the 98 to lower the back seats, you need to turn off the car, open the trunk and push the round release button that's in the trunk in order for the back seats to lower. i don't have a keyless entry, so i cant help you there. but be warned that cabrios suffer from keylock sensor damage. so if they're going to actually touch your door lock, it might be a bit risky. when i bought my cabrio from the original owner i noticed that the key was a bit funny on the driver's side door. i brought it to dealer and they suggested that i change it, which i did. it worked for a while and then eventually became temperamental once more. i've concluded that in cold weather you need to jiggle the key a bit to get the door unlocked.
  • cabrio98cabrio98 Member Posts: 8
    if you're still looking, i'm selling my 98 cabrio. i'm in nj.
    email me at sambhavi_siva@yahoo.com if you're interested
  • cabrio98cabrio98 Member Posts: 8
    Hi i own a 98 cabrio and had the same problem as well. Forget the dealer! the dealer will only outsource the job and charge you twice the price. I got lucky one day at the dealer, and the man there told me where to bring my car for any top issues. He told me that the dealer doesn't do the job; they outsource.

    So what you need to do is get some weather strip (f you can find the spongy kind it works the best!) and attach it to the metal frame part of the top--the metal part that overlaps onto the car's original seals. I had the outsourcing place do this for me and the noise issue is history. I wish i had done it sooner! I felt like i was going deaf due to the wind noise. Do NOT attach the weather strip to the car's seals as it will only peel off over time.

    as for antenna, i changed my antenna when an autobody shop broke my original one. I got a new antenna from NAPA autoparts for $20.00 and works perfectly!
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    My wife and daughter stopped at a dealership that, surprisingly, had the part in stock. A little more $$ than I would have liked, but I got it in and all is good. I'll keep the napa thing in mind, though, for future purchasing.

    Thanks!!
  • cabconv01cabconv01 Member Posts: 1
    For some reason, my wife never releases the parking brake on the 01 cabrio until she's driven several miles. I will no longer use the brake. What damage will be done by her driving with the parking brake engaged?
  • pstreckpstreck Member Posts: 3
    i do not know if these two issues are related but i was travelling on the interstate and the anti lock brake light came on when i stopped and turned off the vehicle the light went out and did not come back on, but the cruise control from that point on only works intermitantly. any suggestion would help
  • 85cabriolet85cabriolet Member Posts: 1
    Afternoon - I have a 1985 cabriolet that is stock. I have had no troubles getting any of the mechanical parts I have needed but when it comes to body parts i cannot find what I am looking for. does anyone have an idea of where I might find hard to come by items like rear fenders or front bumper that are stock and in good shape. Also I am wondering if anyone knows what the value of this car is.
    Thanks
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