Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

jettagls18t · April 2001

I just bought a 2001 GLS 1.8T Jetta.
I have to admit, the car is amazing. Almost BMW performance/comfort.
However, I started noticing this annoying rattle noise coming from the tweeter speaker area on the back doors. The dealer replaced the tweeters, but the noise remained. Next, they claimed the noise was coming from the lock 'latches', so they took apart the lock aparatus and put this foam-like material around the latch. The noise did stop..for now.
Anyone experienced this??
The service person at the dealer told me on the side that they have been noticing complaints about the new Jetta that have to deal with small quality problems from the Mexico assembly line. Is that true, or is he just BSing???

blackjetta18t1 · April 2001

i have both of these as well!, i have a 2001 Jetta GLS, when I come to a stop or sudden go, i hear a knock form the gas tank and when i stop and go with the music off, i to hear the gas moving around, and it is pretty noticabel, also, i've had noises coming from the rear left door as well. first it began by the 6*9 speaker on the rear left door then it stopped now every once and a while i hear a crackiling from the tweeter on the rear left door and now i hear basic rattles around the tweeter and locks, when i push on the door it stops. Also, i hear a rattle from the roof and when i touch the roof it stops, it happens when my sunroof sliding cover thing is open.

balticjetta18t · April 2001

A creaking sound in my left ear from the drivers door. A rattle of some sort from the right rear that I can't pinpoint. & an occasional rattle from the moonroof area. Maybe some small quality control issues from Puebla are what we are experiencing. My clutch pedal squeeks when depressed too. It is frustrating, but I'll just crank up the Monsoon and it drowns out all bad... Maybe that is why they push the Monsoon to overcome the other unwanted noises...HaHALOL!!!

dinan76 · April 2001

I have a 2001 Jetta GL. The rings were stamped wrong on some of the Jettas as well as Bettles. They must give you a new motor. It will get worst with time. I had a new motor put in and it consumed about 1/2 to 1 quart then I changed the oil at 5,000 and it hasn't consumed any so far. Get a new motor!!!!! It's normal at first to consume some but not after the motor has been broken in.
As for the tweeter crackling, I had both speakers in the rear replaced. It helped the drivers side but not the passenger side. But it only does it in the morning when I go to work but 1/2 way there it stops and it doesn't do it in the evenings. Go figure???

melech · April 2001

Greybaron - - I assume the dealer you complained about is Beaudrey (the only VW dealer in the city). I have a somewhat different impression of them. My '99GLX is serviced there and I never had a problem. (I've needed only routine service; never any repairs yet.) In fact, when I disagreed about their interpretation of the frequency of a free tire rotation, they apologized and gave it to me, although they said I was misinterpreting the service manual.

I did not buy my Jetta there because Beaudrey did not have the car I wanted; got it at Chapman's in Scottsdale. Pleasant and professional purchase experience.

Melech

Mr_Shiftright · April 2001

You're not going to get a new motor from VW for oil consumption at 1,500 per quart. It isn't a legitimate complaint (yet!).

greybaron · April 2001

I'm glad to hear that you haven't had the same experience as me at Beaudry. My suggestion to you would be to watch them very closely, especially after the car is out of warranty and you have to pay for the service. You might consider marking your tires to see if they really rotate them. The way I knew that they didn't was because I had replaced one and it was in the same position.

jettarich · April 2001

I have taken my 98 Jetta in twice for the Check engine light. The first time I had forgot to put the gas cap back on and the service department told me, the light came on because the engine was sucking in too much air. The only charge I had to pay was for a new gas cap which I lost. The second time it was a hose that had broken and it only cost me $75 bucks for the hose and the labor. Its usually something pretty small.

wonderwall · April 2001

it seems to me that contrary to popular opinion, i think the third generation jetta and golfs were -at least by 96 or 97- a heck of a lot more reliable than the 99- models. i know a number of people with jettas from 94-98 and no one has these kinds of nutty problems with them. sure, they aren't quite hondas or toyotas in regards to reliability, but geez.
i have had a dead battery, a check engine light that came on due to a hole in a vacuum hose (which mechanic didn't charge me for), and had to get the air conditioner coolant replaced due to a small leak. sure i would have done better keeping my toyota or my mazda, but not nearly as fun to drive.
the key to good VW ownership experience is find an honest independent shop that specializes in VWs or german /european cars. many people have noticed that these recurring problems stop occurring at all once they get out of the dealership.

bill42 · April 2001

2000 Jetta GLS VR6 with 5 speed. Since new there has been a "lurch" when shfting from 1st to 2nd at between 2800 and 3500 rpm. Been back to the dealer 4 times. Each time they say the computer is not spitting out any fault codes therfore no problem. Each time one of their service people drives it, they expeiriecne the problem (they usually try to shift outside the affected rpm band and say "see--nothing wrong")

Everyone who drives the car experiences the same problem including my dad who has been driving German brands with standard shifts for more than 30 years.

Has anyone who has experienced this problem gotten it fixed?

Thank you.

bluejetta · April 2001

I haven't heard of the problem specifically, but you might just have to start hopping up the complaint ladder by taking it to the Service Manager and then on up the chain until someone finally admits there's a problem.

Have you check the TSB's at the VW site? http://tech.vw.com/

-Jim

gregj777 · April 2001

The bad thing about the tech site is that you now have to pay to get the info, unless you're a dealer.

BTW, no more VR6 here, I traded for a 1.8T WE yesterday!

suvarov · April 2001

Almost since day one, after shifting into drive we experience an annoying delay of several seconds before the transmission engages. Dealer says there is 'no problem.' Has anyone else experienced this?

We're not particularly pleased with the car... lots of road noise, buzzes and rattles -- especially from the button on the end of the emergency brake! Cheap interior parts (cup holders, floor mat buttons, etc.), and the standard AM/FM is extremely weak.

twig93 · April 2001

I have owned my '00 Jetta TDI since June. I really love it. I have one problem unresolved by the dealer, however. Since the winter, the trunk lid does not lift by itself. You have to push it up. As you are, you can hear the hydraulic lifts releasing air or whatever and the lid is really hard to push up. The dealer says it is only because it is cold. Well, it is now spring and we have seen some close to 90 degree temps. here in the east. The lid still will not lift up by itself.

I am a little annoyed because I owned a car before this one with the same kind of hydraulic lifts for the trunk. I never had a problem with the trunk lid not going up by itself.

Any suggestions?

bill42 · April 2001

Thanks to bluejetta for the RSVP. Interestingly enough the car I have asked about is also blue.

This thing has been so far up the corporate food chain so as to see the clouds. Sent VOA a certified letter under the lemon law in my state. No response. I have an arbitration hearing scheduled in the near future involving VOA & the better business bureau. VW Vortex site used to have all kinds of info about this problem as well as the infamous 1st to 2nd gear grinding in the 5 speed. Unfortunately their archives don't go back to when the problems were being discussed.

Been to the TSB, nothing there.

Thanks again.

tdijetta · April 2001

I have a 01 TDI and appreciated it more than ever now that gas prices are going out of sight but have no problem with the trunk lid. After you open it about 20 degrees, it opens the rest of the way on its own. If the trunk lid hinges are not bond or misaligned, which I doubt that they are, then you definitely have a faulty gas strut(s). Get the struts replaced. They are designed to do just what you are expecting.

Ken

rurouni · April 2001

I'm consideting 2001 Jetta WE, but have mixed feelings. I've been reading this board and seen lots of problems w/ Jetta. People in Jetta board told me most of the problems happens to non 1.8T engine. But I'm also reading minor problems. I'm looking for a reliable car for the long run because I'm a new graduate... is jetta WE the right one or should I go for civic, as it is known for reliability... opinions/advice please...

balticjetta18t · May 2001

Drive both cars and evaluate how each one steers. I tried the New Civic and was impressed with the smooth power and shifting. The Honda steering was vague and drifty on center. The journal write ups agree with this. The Jetta will weigh in about 400-500 more lbs and will have that smooth Turbo and 20valves to pull with authority. The two cars have much different personalities. If your budget can be flexible, then go VW. Trust me you will be having all your friends wanting to ride with you and test the new Jetta. The WE is a great package of value and performance with great safety and security advantages. Your insurance also will be reasonable compared to a Honda.

jemmy · May 2001

Hello, my name is Jemmy.
The last time I posted a message, I asked for people's opinion about Wolfsburg and the price I was offered. Thanks for the very informative suggestions, I'm now a proud owner of new black/black WOLFSBURG...

hmm... sort of happy. Frankly I really LOVE my new car. I had it since last friday, and it's been a GREAT driving experience, I just couldn't stop smiling.. and driving (I guess you guys know the feeling).

But it happened monday morning when I was driving to work, about 5-10 minutes I started driving, I noticed one of the light flashing for about 30 seconds, then it stop for a minute, and then it continued flashing for another 30 seconds, then it stopped. I was so furious, upset, sad, and mad, but I kept driving and praying that the engine would not die on me. Once I got to my office, I quickly opened up the manual and found out that it was the MIL (Malfunction Ignition Lamp) that flashing.

This morning I put my baby in the service, I couldn't believe that I have to drive and leave my WE for day-service on the fourth day I got it, and they won't loan me a car. =(

anybody has any of those experience? is it bad? any comments, suggestions, etc... hope you feel for me.. I will keep you update tomorrow.

sincerely,
Jemmy

jemmy · May 2001

Here's what I got from the service.

After they did some computer check, the service told me that nothing's wrong except the manufacturer or the dealer I bought from (I put the service in different dealer, closer to work place) put in the WRONG OIL type, instead 10W-30 they put 5W-30 which is too THIN (?!?).

Please comment about the OIL and its effect to MIL light. thanks!

Sincerely,
Jemmy

awielgosz · May 2001

HELP Have a 87 jetty Gl small 4 cyl no frills had since new, about 100,000 miles on it. Best car I ever bought new! last year deer hit it only body damage so it was totaled, bought back put it back on road about week ago put in new starter, new battery and lite was on, put in rebuild alt, lite still on replaced alt with another unit still on... other nite with headlites on it died. battery dead... All connections look good have found wire that has come off somthing coming into engine compartment from interior, up by valve cover but don't see where it could have come from may have always been there its lite gauge maybe 16 gauge blue with white strip....... so what the hell am I mising bobby? Once battery is charged it runs great. I know there grounds are weird but can't figure it out. Any help would be appreciated

chrislin2 · May 2001

I just bought a 1997 Jetta GL for my daughter. I can't get the light in the trunk to work. I have not been able to find a switch that turns it on. The bulb is fine. Anyone know what turns the trunk light on? So far we really love this car. We bought it 4 days ago. Also is it important to change the timing belt. It has 71,000 miles on it and I have no idea if the belt has been changed yet.

Thanks

balticjetta18t · May 2001

Go to a library or book store and look at a Chilton's or similar maint. manual and look up the items you need to find out. If the timing belt is required to be changed for example @75,000 miles then it probably was not. The prior owners of course know some of these important repair items will be around the corner so they will sell rather than do these items. Basically you have a JETTA III (3) for third design on the market. Good Luck...

Mr_Shiftright · May 2001

Some trunk lights operate on a mercury switch which is built right into the light assembly itself.

alcan · May 2001

Some require the parking lights to be turned on.

cocca · May 2001

My Air Conditioner (a/c) only works when IT wants to work. I had the dealer run a diagnostic and they say there are no wiring prblms. It looks like it's an ECU/computer problem. Big $$$$ to fix. Anyone else have this problem?

Mr_Shiftright · May 2001

I'm not satisfied with this explanation from the dealer. Sounds like a search and destroy mission on your checkbook, replacing black boxes at random which may not even be connected to your a/c system.

So what happens exactly? does the fan blow but no air comes out? does heat come out instead? Or is there no fan, no nothing? Also, I just can't picture the Jetta a/c system in my head...are you on a climate control (dial a temperature) type of system or do you just turn a few dials toward more or less "blue"?

What I'm driving at here is thinking that the servo unit that controls the distribution of the heat/ac is screwing up. I'm not aware of the vehicle's main ECU working this servo, but you know, I just don't know for sure.

cocca · May 2001

My a/c system is the one with 3 round dials. Left-to-right is temperature, fan (center dial), mode (vent, vent-floor, front defrost, etc.
The system blows whatever temperature air is outside. The fan works. But when the a/c is switched on, the compressor is not on and so the fan is blowing air that is the ambient temperature of the outside air.
It has been 80-90 degrees outside.
This "servo" you speak of where is it. I'll change it - can't hurt, right?
thx for your response!
A. Cocca

wonderwall · May 2001

cocca-i recently had a similar problem with my 97 jetta's ac and it turned out to be a pinhole leak that they can't track down. the mechanic added dye to the refrigerant and told me to come in if it stopped cooling again. the compressor and electronics were in good shape. my boss also has a 97 jetta and has had the same problem. they never found her leak, but two years into replacing the refrigerant, it hasn't leaked out enough to affect the performance of the air conditioner.

chrislin- if the engine on the jetta is a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder, then it is a non-interference design, meaning that if the timing belt happens to go, you run a relatively low risk of doing serious engine damage. still i wouldn't risk it. i do believe that the timing belt on this engine is supposed to be replaced at 60,000 miles. find a good INDEPENDENT volkswagen specialist to check it out for you.

chrislin2 · May 2001

The Jetta came with the ability to plug in a CD changer in the trunk. I am having a very hard time finding which changers will work and which ones will not work. The dealer has one for $350. I think that is a little too much. I was told that a Panasonic or a Clarion will work. Is that the case or not, and which models? At this point I am considering just pulling the old system out of the dash and putting in a new dash unit. How do you get the 4 digit code to prevent the destruction of the player when you pull it out of the dash?

chrislin2 · May 2001

Wonderwall- Thanks for the advice. The engine is a 2.0. The manual I bought is a Chilton. It says that if the belt breaks that the engine will be damaged. I bought a belt today for $21.50. I can put it on myself if my daughter stops the car at the house for an hour or two. I put one on her old GEO and that looks like it was more difficult than the Jetta will be. I have a degree in auto mechanics, that was 30 years ago and I don't currently work in the field, but I know the basics. I wish they would put a gear system on the cam drive, but that would increase the cost of the car.

bluejetta · May 2001

Chrislin2: Read this page for chnager info: http://www.geocities.com/bluelagoonjetta/cdchangermod.html

As for the code for your radio, the dealer is supposed to pull the code sticker and put in your manual for you, but neither did mine! ;-)

You will find the radio code near your spare tire. Lift the tire cover and then you'll see a sticker towards the back. It has your radio codes and virtually all other codes for your car: Engine, color, options, etc.

-Jim

teedan · May 2001

Have had an intermittent squeak/rattle in my 2000 Jetta, which I otherwise love - the noise can be very loud/noticeable - fixed once by putting in a new glovebox assembly (Dec 00), but then the problem came back in Mar 01; dealer has twice driven since and the noise won't happen while they're in it, so they say they don't know what to fix (their claim is that the glovebox assembly has no split in it this time).

Anybody else had this problem/any ideas?

saintsst · May 2001

Any others out there having problems with their Jetta's power windows? My wife is on her third ('95 GLS w/ 88K miles). Dealer said this was a common problem last summer and VW was refunding. Any experience - comments ....

bangster · May 2001

200 jetta vr6 18000miles and lots of problems. stress cracked windshield, motor mount replaced, air bag light reset 5 times, rough idle, whinny transmission, and finally timing chain tensioner and 2 valves are being replaced at this time. car has been in shop for 4 days. very unreliable. would never buy another jetta and i am not very fussy

chrislin2 · May 2001

The transmission in this Jetta does not have a dipstick. How do you check the level? The manual indicates that removing the speedometer cable and using it as a dipstick can check the rear end section with the 90W gear oil. But it only says that a professional should check the transmission. I guess I will call AAMCO or something?
Also the manual states that the only anti freeze you can use is G12, if your Jetta is a 1996 or later and it is pink. The stuff in mine looks green I believe. The manual says that it is very important not to mix the pink and the green, they cannot be mixed together. Is it like matter and anti-matter? Where do you get G12 anti-freeze?

wsommariva · May 2001

I use silicone spray on the trunk lid hinges. Try that.

If you needed new window regulators, yes it is a major problem with 1999 and 2000 Jettas. I would insist on free repairs for the life of the car since VW used crappy parts.

keepontroopin · May 2001

My wife has a 95 Jetta III and the freakin molding falls off every other month. Does anyone have any tips on getting the freakin molding to stay on the car and please do not tell me to use 3M double sided tape because it doesn't work worth a SH$T!!! This car has been nothing but problems since we bought it. VW's are crap and as soon as this one is gone I be a happy man.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2001

3M weatherstripping adhesive should work fine for this, but keep it off the paint if you can.

keepontroopin · May 2001

I have been using 3M tape and it doesn't work. I clean the area and use alcohol to make sure the surface is ready for the tape but the freakin molding falls right back off. I know another person in my town that has the same problem and they use 3M tape too. Do you know if there is some sort of glue.

vwirksum · May 2001

I have read the message post 953ish and 985, among others, and see that others are experiencing the exceedingly irritating rattles found in the Jettas. I have a new 2001 VR6 with less then 4000 miles. Mind you, the car is very good (aside from a water leak in the rear driverside door that the J.A. at the dealer are giving me the run-around about) but a periodic rattle from the rear driverside tweeter and from the dash near the windshield is VERY irritating. The only way I can put up with it is to play the music loud. I wish the service people at VW would link there common problems so that they could provide common solutions to the frequent problems. If anybody has experienced the same problems and had it resolved, please let me know. Thanks.

bluejetta · May 2001

In defense of Mr. Shiftright, I am assuming that when he said 'adhesive' that he meant 'adhesive' and not tape. Especially when he warned, "...but keep it off the paint if you can."

You might try your local car window fixit shop to see if they have any 'freakin' adhesive and quit using the tape. ;-)

jettaforum · May 2001

vwirksum,

I posted 953 and was experiencing the rattle sound from the tweeter area on the back doors.
After replacing the tweeters and the rattle persisting, the dealer seemed to know exactly what the problem was on my 3rd visit:

The lock aparatus, where the latch goes in and out, is somewhat loose. That rattle sound you hear is not coming from the tweeters, but from the latch vibrating. They took the locks apart and added a this foam tape around the latch, and since then the sound has diappeared. I have not wxperienced the dash rattle sound (yet). The dealer mentioned that they have had quality problems from the Mexico assembly line.

God bless NAFTA, right!!

Mr_Shiftright · May 2001

yes, 3M weatherstrip adhesive is a glue, not a tape, and believe me, that trim is NOT coming off with that stuff. It's like a contact cement, and if you follow instructions, it is very durable and waterproof. A perfect adhesive for your task, I believe.

RATTLES: Sometime all this plastic in the dash rubs together. A ligh silicone spray (greasless spray) sometimes works.

wonderwall · May 2001

that's true you can't check the transmission fluid in a 97 jetta. i wouldn't take it to midas or aamco or any place like that. those people can really mess up a vw. i took my 97 into a quickie oil change place and oil was leaking out at the drain plug. i took it to a VW mechanic and he changed the oil and i haven't lost a drop.

not sure about the coolant issue. the coolant in mine is pink. i can check with my mechanic next time i talk to him.

ddk80 · May 2001

I have had problems on a 1999.5 Jetta GLS. I had 27000 miles on it, and the passenger side window motor went out. Since my warranty expired once I passed 24000, I was out of luck. I love the car, but it is pretty crappy that the motor would go out only after 24000 miles

balticjetta18t · May 2001

Just FYI... There is a one time use copper "crushable" gasket that must be replaced at each oil change that fits under the drain plug. The old one discarded. I had an 82 and an 85 Rabbit/Golf and found this to be very true as I changed the oil myself. If I didn't replace the gasket I had the oil drip hands down... A new copper ring ensured a tight seal. This is no excuse for the quick change place as they should know this info.

bhorng · May 2001

just fell off around 24,568 miles. Dealer says the window regulator needs replacement. Factory says they may grant one-time good will waiver.

I was told Jetta has this window problem quite common. If so, wondering when other windows will fall off.

Got 3 people complaining about the windows in just one page of message, sure sound fishy to me.

sadjettaowner · May 2001

I bought a 99 gls, my first vw and loved it until about 30k. all kinds of wierd stuff happened. 4 service trips to get my sunroof working, lights burnt out, seat springs broke off, cup holder broke, nothing major but very annoying...until now! my a/c compressor went out, so now i have a 2 year old car and the dealer wants over 1,000 bucks to fix it, doesnt seem right

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

gregor1022 · May 2001

I recently (Feb '01) bought a new 2000 Jetta GTS 1.8T (5-speed). I love the car, but it has SO many little crappy things going wrong with it. I'll go through them in the order they have appeared:

-- An annoying, sporadic "rattling" sound coming from the right dashboard/air bag area.

-- A very loud, distinctive thumping noise coming from the rear area of the car. It sounds like someone is banging on the floorboard/trying to get out of the trunk. It usually happens when the car is not moving and is idling.

-- Now, the clutch almost feels as though it is "slipping" around 2500-3000 PM, right before I normally shift into 2nd (except when I'm driving 'enthusiastically'). It feels very shaky like I'm just learning to drive stick.

Today, I took it in to the dealership where I bought it for Service to check it out. Of course, they called and said they could not find anything wrong with it. So, I came in and drove with the technician, but he said he could not feel it when it was choppy in 1st gear. When he drove it, he let it out so slowly or not until it was past the "normal" shifting point and it did not happen. He said "Everyone drives stick differently." Well, that's a bunch of crap! And of course, it did not make the "thumping" sound while we were in the car. It did make the rattling noise, but he said he didn't know what it could be and therefore didn't know what to fix. Argh!

Bottom line is, I needed my car tomorrow so I took it back. Has anyone else experienced one or more of these problems?

This is technically my fiances car, but I have been driving it while she has been learning to drive stick. I'm getting my car back soon -- my car is a '97 Camaro. The reputation is that they are unreliable, unsofisticated cars. Well, I have not had one single thing go wrong with my Camaro in over 2 years! It may not ride as smoothly, but it has more power, handles better, costed $6,000 less, uses cheaper gas, doesn't have annoying, sometimes distressing sounds, and it's more reliable. All this, and it's 3 years older. I love the Jetta, but the problems and the dealership's attitude have soured me towards it. Maybe it'll grow on me...

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

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