Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

fish8 · October 2003

I had a similar problem with my 2002 Jetta at about 8,000 miles. I experienced a rattle coming from the underbody of my car. It ended up being a heat/oil shield and was tightened by the dealer. After the first visit the problem resurfaced and I had to bring my car back again. So far, at 22,000 miles, the rattle is gone. During the first visit, the VW mechanic tried to fix the rattle by drilling another whole in the shield instead of replacing the part. The shield loosened and the noise reappeared.

dancerman · October 2003

The VW dealer quickly repaired my right window and also replaced the clips in the left door (even though it was still OK). They also replaced all 6 ignition coils by their own initiative. I didn't even know they were going to do that until I picked up the car.

dancerman · October 2003

Are you sure it's the front caliper that need a special tool to push in the piston? I was told it's the rear caliper.

ruking1 · October 2003

It is the rear caliper.

chrison · October 2003

Hi all,

One of my buggies is a 02 Jetta 1.8T.... It's indeed a great great but unreliable car. I owned since last June. I have got the coils replaced three times. In one of the occasions it had to be towed as it just couldn't start. Alright i can't blame VW for that as the parts may be inevitably defective. Then last month the stereo got shot for no apparant reason. One of the tweeters was replaced and the system doesn't sound the same since. Now, just today, my car couldn't start in the early chilly morning. Call roadside and towed..... Got a rental Malibu.... and it turned out to be a 10.7 V battery... (dead battery in just 15 months?)... I have just lost confidence in my buggy... I am wondering if I could be compensated by VW. I have called VW customer service but obviously I didn't go anywhere. I have emailed Phil Edmonston and hopefully he will be kind enough to give me some insights. Guys, would you please give me some insights or channals so I can get what I (and other doomed VW owners) deserve? Thank you very much.

Chrison

rc7762 · October 2003

I feel your pain especially with a new car.

What type of compensation are you looking for?

Are most or all of your problems covered under warranty?

spammycat · October 2003

I saw a post in August (?) by MTENA, who said he no longer has to deal with his 2001 Jetta, due to a class action suit?

Does ANYONE know anything about a lawsuit, and how you can go about threatening VW in any way to make them take your defunct, lemon, 2001 Jetta back?

I have: a bad tranny, bad suspension, faulty brake light, abs down, a window about to fall out, the EPC light mysteriously comes on.

I can't believe I invested my $ into this car.

HELP ME PLEASE-in any way. I'm about to CRY.

pop18t · October 2003

I've been searching for some info on this. When I start my car and after it warms up a bit, but not entirely, there is a popping noise from my exhaust, almost like a bass drum noise. I only here it when the car is stationary. As soon as I hit the gas either the engine noise drowns it out or it is gone. Anyone else have this same noise? I only found one other post on the topic but the noise description was somewhat different. I'd appreciate any input.

chrison · October 2003

Hi guys,

Thank you for understanding my pain. The popping noise in the exhaust? Is that becasue the ECM is still adjusting various settings when the engine is starting up? perhaps you should send your car back to the dealership and have it check out.

May I have details regarding the class action suit? I wish I can join but I am afraid I can't becasue I am a Canadian... What kind of compensation I am looking for? I won't expect them to give me a brand new vehicle, but at least some sort of cash or credit to 1)show that they are sincere; 2) ease my pain towards VW. Am I being too greedy? I don't know....

Chrison

justin · October 2003

i had that SAME noise. after not driving the car for awhile, but after it was warmed up according to temp gauge, sitting at a light, the car would pop. nothing to do with the engine, and nothing affecting drivability. the rear of the car would pop three or four times, and that would be the end of it. couldn't "feel" it, but could hear it if the radio was off or down low. is it the muffler settling? never figured it out, since it didn't really bug me. if it wasn't coils failing, i considered myself lucky

one noise the 1.8T makes that i loved is the turbo whistle. i miss that....

pop18t · October 2003

Thanks for the input. By the way, I also love the whistle of the Turbo. How would you compare the Honda to the Jetta 1.8T? (2003 Accord was my second choice.)

justin · October 2003

the Jetta Turbo and Jetta VR6 were both great cars. if i could have only had one of them, i would have to go with the 1.8T. it was a little more responsive to my foot on the gas.

the Jetta and my new Accord V6 don't really compete. the Accord is HUGE compared to the Jetta. the Jetta definitely had a more intimate feel to it. the Accord has a friendly feel, but definitely different than the Jetta.

i really like them both.

chrison · October 2003

Re: pop18t

I can see why the poppping sound is really annoying. I think it shouldn't be a leaking pipe as the noise will be sustained if there's one. Would that be a problem of the catalyzer? I am sorry that I may not be great help.

Re: RC7762

Thank you very much for your understanding. When I decided to get a Jetta last year, I read CR's reliability report and it said it's still average (2003 version was not released at that point, or I wouldn't have got that car...) I knew full well Jetta won't be as reliable as a Camry and I thought I could live with "average" reliability. I really didn't expect to have it towed twice in 15 months and in out out of the dealership for numerous times. Time lost and inconvenience caused is indeed substantial. Like I said before, the car is really nice from a driver's stand point, but it's AWFUL from an owner's perspective. I guess I won't be that frustrated if I had chose a Subie Impreza instead. I really wish that victims of this mishap (including myself) can get together and be a strong voice against VW.

susany · October 2003

What was initially a minor inconvenience is driving me crazy a year later! I have a 2003 Jetta with the pop-out cup holders cleverly located in the dash - so I can't change the CD or see the radio channel, and so my cold beverages melt when I have the heat on, and my coffee chills when I'm using the A/C. My latest pet peeve is that when I have a large water bottle in the cup holder, I can't make turns without the bottle falling to the floor.

Has anyone found a way to deal with this? Is there a console I can buy that fits over the armrest and contains cup holders? Do I have to send my fiancŽe to his basement workshop to construct something out of plywood? HELP!!!!

justin · October 2003

you are in luck. hit your local VW parts department and ask for the armrest cupholders. or go buy it at vw.com.

flaca · October 2003

Anyone having problems with the EPC light? Mine came on yesterday - The part is out of stock due to a recall on the Beetles. And the dealer doesn't know when the part will be availble. In the mean time - no car. FYI - when the epc light goes on you can't shift from park to drive unless you do some crazy movements like shuting off the engine and restarting the car, ect.

corvette · October 2003

Sounds like you need a brake light switch.

rebel22 · October 2003

About a 2 months ago I took my car in and the technician told me I had a bent rear axle. Apparently from the previous owner that I was unaware of, I've coped with that situation since. Anyway, 2 months later I'm still waiting on the part. The rear axle has been there for weeks I'm told but they are waiting on "bushings?" that are on back-order. They have been re-ordered several times and now the service department said that they are being expedited from Germany. So basically I have been waiting for 2 months to get my car fixed possibly longer since who the hell knows when they will get here from Germany. Then once they come in I can finally make my appointment and I'm sure they will have a back-log for service for at least a week if not longer since that always seems to be the case. Anybody else care to share their memorable experiences with VW service? I'm sure I'm not the only one that has had something similar happen to them.

bpeebles · October 2003

(rebel22) You cannot blame this specific occourance totally on your local service department.

It has always been true that many parts for a foriegn vehicle are manufacured in foriegn countries. This is not a new breakthrough for anyone that has owned a foriegn car.

In your case, apparently these bushings are not a very commonly replaced item. With many manufactures using "Just In Time" (JIT) delivery to reduce costs, the result of such stocking practices means that the availability of low-usage parts is simply not an option. When they are needed, an order goes out to build the parts.

What you can do, is work with VWOA to help expidite things along. Make daily phone calls to get a "status" of the delivery date for your parts.

I agree that a good "service department" would have somone that is making this call to VWOA daily without you pushing from your end.

Here is what I would do;(Be firm but nice)

1) Speak to the service manager and explain the situation. I would call and make an "appointment" to sit and talk. Make it clear that this is a "big deal" to you... not just an irate customer that will 'go away' with some smooth talkin.

2) Make it clear that you expect somone at the dealership to be tracking the delivery of your outstanding parts. Ask for a NAME and PHONE NUMBER of the person who will be tracking this to closure. Explain that you will be calling this person daily for a status of the part delivery.

3) If they are unwilling to "work" to track the part for you. Start making phone calls "up the chain"... or try an alternate dealership that may "work" for your future buisness.

Are you "bound" to have them do the work? Have you allready spent some $$ on this job? Ask for your $$ back.

Are you awarre the USED parts would be just fine?
There is no need to have a VW dealershp do this work.(but the bushings will have to come from VW no matter what)

seadour · October 2003

Hi all--

I just bought a used 1993 VW Jetta III last July, and since a few days ago it has started doing something very strange:

When I apply even the slightest pressure to my brake pedal, and the turn signal is on, it immediately stops working. Once I take my foot off the pedal, it works fine again.

So, as you can tell, it is becoming an annoying problem, especially at intersections.

Anyone know what might be causing this and what a possible solution could be? Maybe crossed wires or something? I appreciate it!

desi501 · October 2003

It sounds like you have a ground or a bulb problem in one of the rear lights. Have someone watch the lights from the rear while you try different combinations and watch for one that gets dim or acts strange when the brake is applied.

balticjetta18t · October 2003

Is it possible that your car was involved in an accident by the previous owner? Having to wait so long for a S/O part that probably only a body shop would have to aquire for a crashed car. Do a title research ie; CARFAX to get some info. In a speculative question...If the car was previously involved in a wreck and the body shop involved found the same lead time, then maybe they blew it off or turned a blind eye to it in addition to the insurance adjuster involved.

tag32 · October 2003

I can't believe it...my car is still new to me and the battery is dead. I've had to recharge it all weekend. Am going to have someone "jump it" to get it to the dealer tomorrow. Anyone have any tips on what to expect? I don't know what's draining it, maybe alternator or just electrical problems, my rear doors wouldn't unlock with the remote tonight either, any suggestions....

dancerman · October 2003

Replacing the ignition coils on our 2002 VR6 seems to have fixed the hesitation we had when you would do a quick start.

bpeebles · October 2003

Your suspusions are correct that somthing is draining the battery, A new battery will not survive very long without correcting the underlying issue.

The dead battery may have 'un programmed' the remote functions. Use a VagCom to re-program. (or ask dealership to do it after they are done fixing) There are a number of "options" that you can choose for the keyfob and other operations. (door lock at 10MPH, beep/NO-beep when setting alarm, yes/no unlock back doors.... etc)

tag32 · October 2003

Well, thank you for your response. Dealer said there was a bad cell in the battery?? They replaced it, we'll see how long this one lasts...

rick2184 · October 2003

I purchased a 1996 Jetta in 1999. I just got done replacing the ignition switch for the second time ($280)!!! Has anyone had any luck getting VW to own up to this faulty part?

buddhawagon · October 2003

for everyone out there having problems getting their newer vw out of park, I am 99% sure that you need a new brake light switch. This switch is located down at the brake. You simply need to call your nearest dealer to see if they have the part available. The cost will be about $15.00. It is an easy fix if you are slightly mechanically inclined. Three torques head screws will allow you to access the area under the dash by your brake pedal. Grab the cover at the end closest to the steering wheel and pull down. PULL IT OUT ALREADY AND DON'T BE A BABY ABOUT IT. You will notice a switch with a wiring harness attached to it at the top of your brake pedal.(this is located under the dash so you will have to get in a pretty uncomfortable position to access it) Simply depress the brake a little with your hand, twist the switch counterclockwise, remove the wiring harness by depressing the two clips on each side and then replace it with the new switch. The switch is different looking but the part has been re-engineered for better performance. Keep in mind this switch needs to be "set" before installation. Simply grab the shaft of the switch, pull it out as far as possible, it has a wratcheting mechanism within, then install the switch while depressing the brake pedal. Push the wiring harness back into it, replace the cover under the dash,(don't be a baby with it, it is a vw, it likes to be mistreated)replace the three torques head screws and "bam"........you just saved yourself 45 to 50 bucks in labor. This should take you about 15 to 20 minutes. Hope I helped somebody!

jdavidp · October 2003

I own a 2000 Jetta VR6 and last 2 months I brought it in for a checkup at a Dealership cause I had the " Check Engine " light on. They told me the Engine was misfiring and that the diagnostic check resulted in needing an ignition coil($300.00 ouch) I declined the service and decided for myself to do-it-myself and save in money and labor charge. I ended up changing spark plugs and wires along with the ignition coil. But after a few miles the Engine light came back and a buddy of mine used a diagnostic scanner and it showed the error p1128 throttle control motor-control motor fault. Can I trust the error and go ahead and replace the module or is there something I should check first. I like to fix it myself before I give in and take it in for service.

desi501 · October 2003

That can get expensive.

swschrad · October 2003

get a good detail manual or an alldata DIY subscription, so you have the whole diagnosis tree for the areas in which you have issues indicated, and work through it step by step. it sure beats burning money to light your work area while you swap part after part because bubba phil said it might be this or it might be that.

if you get pointed to a unit assembly that costs mucho bucks.... consider tracing wiring in the area before replacing it as well. there are a number of cases some of the old wrenches who participate have mentioned in which silly things like the clockscrew wire harness in the steering wheel have caused apparent ECM failures to be flagged in diagnosis.

just shotgunning parts... well, buy the mirror image of the car and trade 'em straight across, and it might cost you less.

dhander · October 2003

I've had mine for about 1 1/2 years now. The only problem I've had was the seat adjustment stopped working and the gas cap cover wouldn't close.

Car runs great and is fun to drive. I must have gotten one of the good ones based on the posts here...

Maybe I should sell it ASAP just in case.

BTW, I wouldn't buy a VW before they moved to the 4 yr 50k warranty.

lavandiere · November 2003

Hi!
I was wondering if anyone ever experienced an abnormal whistling noise coming from the driver's window. It has nothing to do with the wind noise, it is on top of it, as if the seals were not tight enough.
This comes from a 2003 Jetta, Wolfsburg Edition.

bpeebles · November 2003

(lavandiere) It sure sounds like wind noise to me
(Wind rushing past a mis-adjusted doorseal) ...but you insist that it is NOT wind noise.

Are you saying that you hear this whistling noise when the vehicle is NOT moving? Do you hear it when the engine is NOT running either?

I am going out on a limb here and will assume it IS wind noise. I would suggest that you adjust the door-striker or hinges so the door closes a tad snugger. Since this is a 2003... ask the dealer to correct the problem.

It is not uncommon for a new vehicle to need the door-strikers adjusted slightly. It is difficult to adjust this 100% perfect on the assembly line.

lavandiere · November 2003

Hi bpeebles!
I swear it is not wind noise. Well it is, but the air is taking a path it should not be allowed to. It is only happening on the driver's window and more specifically on the left upper corner of the window. I have brought the car to the dealer twice. The dealer manager heard it , my husband can hear it, as well as the manager of the shop. It happens when you pick up some speed, above 30-40 mph. It can get very annoying above that speed. I can hear wind noise on this very window (which is perfectly fine), but also that whislte on top of it. The dealer adjusted both the front and back doors on the left side and now it's worse! I bought this car less than a month ago so the seals might have gotten damaged while the car was sitting on the lot for almost a year. Do you think changing the seals might fix the problem?

bpeebles · November 2003

(lavandiere) I am sorry toi hear that your dealerhsip has been unable to solve this issue for you. All I can suggest is that you be persistant until it is resolved. If you dont make it THEIR problem...they will not resolve the issue.

DONT allow them to tell you that they have exhausted all possible solutions.

DONT let them tell you it is normaal wind noise unless they can reproduce it in another Jetta from their lot. (You choose the Jetta and let them reporduce the noise 8-)

DONT tell them HOW to fix it... just tell them it is not acceptable until it is resolved. (you may make suggestions)

NOTE: somtimes you can "test" the doorseals by closing a strip of paper in the door (window open) and work it around the perimitor of the door. It should be pretty easy to "sense" how snug the doorseal is pinching the paper at various places.

lavandiere · November 2003

thanks bpeebles, I'll follow your advices! Hope it gets fixed soon.

jtrujillo86 · November 2003

Okay...a few things I have to say -

RE Rick2184: It's a 1996 VW...I doubt that they'll EVER fix that one for free, even if it's a faulty part. Get an independent shop to do the repair. I wouldn't worry about $250 at the dealer. That's getting off easy. I have a 97 Malibu. I have paid over $250 multiple times at a nearby stealership and I'm stupid for doing so...they're a joke and I'd never go back. Try getting a service manual from AutoZone for $15 and learn some basic repair stuff.

I think too many of you expect Toyota or Honda quality when you get a VW. If you expect quality like that, buy one. Remember that just because you have a bad Jetta, doesn't mean all Jettas are bad. Many of your problems will be fixed under warranty and at least you have one still. If you don't like the quality of your car, get rid of it once the warranty is out and pray you get better quality.

chedwards · November 2003

Ok - I know - all of you have heard problems with the ignition coils at nauseum. But, wanted to add my two cents. Mine went - boy how much fun is that?!?!? - and when finally repaired, I had a solenoid valve fail (stuck closed) Again, lots of fun. Then my catalytic converter failed - VW mechanic told me that this usually happens if the coils go - so if you have a cat failure after your coil problem - MAKE VW pay for it! They're paying for mine! Oh, BTW if you have a 1.8 like me, you'll have to wait for a new cat - because no dealer keeps them in stock - because it's too expensive - and they had to get it from Canada - that was two weeks ago - oh where oh where is my damn converter?!?!?!?!?!?

Hope this helps at least one VW owner - Love the car, and the way it drives - any more additional problems and I'm pulling the trigger on a new ride.

justin · November 2003

something is fishy. the reason the car goes into limp mode when the coils fail is to ensure that there is no damage to cat converter. how far did you drive on bad coils? don't let them screw you - if they want to replace the cat, fine, but it should be under a seperate longer warranty anyway....

jeeper9 · November 2003

My 2000 Jetta VR6 is giving problems with hte battery going down and the car wouldnot start . Had it jumped off twice lately. Took it to the dealer and they said it was ok according to their test.The first time it wouldn't start , i had turned off the engine.. left the the radio on and the air cond. was still on. Could this cause the battery not to charge.... Also the battery is 1yr and 6 mo. old.

mazda6s · November 2003

A battery can fail at any time. Have it checked somewhere else (Pep Boys, AutoZone, etc). They do it for free.

bpeebles · November 2003

(cedwards) The Catalytic converter is covered by the FEDERAL EMMISSIONS WARANTEE. It is covered at least 10 years 100,000 miles.

Read your FEDERAL EMMISSIONS WARANTEE booklet.... any emmissions-related part is covered by the FEDERAL EMMISSIONS WARANTEE. It is NOT part of any warantee that is offered by a vehicele manufacturer.

ANYTHING that fails that effects emmissions should be covered by the FEDERAL EMMISSIONS WARANTEE. It is the law.

jtrujillo86 · November 2003

What do you think of the Jetta VR6? I found a 1999 VR6 5-speed with about 43K on the odometer and for about $11K. Whenever I look for Jetta's for sale, I always check out the 2.slow, but I think this would be a good deal. What do you think? How many problems have you had with her?

Thanks!

Jeremy

balticjetta18t · November 2003

By any chance did U receive a friendly VW Letter about the possibility of your car having faulty Coil Packs?
I have an 01 1.8T that has not had a coil issue at all.
I did get the letter though.
So at the next convenient scheduled oil change, I told the advisor to check out mine based on the letter only. He pulled up on the computer by my VIN that it was to be checked even if I had no prior issues.
They changed the whole set and set and programed them or something.
I didn't argue as I figured it was precautionary and hearing some of the horror stories I rolled with it.
AND hey,'
lettem give that new converter on the house as it is emissions related and failed not by your fault.

purplehays · November 2003

I owned a 2001 VR6 5 Man. for a little over 3 years. Several problems of which VW of Amer. refused to fix. You've got time?
Ignition coil: they refused to fix, my VIN # didn't qualify. Wheel well: Still unknown. The service receptionist asked if I was there to have that fixed (a slip of the tongue maybe?)when I was there for just an oil change. Oxygen sensors (2x):This was a VR6 5 speed for Pete's sake. Why did the car loose over 50% of it's power. I bought the car for it's power!!! Battery died:From interior lite? I heard VW batteries never die. Oh, but one thing didn't happen. The windows didn't drop out. But I do know someone w/ 2000 Jetta who had to drive back from a wedding in the rain w/his windows that would go back up. So all that are considering purchasing such an inferior car. *****BEWARE******

bpeebles · November 2003

You did not mention if YOU had to pay for the O2 sensors... I hope not because the FEDERAL EMMISSIONS WARANTEE covers that.

BTW... Failed O2 sensor is a strong indicator that the ignitor coils are failing because raw (unburned) fuel is dumped on the O2 sensor and ruins it.

alcan · November 2003

All emission control or emission related parts must be warrantied for a minimum period of 2 years or 24,000 miles. Specific major emission control components (catalytic converter and engine control computer) must be warrantied for a minimum period of 8 years or 80,000 miles.

Vehicle manufacturers may provide longer warranty periods, but are NOT required to do so:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr95fs.txt

bpeebles · November 2003

Your link is dated "March 1996"... the newer version (found in your glove compartment) should describe a 10year/100,000 mile FEDERAL EMMISSIONS WARANTEE.

Many folks do not realize that the Federal emission warranties often covers stuff WAY beyond the manufactures standard warantee.

Ohh... I see you are in Canada... I do not know what the Canadian laws are.

rocque · November 2003

I have a 2000 jetta tdi, my windows haven't fallen out yet(but everything else did) what causes the windows to fall and what are the chances that it will happen to me.

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

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