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Volkswagen Jetta Repair Questions and Answers

Question:  2000 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 mileage 83,000: I want to know if there is a way to reset the check engine light on this model besides taking it to a dealer and having them reset it with the computer.

Answer:  Resetting the check engine light requires an OBD II scanner.  Any reputable independent automobile repair service with this scanner can reset the check engine light. We recommend buying your own scanner and doing it yourself. You can read and clear your cars trouble codes. With a pocket scanner you can check for fault codes to find out why the light came on in the first place.

Question: 1997 VW Jetta 2.0 mileage: 40,000. I have never had this problem until now. After driving the car during the day, I tried to start it a few hours later, and the engine was cranking but it wouldn't start. I had the oil changed a few weeks earlier and had them replace the air filter also. I looked under the hood and noticed that the air cleaner cover had not been put on correctly. The roads were very wet that morning so I thought it may have gotten some moisture into the intake. There was some water in the hose that goes from the air cleaner box to the intake. I cleaned it out and reinstalled the cover correctly, but it still wouldn't start. I then checked the distributor cap to see if there was any moisture. It was dry, but there's a lot of carbon on the inside of the cap and the terminals. The rotor is also blackened on the outside. Could this be the problem, (I'm going to replace them anyway), or is it possible that the loose cover was the cause?

Answer: The cap and rotor is probably not causing your problem. You must determine if your engine will not start because of lack of fuel or lack of spark. If fuel is the problem, check the fuel pump, pressure etc. If no spark, check the coil, distributor, 12 volts to the coil, etc.

Question: 1999 VW Jetta Wolfsburg mileage: 84,000.  I have been experiencing numerous electrical problems over the last 2 mos....possibly related I don't know. The rear power windows only work sporadically.... when they decide not to work.... there is no noise...they just don't go down. A couple of times each week my coolant indicator light comes on for a while then goes off. My coolant level has not been low. There is no change in the temperature gauge...and no smoke/leaks/etc that would indicate any problem w/the coolant level. My alarm activates itself on occasion when I am driving. I know this because I'll be driving and I see the red light on the driver side door lock start blinking as if the alarm is set...also the horn beeps just as it does when you lock the doors from the outside and activate the alarm. Furthermore, when this happens I cannot unlock the power locks unless I use my keyless entry key chain (which doesn't work outside the car) inside the car. That is the only way I can de-activate the alarm and unlock the doors. I have had my vehicle into 2 VW dealerships, paid for diagnostics...and they tell me nothing is wrong.... that the car is running to manufacture specs. I have been corresponding w/VW customer relations as well. So far, no answers. Any suggestions?

Answer: Electrical problems can be extremely frustrating. We suggest checking the wiring looms for damage or loose connections. Also check for poor ground connections. You may have a faulty body control module.

Question: 2000 VW/JETTA v4 2.0l mileage: 20,000. How do you repair a right side mirror on a 2000 Jetta? The whole mirror ripped off breaking the metal bracket that the mirror swivels on. Is it a hard job? Is it involved? Thanks

Answer: To replace the mirror, especially if it is a remote controlled one, the interior door panel will have to come off to get access to the wiring and mounting bolts. If you are not used to working on cars, the job can be rather involved.

Question: 1990 VW Jetta gl 1.8 4-cyl mileage: 81,000. Bob and Ken, I have always thought of myself as pretty inclined when it came to my cars but this one has got me stumped. I have only had this car for about a month now but I had one just like it for about a year and they both ran great and this one still runs great. Except, on my way up to college about a week ago I was crusin along at about 78 on the interstate in 5th cuz my car is a manual 5 speed and all of a sudden it slipped out of gear and redlined cuz I had the cruise on. So, I downshifted to 4th and then tried to re-shift into 5th but come to find that there is not 5th. So every time I try to go to 5th it will shift in but then when I let out the clutch and the RPM's kick in it just revs like it is in neutral and when I shift it feels very soft like there is nothing behind the shift at all. What happened I have no clue. Please help I am very reluctant to take it to some mechanic and have him tell me that it is 1000 bucks or something when it is really a $ 1.50 part.

Answer: Unfortunately, it sounds like you may be in for some internal transmission repairs.

Question:  1995 VW Jetta III Automatic mileage: 50,000.  My problem started when my electric sun roof, dome light, and electric locks were not working.  My clock was also not working right; it came on, but did not keep the time.  It always goes back to 12:00 when I turn the car off.  I checked the fuses; one was blown, so I figured that was the problem.  I had not replaced the fuse yet, but when I got in my car yesterday, my speedometer and tachometer were not working.  I replaced the fuse (with the right size) and my dome light came back on (it did nothing for the speedometer) but when I attempted to open my sunroof the light dimmed and the fuse blew again.   Any ideas?  Are the two problems even related?

Answer:  It sounds as if both problems are related.  There probably is a short in the motor and/or the control switch for your sunroof.

Question:  1998 Jetta GLS  mileage: 30,800.  I had my car in for a 30,000 mile servicing recently and the dealer said that I would need a new throttle plate.  What is a throttle plate, and is this a serious situation?

Answer:  Throttle plate is a round disk or butterfly on a shaft that allows air into the engine as the accelerator pedal is pushed.  There are also electronic sensors attached to it.  If it is worn out or not functioning properly, it should be replaced.

Question:  1989 VW Jetta 1.8 F/I   mileage: 110,000.  Every time I am driving rather "spirited" and I wind the engine up beyond 4000 RPM, the engine/trans. noise changes from a high-pitched noise as seems normal, to a low deep rumble.  In general, the car also begins to vibrate a lot more.  It seems that it is only at 4000 RPM and above, and only when the car is in drive.   I talked to the dealer and they said, "don’t run it above 4"...gee, what a help that was.  Anyway, the only thing that I can think of is that when it began was right after a very long road trip, say around 105,xxx and a transmission fluid change...I changed it from whatever was stock to Redline MTL...Anyway, any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated, thank you for your time..

Answer:  Try changing the transmission fluid back to the brand recommended by the factory and then drive it for a couple of days.  If your problem persists, your transmission may be ready for an overhaul.

Question:  1995 Volkswagen  Jetta  mileage: 130,000.  I have a chance to buy a '95 Jetta 30K miles in apparently great shape from a reliable friend, $4,000. Lots of recent repair work, new tires etc.  Are there any particular nasties to look out for on this year model?  I've been warned of electrical system problems.  Just want to know if it's a good car if in good running condition.  Goofy question, I know.  Thanks.

Answer:  We have not personally experienced any abnormal electrical problems with your year Volkswagen.  However, that does not mean there are none.  What you might want to do is go to your local library and check out “Consumer Reports” to see what other owners have to say about this car.

Question:  1995 VW Jetta 2.0 mileage: 36,000. The fuel pump is making erratic noises. Is it going bad? I know it is common to make noise but this noise is changing, it gets louder and quieter consistently.

Answer: It is not normal for a fuel pump to make excessive noise. There is a very good chance that it is about to fail.

Answer:   A Mitchell or Chilton auto repair manual will have diagrams showing what you are looking for.  The manuals also give step-by-step instructions.  Click here to find out more

Question:  1991 VW Jetta GL 1.8 liter mileage: 100,000.  When I start my car up it seems to run very rough but I have replaced a lot on the engine to try to solve this problem new plug wires, plugs, cap, new water pump, new power steering pump, new idle valve, new knock sensor, all new hoses and anti freeze, new vacuum lines, new air filter, new fuel filter, had the injectors cleaned at the dealer, new battery and new coolant temp sensor.  I have looked at the motor mounts and transmission mounts and they look worn but I really don’t know if that would cause this problem but the problem gets worse when you put it in drive the car steering shakes (car not moving) and when you give it some gas the car stops shaking.  It shakes at idle speed up to 10 on the tachometer but when you are stopped and you take it out of drive, it stops shaking or vibrating would be a better term.  The engine runs great and does not miss at all.  I have looked at the engine when put into drive and it moves about 2 inches or more when put into drive.  Can you help me diagnose this problem?

Answer:   Try replacing the motor mounts.  The four-cylinder engine is not normally balanced by itself.  Consequently, the motor mounts must be in good condition to constrain the motor from shaking.  From what you described, we believe your motor mounts are history.

Question:  1994 VW Jetta 2.0 mileage: 63,000.  This model Jetta has auto locks; you turn the key and all the doors lock (and alarm activates). Mine has a problem though, the drivers door locks but all the others do not.  I can hear the whine of a small motor (left side in trunk) for about 20 seconds, as if the doors are trying to lock but will not.  I figure the locking mechanism needs to be replaced.  Is it possible to just disconnect the struggling locking mechanism and just lock the doors manually?

Answer:   Yes, you can disconnect the locking mechanism and lock the doors manually.

Question:  1995 VW Jetta 4 cylinder mileage: 62,000.  The central locking system does not work for the passenger side of the vehicle.   When I lock/unlock the doors from the driver's side, the passenger side locks do not move.  I can hear a motor turning for about 15 seconds, leading me to believe the car is trying to lock the doors.  What could the problem be?

Answer:    Remove the door panel and inspect the lock mechanism for faulty or broken parts.  Replacing the broken parts that you find should cure your predicament.

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