Top 5 Failures 1999-2005 MK4 Golf, Beetle and Jetta

[@dieseldub]

One nice OEM upgrade for one of the issues listed: control arm bushings. Get the solid rubber bushings from an Audi TT or Golf R32. They are a LOT more durable and don't allow nearly as much movement as even a new stock bushing. The steering feels significantly more direct. And they fit not only Mk4s, but mk3s, B3/4 Passats, Corrados and even Mk2s.

[@johnmoser2689]

Fun to rewatch these old videos... this was back in the early days of humble mechanics

[@frankhoward7645]

Between my 2 daughters and my wife, we have 3 Mk4 Jettas. I would add glove box hinge, center armrest, dashboard cup holder, wiring from body to trunk lid, trunk lock, finish on aluminum wheels, LF wheel contact with fender liner, ECU control of A/C (can't fix it because we can't get a code), and moisture leading to foam under oil cap. I'm a sucker for styling and the Mk4 is hands down the best looking Jetta ever.

[@mujjuman]

i love my mkiv. what engines do u have

[@frankhoward7645]

The cars are all practically identical. 2.0 gas motors with 5-speed manual transmissions. I know my wife and my daughters. They couldn't care less about extra power from a turbo or from a VR-6 and all I saw was more headaches so I made sure they all got the most basic engine. They're all GLS models so they all have sunroofs, heated seats, etc. I stayed away from the diesel because I wasn't up to learning a whole new concept in maintaining cars. Kind of nice that the cars are identical because I only have to navigate one learning curve.

[@mujjuman]

Nice!! Sounds great. The 2.0 is a solid engine, even if it is underpowered. It gets the job done and gets good mpg. What do you avg? Props to them driving 5sp. I have a 5MT Jetta VR6.. horrible city mileage haha

[@frankhoward7645]

Everybody has their opinion of what underpowered is. I believe they're plenty fast enough and as I said, my wife and daughters aren't into drag racing. They just want a comfortable ride that gets them where they want to go with reasonable efficiency. As far as fuel economy is concerned, my kids don't pay attention to it and I've been driving my wife's car for only 8 months so I don't really know yet. Have yet to take it on a long trip however I suspect it will not match the 40mpg we acheived on trips with the car it replaced, a 1994 Mazda Protege 1.8 (actually 1,839cc). Before I sold the Mazda, I took note that at 70mph, it was reving at something like 3,200 rpm while the Jetta revs at 3,800 at the same speed so the final drive must be taller on the Mazda. Taking into consideration the extra 600 pounds of weight, the extra 145cc of engine displacement, and the shorter gearing, I don't expect the Jetta to return more than 35mpg highway.

[@MartinAdrianoFlores]

Funny you say you have bad MPG with the VR6 because I have a 2001 Jetta with the VR and I get no less than 22mpg, not bad for a 16 year old V6

[@imnobody4522]

I want this guy as my mechanic for my 04 Jetta, I trust the beard.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahahha thanks Charles. Also great name!!!!

[@LibertyLou_]

😎Legend has it, his beard increases the horsepower of any vehicle he drives by 25%.

[@Joe3D]

- Hand brake cable causing rear uneven braking. - Mass air flow sensor. - Turbo - Trunk (boot) door lock (water gets in) - EGR valve getting dirty - Carpets loosing from locking mechanism in the floor. - Key inmobilizer failing intermittently. - Door panel switches for windows failing intermittently. Maybe a video with the top #100 problems? Anyway ALH engine was the best all around.

[@TheFusedplug]

Beetles from 2000 can be got for around £600 in the UK (quite cheap for a VW imo and maybe for a future classic) . Currently I own a Ford Fiesta Mark 4 (Smiley) 1.3 Endura Engine which cost me £418 from Ebay with a full service history I've got a service coming up in a c ouple of months I've owned it for 2 and a half months and it's been a fine little car and good MPG (40 to 50 mpg). Just thought that maybe ANY make of car will serve you well if it's serviced as per the manufacturers guidelines .. what's your opinion on this say if I were to buy a £600 Beetle? I'm just asking a general opinion because there is a little voice telling me that replacement parts will be of the revised and improved versions these days and essentially something old drives forth as something of better performance and reliability .....

[@Limeslice4r64]

@@TheFusedplug late addition, but so long as you get a manual transmission, which I'm sure in the UK is no problem at all, they are still perfectly fine vehicles. So long as they were maintained of course. I currently drive a Mk4 Jetta TDI (alh of course) and it's been moving me for well over 2 years with no major problems. I take care of it mostly but the big stuff I leave to certified mechanics. It has been nothing but good to me, only offering me some small projects for the weekend on occasion. And I live in the salt belt of the US! Well built vehicles when maintained will function for long after the manufacturer has deemed them obsolete.

[@Limeslice4r64]

To add to this, the great thing about old daily drivers Is that there is nothing new under the sun. Every possible issue these vehicles could have, has happened. That means finding information and, finding a mechanic who knows how to fix it, is much easier than the newest model that is still proving itself

[@TheFusedplug]

@@Limeslice4r64 Your car is still ROCKING :)

[@TheFusedplug]

@@Limeslice4r64 In other words OLD CARS ROCK ! They have way more character as well :)

[@kevinlicht6029]

Near and dear to my heart as my wife drives a 99.5 Golf MK4 2.slow with auto. 167k and while it has had several of the mentioned failures (cat, window clips, temp sensor to name a few) it has been a workhorse and is still a pleasure to drive. I feel the MK4 Golf's have a very timeless style to them as well. Love your shows, just discovered you after dieselgate started (I drive an '09 JSW TDI so am in the thick of it).

[@RedondoBeach2]

Add the coolant pipe and thermostat to the list of top failures.

[@connorfreeman9845]

I get a warm tingle knowing I've fixed all of this on my golf

[@trashman1694]

Does it make you get warm tingle knowing your car is still a piece of shit after all that? How much more shit has broke since you posted this comment?

[@trashman1694]

Don't bother to reply, I know you'll lie because you're a vw fan boy. We all know that car has been parked and not running since

[@Randyboobandy69]

Trashman jesus, someone got scammed out of a 1.8t

[@trashman1694]

@Jasper Harber Of course you got it cheap, no one wants these cars. They drive well when they work, but VW used so many cheap plastic parts on them, the wiring harness is hacked together, ccm controls all the windows and locks, they're a mess to fix and have failures often. A stealership designed car to break down.

[@SavedbyHim]

@@trashman1694 Had mine for 11 years now, got close to 300 000 Km on the odo and I still love it. I'm no fan boy, the car converted me from Toyota to VW

[@D-DAY]

im about to start working for a VW dealership here in Australia to finish my apprenticeship your tips are priceless to given ive not had much volkswagen experience thank you

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome. Best of luck to you. :)

[@PaulDaPimp]

+ddaychannel Hey man, where abouts in Australia are you?

[@D-DAY]

+Pauly daPimp Sunshine Coast QLD

[@sydney5650]

Just joined the MK4 family, diving into some general fixes this weekend since my new to me jetta was sitting a long time. Love your videos keep it coming!

[@HumbleMechanic]

awesome!!! more fun MK4 goodies on the way.

[@sydney5650]

@@HumbleMechanic great! 😁

[@baxrok2.]

This Top 5 Failures series is absolutely brilliant! Keep up the great work Charles.

[@AudiophileTubes]

I've had my 2003 GTI VR6 for almost 17 years now, as my daily driver. It has been incredibly reliable and trouble free all these years, except for the cooling fan and A/C breaking down. I garage and 'baby' the car, but still... I am shocked it's been this reliable. I even have the original chains on the engine. The 6-speed manual still shifts crisply too, even though i've never changed the transmission oil... not even once.

[@StaxxxCmd]

glove box handles pull tab on the hood center console will fall off

[@cmcolfax1]

On my third hood pull tab.

[@vivianyu9582]

StaxxxCmd xw

[@stanjarmolowicz]

in did ..happen to me as well

[@benjaminingenito530]

My glovebox handle legit fell off after I wrecked it and i went to get the insurance lmao

[@mitch1950chevy]

@@cmcolfax1 i used a wire for the pull..but im very careful when i open the hood

[@bigwillielumplump4812]

I’d take a mk4 over a new Jetta any day. Both being new

[@jamespn]

The glue on Head liners and door panels fabric deteriorated, front strut mounts failed, water pump impeller, front wheel bearings, coolant sensors, just to name a few.

[@GabeNydick]

I had to replace the water pump on my 2003 1.8t beetle 6 months ago... car had 36,000 miles on it and 31,000 when I bought it a year ago

[@JacksonAndLouane]

@@GabeNydick Never replaced my water pump on my Bora, 192,000kms still going strong

[@FLIXXE]

@@JacksonAndLouane Somehow i heard of a couple of Boras that just kept hoing without big repairs, but a lot of Golfs having many big problems

[@JacksonAndLouane]

@@FLIXXE Don't get me wrong plenty of cosmetic faults like plastic falling apart and so fourth but it was a good car ended up selling it anyway and wish I never did.

[@alexandermckay8594]

Man, I can't believe I missed most of those! Thank god for the TDI!

[@CyberSkynet-o2b]

TDI didn't have those issues?

[@Dusty.Spinster]

@@CyberSkynet-o2b It totally did! I replaced the thermostat, brakelight switch to start. The bushings on TDIs would go even faster because of the extra weight of the cast iron block!

[@davidleet9501]

How about the almost totally plugged intake manifold from direct injection ALH engine ?

[@Drauntabuxy]

@@davidleet9501 its a lot of fun to clean watch some videos of it! 😉

[@davidleet9501]

@tdidan Actually, not completely true. Plenty of vehicles ran for years with EGR and PCV without intake clogging. The thing about direct injection is there is no fuel flowing with the air to continually clean deposits. So all the carbon and long-chain hydrocarbons are returned via PCV and EGR to condense on the internal surface of the intake manifold. Now that gas rigs have converted to direct injection, too, we should see a lot more of this issue. Apparently there is no free lunch!

[@autoazure]

Absolutely true! I have had to repair everything you have mentioned on my wife's Beetle. Boot hatch switch yes etc etc lol!

[@MrS22222]

Heh, my 2001 Jetta had the piston rings installed upside-down from the factory. Blowby killed the cat but to my surprise it didn't even burn oil after replacing them properly. I love MK4s.

[@killernanny4315]

by far the best generation of VWs.

[@mujjuman]

debatable... i have had mk4, 5 and 6 and i think 6 was the best. havent tried mk7 yet.

[@danielchampion2982]

MK4's will literally be falling apart around you, but still might start. As long as your volt regulator doesn't overcharge and kill your battery :')

[@trashman1694]

Lol mk4s are all broken now, good luck reselling one for more than 1,000 dollars in 2018.

[@gregh7457]

@@trashman1694 i just bought a 2003 tdi beetle for 2k. Reason for this higher price is it only has 73k miles on it. Took a sneak peak at the timing belt and its starting to fray on the edge and it only has 40k miles on it, but it is over 10 years old. In comparison my 1990 toyota cressida has had the same timing belt for 15 years and it still looks good

[@jasonmagalich7088]

2.Slow cracked coil packs should probably be up there somewhere. I had an '04, the suspension bushings were kinda scary, it always felt like wind gusts were hitting the car, I didn't realize how bad it was until my wife was following and saying she was seeing sparks. Luckily no real issues with window regulators, but electrical gremlins constantly blew head light and tail lights.

[@jaybeemhardscrote7466]

1.8 had coil packs not 2.0l tho

[@slscamg]

Top 5 failures on my 2001 GLX New Beetle: Everything, all of it, the whole enchilada! Got of ride of that car 1 year after owning it and $4,900 in repairs (plus maintenence). Now we have a MK6 Jetta TDI and Golf TDI, we are up to 50k miles just maintenance thus far, knock on wood... Great video!

[@temporalwar]

Plastic Impellers in the water pump....

[@peppino9255]

YESSSSSSS

[@tulio8198]

OH YES!

[@SavedbyHim]

Haha done my water pump three times!

[@wadesirekis8153]

I ordered the gates timing belt kit that was supposed to have a metal pump but it was plastic. I was pissed

[@aig0039]

I have changed the water pump few weeks ago and I was blown by this fact. Good that the new water pump has solid metal ones.

[@scrapmetal_sleepers]

The Mk4 platform should really have a top 20 lol

[@scrapmetal_sleepers]

4th Gen for short. The generation changes mainly applies to the golf although many vehicles shared the same equipment in the US and are changed around the same time. They all got a tdi variant, an n/a 2.0l gasser, 1.8t 20v engine and same transmissions. Interior materials all had the same crummy soft touch, sagging headliners and crumbling foam in the HVAC system. They also smells like crayons. :D

[@freedom24v86]

4sf3d4g63 buuuuttttt Mechanically there reliable... so thats,a plus

[@emeltea33]

Paul Morris... though there is that soft cam.

[@cosmicsman666]

to be fair though... After these cars have passed 60 k miles then most of these glitches are sorted,. Mine is on 165000 now and it still purrrs along without issue cept for basic maintenance.

[@garymathe9863]

@@cosmicsman666 same here. I bought a mk4 vr6 gti from a rich college student whose dad had replaced everything, even the transmission. Now at 155k it's still going strong. All the electrical components work including the heated seats, power windows, locks, lights, instrument cluster etc. Great backup car.

[@spoonman73]

The bushings on my 02 Jetta with 220k on the clock are so bad that driving it smoothly has become an artform. LOL . Also, got a couple of windows that I just don't roll down. Bushings and the use of plastic parts are the bane of Volkswagen.

[@robh1908]

I love my 2002 Jetta TDI. 4.3L/100km 700,000km....I have no right to complain. And she's still going strong.

[@darrylmcmillan5655]

Nice

[@crunch805]

Please do a 1998 - 2005 Beetle TDI 5 Speed specific video. Mad love to you brother!

[@sarahcox7400]

Have a 99 vw beetle. Have had a coolant reservoir bust out of nowhere. Abs light issue as well.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Bummer. Those bottles can almost wear out over time. The ABS can be a number of issues. Typically a speed sensor is the main cause. I’ve had some get bad(expensive) but that’s not as common

[@artgoat]

109 relay failure on the TDI. VERY COMMON, and kills the engine dead.

[@iamdestinybound]

Thanks for the list. I just puchased a 2004 VW Beetle with really low miles (62K) for my daughter and dropped a couple 2K into tunning it up, complete check up, breaks everywhere, etc... Anyway her AC was also checked and was said to be "Working Fine", but it ended up going out (another $800), then it worked then it didn't and they said we needed a new fuse box (the one on top of the battery) for another $400+ because they said it was bad. I am sure you can see lots of questions here... however I feel like I may have replace the AC when I didn't have to due to the "bad fuse panel above the battery) - Yes? No? Also, now that they replace the AC the car is MUCH LOUDER when driving. What do you think they did? Any videos for help or suggestions?

[@xandertheo5989]

Still have your cat? 🤣

[@DJTheoSF]

Good Video. However, I would Definitely Add the Melted Fuse Box Issue on top of the battery with the wiring harness and bad wire that connects to the Alternator. It seems to be a Very Common Problem on the MKIV Platform. Much Respect, Theo :)

[@brandonrobishaw7606]

I agree replaced mine multiple times until my father rebuilt and re soldering the connection with better wires

[@tmwall25]

Smelled like crayons.

[@ShawnaMcDonald]

my ex bought a 2002 Jetta Turbo, and the first thing I noticed was the crayon smell. I thought the previous owner's kid dropped a crayon into the heater vent. ;)

[@jonesbunny]

Shawna McDonald 😂😂😂

[@michaelwoodsdale460]

God...I thought I was the only one who smelled that

[@halethewhale]

or black ice air freshener 👍

[@cmcolfax1]

It's that dayum "soft touch" chit they put on the plastics...

[@HardWhereHero]

Door handles, Power window switch, battery fuse box, plastic coolant flange, plastic thermostat flange / housing, Secondary air pump lines, Secondary air pump, Plastic water pump impeller blades, Blower motor, ECT sensor, MAF sensor, Basically anything electrical, Alternator charge cable, I can think of more, all I need to do is go looking at the parts in my garage. Not sure why I keep half working parts around either. Never know when you might need a half worn front brake pad from a 99 Vento.

[@PistonShack]

Thanks, Charles. I just bought one of this. I Google: "MK4 Golf common issues..." Your video came first. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Glad to find your channel.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much. Always want to help where I can

[@ThomasFromTN]

I don't doubt you're a good mechanic...but it has been my experience with mechanics that they always seem to REALLY praise a car or REALLY dump on a car...either with equal glee. The glimmer in your eye as you related your experiences dealing with the MK4 VW headaches...I wish I enjoyed delivering GOOD news that much!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Lol I’m wired wrong.

[@jerryproman5266]

@@HumbleMechanic what would cause a 98 beetle stall and not crank back up I found a pvc valve hose busted rigged it up to get home but it wouldn't start back up

[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

1.8t coil pack wiring harness. The original part had a TSB for replacement due to cracks in the wire insulation. There are now a couple different aftermarket solutions that don't require depinning a connector at the ECU. OE diverter valves also fail pretty regularly.

[@Ikarus65]

Still have my 2000 New Beetle 2.0 with manual transmission, fun little car! It had its fair share of problems (window regulators, brake light switch, interior flooding from clogged sun roof drains, air bag codes, burns a couple of quarts of oil every 1k miles, door modules), but considering how old it is, not too bad, and certainly nothing nearly as bad as our 2010 Passat Wagon that we finally got rid of. That POS made me sour on VW big time.

[@Bmovie5000]

Thanks for the video. I’ve encountered all 5 of these problem areas on my VR6 GTI. Most recently, I started getting a really bad exhaust rattle at startup when the engine is cold. My mechanic friend diagnosed that the catalytic converter is the culprit, and it looks like the muffler has something loose in it as well. The question is, can I get away with an aftermarket cat or would I need a VW one to avoid throwing codes?

[@boostaddict_]

Good video, one question. Any idea why a dealership near me has a 1.8t Jetta Wagon with a 5MT for sale for $42? It looks solid, the beige leather interior is really dirty, the black paint looks like it's seen some abuse, and there's brake dust all over the Long Beach wheels. Going to buy it if I can, just curious as to what would drop the value that much.

[@TassieLorenzo]

What's the mileage? It must be 300,000 miles plus and they just want to get rid of it, I guess. :)

[@guywashington2497]

I have a 2000 vw beetle 2.0 non turbo, and it seems like its consuming too much oil. Took care in no leaks, not burning it, even passed smog. Is there a way to clean out the pcv system. Noticed there is no listings to purchase a pcv valve. My crankcase vent tube and hose look a little cruddy as well. Bought new ones to swap out. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to thicker oil as I run the 5w40? Maybe 10w40 or 20w50?

[@anonlincracing2484]

I removed everything that was wrong with the mk4 so I had no problems in future ... I haven't got a mk4 anymore

[@doctorwhodj]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Yup I just got a mk1 and 2 and it fixed the mk4 problem.

[@announcer9]

My mk4 wolfsburg jetta has had front bushings replaced with energy bushings but my headache is the rear axle beam bushings :(. Expensive fix

[@SerVertigo]

Oh, man! I have a Golf Mk4 for 5 years and all things that you mentioned are fully correct. Especialy the window regulator, the Coolant temperature sensor (I changed 2 in 5 years) and the Suspension bushing if you mean top mounts, I'm ready to change them in 5 years (I've already change them with suspensions when I took it).

[@s.sestric9929]

Peeling clearcoat.

[@HumbleMechanic]

My B5 is doing that

[@gagemoss1075]

Yes...2001 Techno-Blue with 3 waterpumps and 2 catalytic converters and no door locks. New shift linkage and in need of driver-side pull handle. Oh yeah and 3rd fuel pump. Sorry...at first it was just about the clearcoat.

[@zachsaul148]

99 Techno blue beetle same problem lol

[@daddysugarapples]

Oh yes, my red 02 is almost completely peeled

[@tientrinh943]

Not mine

[@johnmoser2689]

We always replaced control arm bushings with the no hole solid rubber Audi tt types My beetle TDI has 462k miles now

[@RaudiRaul]

john moser what is the part that will fit in the control arm bushings because I’m changing mine every year or so and it’s killing my tire life!

[@johnmoser2689]

@@RaudiRaul the mk1 Audi tt is the same platform as the mk4 golf Jetta and beetle get the tt control arm bushings they will fit they are solid rubber instead of the ones with the holes that flex and break down

[@andreschiriff4354]

The coolant temperature sensor has been changed twice in my car in the past 4 years the last time I did it myself and so far is working great. I used to have a GTI and the bushings under suspension we're bad too. This video is very accurate 👍. Oh and I forgot the driver side window is dislodge from the carrier, if I roll it all the way down I have to help it with my hand to make sure it goes all the way up in its correct position hahaha

[@242-f5u]

I laughed reading your response. I have a 99 gti vr6 and have the same window problem. When going through a car wash, I wear my arm out holding the window completely up because if not, there's space at the top for water to get through. What else? Throttle body replaced, multiple oxygen sensors over time. I can out a schedule to replacing the MAF. A lot of repairs, but I love the car and it still looks nearly new and, after repairs, is running smooth ... with a squeak here or there.

[@boomerguy9935]

Very entertaining video on the love/hate relationship with the Mk4 VeeDubs. I have a very quirky Mk5 2008 Rabbit 2.5 and I love it! I've replaced most of the things you've mentioned on it but the electrical gremlins still show me who is boss. I don't care, I still love my little oddball hatchback. It also kind of reminds me of the TARDIS - bigger on the inside than the outside.

[@MikeJones-nj3th]

I have an 07 Jetta, and have the following dash lights on- power steering assist(yellow), the check brakes light that looks like a circle, abs light, traction control light, and air bag light. They all came on at the same time. I scanned it and it came back as a wheel speed sensor. Could that one part trigger all the lights?

[@robinmorris6157]

Try cleaning the sensor it might do the trick. My speedo stopped working also

[@anex83]

I need to change clutch set and flywheel on my mk4 Golf 1.9 TDI 2001 90hp. Should i use a DMF or SMF flywheel?Help

[@HumbleMechanic]

+anex83 SMF will give a but more vibration. But it is what most folks do

[@therealchayd]

In Europe we had a major issue with 02K gearboxes grenading themselves where the rivets in the diff broke and punched holes in the transmission case. Nice.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ouch. I’ve heard people here have similar issues. I’ve personally never seen one

[@BigBearBjorna]

Do all the 02k have that design flaw? Heard they fixed it with the ERT designation and replaced the rivets with bolts. Just wondering since i own an mk4 golf with the 1.6 16v (ERT)

[@SpiffyNiffty]

Are the black coolant temp sensors still bad? I need to get a new one for my ‘97 Jetta, but on ShopDap they have a black one.

[@vladmihai306]

As an owner of a Bora 2002 (european version of Jetta Mk4 - made in Germany), I had only issue no 5, suspension bushings, but I wouldn't call it a problem since I replaced them well after 150k km.

[@vladmihai306]

And I also think there is a quality difference between Bora (made in Europe) and Jetta (made in Mexico), hence the difference in failures.

[@77garga]

i had MK4 Golf made in Germany and had no faults in 80k miles

[@Vijuel]

yea a top 5 barely scratches the surface.

[@stephenport4768]

Looking at a UK spec beetle how do the engines/motor fair on the VW beetle 2.0i etc are their any premature failures what should I avoid or steer clear of

[@chuckconnors615]

Odd ball question... on the 03 beetle above the 40 mph location of the speedometer... the yellow engine light that is an A😢 surrounded by a counterclockwise arrow... what does this indicate??

[@joeschoe4477]

So if I have to do a control arm bushing replacement on a 2002 TDI Beetle, am I better off replacing out the whole arm and ball joint, or am I okay just doing the bushings (assuming no other damage, of course)?

[@HumbleMechanic]

If the joint is original I’d go ahead and do it all.

[@starxlr7863]

I have had all the above happen on my 2000 Beetle TDI and a few other things. But fixed them all and still driving it after 12 years. I am going to new to replace the front bushings once again as they do not hold up very well.

[@JohnZonneveld]

Have intermittent trouble with my 2004 Golf MK4 2.0GLS. I have my car running, switch off the contact and dashboard resets. Clock to 12:00 and tripmeter resets to 0.0. When I turn on the contact I can hear relays switching and even the door lights are flashing, Today I checked all grounds on the lower dash and they look good 0.1Ohm to the Battery. Already cleaned the ground connection under the battery tray. Today I also noticed that when I hit the brake pedal at the moment the car won't crank that that also causes the dash to fade out and reset clock amd trip. Last 7 weeks I only had this problem twice while daily driving on weekdays. I have seen in online forums that this is a issue that appears to happen (maybe common issue) but never really saw a plausible solution.

[@taniagarcia1548]

Seems you have fixed quite a lot of vw. I have a vw beetle 1999 2.0L. I've had quite a few problems. The one I'm stuck with at the moment is codes p0301 and p0304. I just changed the Spark plugs plus the spark plugs wires and the "check engine" light keeps coming up with those same codes. The car kind shakes and you can hear a rattle. By this video I got that it might be the catalytic converter. Can the codes be showing bacause of the catalytic or is that something else? I would really appreciate some guidance

[@danieldelarosa5316]

I have a 2003 Beetle with a 1.8L turbo engine.. It started to smoke really bad after I change the oil. Thick white grayish smoke blowing out... I was told the turbo went bad, There is a little oil blowing out the tail pipe as well. Can you give me some advise.. Thanks.

[@kdd1214]

Have you seen the coolant temp sensor fail and not throw a code? I've been having problems with my car stalling out as the car is warming up.

[@chillerxx123]

I've owned a mk4 GTI for about 4 months now. I spent 5 five minutes looking for these problems, and sure enough it had some replacement parts. Car Fax said the cat, switches, and window regs were done, thankfully. With the roads in my area I ate bushings for breakfast and replaced those a month ago.

[@IAZAIN]

'05 Manual Jetta wagon 1.9 TDI here, only the bushings do i identify with in this video, and the windows in the rear sometimes stop 80% of the way when closing, and half the time might just reverse and fully open in defiance, then they always work the second time

[@michael85225]

My automatic 2002 beetle shifts really hard when going past 35 mph but drives smoothly with no issues after that or when going slow speeds, it just started doing this. Hope the transmission isn't breaking down.

[@blackericdenice]

7:50 My 2004 Golf 2.0 had a po343, 4 coil codes and the engine would not spin pass 3,100 rpm. The dealer wanted $2,048 to replace the timing belt. I replace the $17 temp sensor and everthing was fine.

[@siggy1984]

How you doing my name is Nathan I have a 98 Volkswagen beetle I was sitting in the Drive-Thru and it just died starts back up but it just keeps wanting to die like after 10 minutes I'm wondering if the fuel pump is getting hot I was wondering if you had an opinion

[@carloronteltap2603]

Hi Richard. Thank you very much for the vid. Really helpful to get this improtant information. Can I please ask a question about the fourth item of the vid, about the coolant temperature. I have my 2002 Beetle (2.0 ltr engine) with a strange phenomena. As starting the engine the coolant temperature indicates blue on the dashboard. I guess this is how it supposed to be. After a while, when the engine is at the right temperature, the blue coolant temperature indicator light starts flashing and will not stop flashing during the entire ride. I already exchanged the coolant reservoir, but that wasn't helping. Do you have any clue what happens here? Thanks in advance. Kind regards Carlo, the Netherlands

[@USCG.Brennan]

A friend has a 2004 Beetle and it won't shift properly until the car has warmed up. Otherwise you have to lift your foot off the gas and then it will. Kind of like Chevy powerglides would do when they were getting old. Any ideas....water temp sensor??

[@viamerda]

Hi, have you ever seen a problem with slight buzzing noise from side mirrors when locking and arming the car, or when unlocking them? Or when switching on dash lights?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I’ve never heard that

[@BeingInTheMessiah]

I had a bad coolant temp sensor in my 96 golf and 03 jetta. I spent more time figuring out how to tape the black plastic clip to a screw driver and maneuver it into place than I did removing and replacing the sensor lol

[@MrThe302crew]

Wats the oil type to use on a mk4 Jetta 1.8? I’ve looked around and so much answers

[@JeremyBlant]

synthetic 5w40 or 0w40 like Mobil 1 Euro or Penzoil Euro Synthetic. as long as its a VW approved oil (it will say so on the back of the bottle) youre good. here is a link from Audi www.anciravolkswagen.com/blogs/949/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Approved-Oil-List.pdf

[@martinchen9178]

I have a 2002 jetta doesn't take reverse when first start up in the morning and then works fine after driven a little,the engine warms up then I have trouble in drive,it seems to go in complete neutral when I come to a stop sign and then surge when I take and it also tends to downshift hard at times,would really love a feed back .thank you

[@pumagirl75]

Hello my friend thank you for everything I have a question for you I’m trying to pass my emissions test and it’s failing the reason is and it says on the paper OBD light readiness failed it’s currently at Volkswagen find out what’s going on

[@outsidetheboxdesigns6265]

I have a 2001 1.8t beetle was a daily now my project build..I'm an old beetle builder so please forgive my ignorance of my next question...is it worth building the 1.8t beetle for a performance street sleeper or just do the awd swap... but ive heard that's like 10k

[@cybeer67]

Thanks for the tips ! I'll check under the hood for "greeny" parts !

[@erikavery9982]

I just replaced my battery fuse box on my 2004 Jetta and it burned out in a month and a half-can I replace the wire from the battery to the alternator or replace the entire charging harness?

[@jonathanaguilar1946]

Hi, I have a issue about my VW sharan 2004 model, fusebox located in the engine near battery the to thick wire is getting hot and the fuse box is melting , diagnose was done and everything is fine, fuse box was change but it still the same problem.Do you have an idea? Appreciate the reply, thanks!

[@michaelguevara8015]

Video starts at 1:50 Vws have always had regulator issues, both rear windows didn't work on my 95 cabrio, seems like vw uses cheap plastics on all of their cars they get so brittle, transmission issues on the automatics.

[@dukeseb]

Did u replace the control arm bushings with Audi TT bushings? When I found out they fit it was a game changer

[@HumbleMechanic]

TT and R32 are the same. I have r32 in my mk3

[@nickhorne4560]

Really enjoying your videos. I was a tech at a VW dealer from 2001-2012, and now have my own shop at home. You should totally do this top 5 fails for mk3. Heater cores, rear axle bushings, taking apart the cluster and cruise ecm and finding cold solder joints...

[@stretchedlife]

the wiring in the door flex conduit accordion boot thing bending and breaking. Horrible engine mounts

[@brandonrobishaw7606]

​@@stretchedlife vacuum line inside of the ecm box

[@timothyball3144]

Had a CTS code. Hooked up VCDS first thing in the morning and recorded temp as it warmed up. When I looked at it on a graph, the temp climbed like expected then it dropped like 70 degrees then climbed again. Yep.

[@michaelarhea104]

Hello, i have a 99 vw bug that the brake light indicator is on forever. It has been with 4 mechanics and still can't fix it. All the sensors ( brake, master cylineer, hand brake, the common) issues have been checked and all is working fine. The abs module was replaced and still the BRAKE light in the dash is on. Can you share some insights or experience, a solution would be appreciated. Thanks

[@Broken4thWall]

I've had the rear bushings on my 2000 vw beetle GLX replaced because every bump felt and sounded like the suspension was nearly breaking itself. However, it seems that the front bushings need replacing as well since I'm getting a squeeking sound and the occasional clunk in hard turns. Is this an immediate issue or can it be left alone? I'm a college student on a budget

[@RaudiRaul]

Was there ever a fix for suspension bushings?! Or so we just have to deal with replacing them every two years??

[@HumbleMechanic]

The control arms can be upgraded to R32. Ive has good luck with poly for the strut tower bushings.

[@RaudiRaul]

HumbleMechanic thank you! I will definitely give that a shot!

[@jerryproman5266]

I just bought a 98 beetle with the 2-L engine on the way home it started making a wired noise so pulled over before I could stop it stalls out and wouldn't crank up opened the hood found the pvc valve hose busted rigged one up to try and just get it home to my tools but it wouldn't crank back up any ideas on what it could be

[@Novmama88]

My power steering is messed up it leaks fluid bad and I was wondering if a bushing being bad could cause that cause when I turn wheel fluid dumps out what’s ur ideas on this issue on a 2001 vw beetle 2.0

[@jbirzer]

How about the MAF sensor in the ALH diesels? That seemed to go bad a lot, causing the turbo to go into limp mode. I know I needed to replace mine at one point.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Jason Birzer Man, I have done a good amount of those!

[@calnhobes]

Great Video, I am having a weird problem with my 2003 Beetle with a 2.0 engine. The cruise control starts to surge if set at 70 MPH or higher. This also causes the speedometer to bounce and not read speeds over 80. no check engine light or engine codes. speedometer works fine if I don't use the cruise. It also seems like my speedometer is about 2 MPH faster than what I'm actually going. Any ideas? Thanks!

[@kenphillips479]

Speed sensor failure theres a couple videos on u tube showing how to repair it with epoxy or u could just replace it i guess were the wire plugs in cracks or delaminates from the sensor

[@jamespatton2975]

Why does my 2006 beetle TDI have check engine light code U0103 and all shift indicators are flashing. Won’t come out of park ???

[@ajlovett6740]

I have a 2004 jetta 1.8T and I love it..!! Although lately when I start it and just before the idle kicks down it makes a weird squeal then it goes away and idles fine and stable. Squeal lasts about 2 seconds or less and like I said it kicks down and idles fine. Any ideas what that may be? Could it be a oscillating bearing of some sort?

[@ericherrera5405]

starter motor maybe

[@IFeaReDx]

hey humble! i am going thru a electrical nightmare, i replaced the BLS to the new green one, bought a new third brake light, brake lights worked but i had a blown parking light fuse(23), basically my brake lights would only work w the light s off and all other lights(turn/reverse) on the rear worked. i cleaned up a bunch of wires in the loom/headlight casing and replaced fuses and bulbs/ new oem headlight switch. i notice if i unplug the ballast the fuse doesnt blow but now my brake lights dont work again, could this be do to the system being unbalanced, probably gonna go back to stock headlights. brake lights will not work/intermittent(all 3) if i use my headlights, idk what to do thanks!

[@saiiad737]

a early mk4 platform without door module fault are rare

[@ericherrera5405]

mine never failed, maybe it happens more with electric door windows?

[@youngdrago2979]

mine is a 2004 and all doors are fucked up including the trunk, all power windows give trouble the roof has a cover that falls, the interioir of these cars are horrifying

[@LamborghiniReven1000]

Bryan Saphire mines still in good shape. It's all about how you keep it up.

[@erikcarson1373]

I feel like I won the lottery. I have an 01 Golf and this has yet to happen. All the other stuff, but not this, yet.

[@Hacky2447]

on my mkiv jetta, I had all 5 and more go wrong. I was blowing through MAF sensors like crazy at 90 bucks a piece. all window regulators on all four doors couple of them more than once. cat went out. but, it's also now modified and still love it.

[@thdremily]

Would the Audi TT 8n fall under this category as well? I know the 8n was built on the same platform as the mk4 golf.

[@hungrychowhound11612]

I have 2 mk4. 03 and 05, gls and gli. What to do what to do. Feel like I went from bad to worse now. Had an 02 325ci, won't do that again. And now 2 mk4. The 03 amazing lil car. Great millage. Enjoy it. Gli on the other hand 3 of the 5 problems and counting. And it's an automatic. Might have to keep up with your updates. Thanks.

[@reygarza7456]

Hey Humble Mech, what is your fix to the fuse box on top of battery to the Mark V Jetta

[@SerbyWafflesTech]

EPC light on. codes reading P0222 and P1003. 2003 2.0 Jetta. changed mass airflow, changed brake switch, ignition switch, cleaned throttle. light still on. car is in limp mode after 10 mins of driving. my mechanic thinks its the pedal sensor or a bad CAT. i dont like guessing. any thoughts?

[@ReptiAddict]

Serby Drobnjakovic crank sensor got mine outa limp mode

[@b.browndesigns2817]

I’m quite new to your channel so I apologize if you’ve covered this in a previous video. I have a 2004 VW Jetta 1.8L T with a speed sensor error. I’ve heard every recommendation from replacing the transmission (a painful $5K pill to swallow) to junking it. I’m quite attached to it and hate to see it scrapped for a measly $200.00. I’m looking for any tips on replacement of the speed sensor without a full transmission break down or rebuild. Any advice?

[@thebullshorns4104]

My 99 vw gti is down .replaced plugs ,wires,fuel filter,cleaned maf,now I ordered a new throttle body.I know I'm a dummy for buying all these parts to find the problem.It idles fine but when I give it gas it sputter out.Any ideas.

[@valerietaylor8299]

I have a 99 volkswagen 2.0 temp Guage goes whacky at times should I check cat and or etc sensor

[@LGaro77]

Hey Charles i drive a 2008 r32 i had an aftermarket fluidamper pulley on my crank shaft and it has caused the notch in the shaft to lose its shape. As a result my shaft end is mushroomed and there is play on the pulley. Are there any solution that dont involve taking the engine apart and changing the shaft?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Lucas Garofalo YIKES!!!!! Can you send me some pictures? maybe email me, or FB message me? Charles(at)humblemechanic(DOT)com

[@joesgtprima4609]

I.need to know why my interior lights are always on when the light are off.. I have to disconnect the battery terminal to not kill my battery to go somewhere...please reply asap

[@s.sestric9929]

I had that problem. The lights in the switches on the drivers' side door stayed on. I discovered that it was a bad gas door switch that caused it. Try disconnecting all the switches from the wiring harness until they go out.