Volkswagen Overheating Issue 1.8t & 1.9tdi

This Tech Tip explores the overheating issues with the Volkswagen Jetta 1.8t and 1.9tdi, the car in this video is a Jetta 1.9tdi.

[@SergioGomez-ot4im]

Thank you for the detailed information Sir. Excellent idea on the hardware.

[@Njabuloaka2020]

Thanks for the training, you are such a good teacher and you saved my day...

[@lmogden1]

GREAT VIDEO, WELL EXPLAINED, I AM AN ENGINEER BY TRADE AND NATURE, AND TOO MANY PEOPLE GIVE YOU A LOAD OF CRAP ABOUT REPAIRS OR DON`T EXPLAIN AT THE MAIN DEALERS, THE MANUFACTURERS FAULTS, I RUN A TDI 170 GOLF WITH DSG 48000 MILES NO PROBLEMS GOING TO KEEP THIS CAR FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 10 YEARS KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, EXPLAINING HOW IT WORKS WILL WIN YOU ADDED BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE, SHAME I LIVE IN ENGLAND TOO FAR TO COME FOR A SERVICE

[@dellp1975]

keep on with the good work, thanks for taking the time on doing this video.

[@CRANWELLPOACHER]

Excellent video..you should have your own show!. I came across this whilst trying to research a problem i am having with my 2001 seat Alhmbra 1.9 Tdi (AUY engine 115bhp). Car message display on dashboard reported "Low coolant level". Coolant level was checked and topped up (3/4 litre). A few days later the same message...so topped up again. Noticed that even when engine stone cold the coolant seems to "rush" back into the expansion tank when the cap is removed!.Engine runs fine,no "mayo" in oil!

[@woody95124]

Very cool....smart thinking on a repair that has no room for error...

[@DieterMe]

Excellent analysing !

[@moonrider19681]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Great videos

[@Darfen1]

Very very very nice and clean car service! :) regards from czech republic :)

[@freebird1ification]

can you recomend were i can purchase the steel water pump for a 2002 1.8 turbo engine thanks

[@Spyster007]

Great video, I find the 1.9 TDI very reliable, approching 500,000 km and running perfect.

[@DeMayo3000]

Good tips thanks for the video

[@matteightytwo]

@528im52 easier way to diagnose would be open the expansion tank. there is a little return hose going back to the expansion tank. get someone to rev the engine. if the water pump is functioning there will be a flow of water back to the expansion tank via that little return hose. also ive had an iron impellor pump "fail" where the bearing washed out at about 80k miles and leaked, was made by circolli. i recommend kwp pumps to be honest, they seem the best so far nice videos though

[@maelizama4035]

I love you! Excellent teacher.

[@mboots957]

I had the same problem, I first changed the Thermostat, Top hose hot bottom hose cold after I changed the slipping plastic water pump both hoses started flowing again. Thanks for the tip! Also the fan switch is at the bottom of the Radiator and hot coolant never reached it before so the fans would not come on, Now they do Also I use VW coolant the red stuff works well.

[@mujjuman]

just from the symptoms alone, you can tell its water pump, but thanks for the video. lots of good hints

[@michaelmichaelmichea]

Great mechanic....just by the way he talks....i can tell he rocks

[@Lasselkv28]

Very neat and well made video with a lot of usefull information. I just subscribed ;-)

[@MrElvey]

:-) Glad I could help. I recently bought a backup flip (AKA switchblade) key and can't seem to get both of my flip keys to work. If I program the car to accept one, the other stops working. I'm trying to follow the instructions to put the codes into 2 different slots of the four code slots I read the car has, but I guess the instructions I have are wrong. Tried about 5 times.

[@beautiful1868]

Would you happen to know if an o2 sensor from a 1.8 beetle would function correctly on a 1.9 beetle?

[@marjankozovski2763]

Very good video!

[@45ajani45]

question, I have a 2004 1.8 turbo gli. My coolant leaks and my car overheats to 260, what would be the possible problem i cannot find out what it is, need help thanks

[@experttrolltrollingdirty2062]

This was very very useful

[@tarzan12052]

Thank u very much. I will check that out.

[@tallpaul9475]

I had the same exact symptom. But, I noticed the heater core hose over pressurized because the thermostat was not functioning properly. Replacing the thermostat fixed mine, but the heater core needs replacement, too, because the pressure caused it to leak.

[@Nivicoman]

tpvalley I agree with the catalytic converter needing a thrash every now and then. My 98 Corolla ran better after a few redline thrashes. I figured the cat got soot and ash blown out freeing up exhaust flow. I did smell quite a bit of an odor like burning coal smoke. That was 2 years ago and it still runs like a champ.

[@bkzee]

@MrElvey thank you so much.

[@finno123456]

Always change the pump when doing timing belts on vw engines its recommended, i.e. the impeller bearing becomes stuck causing the car to over heat also the impeller blades get warn your better installing metal impeller pumps they are more, but will save your engine

[@ElReyCondoy]

First of all, Thank you for the video. It's been of great help. Well, I just have a question regarding a passat 99. It's showing a sing in the front pannel lately. I also have realized that the steering wheel is sounding a squicky sound. I wonder if that is normal. Feedbacks are welcome. Thank you!

[@vortecMAS]

i need help i have a 2003 vw jetta v6 2.0 but it keeps overheating and throwing water from the radiator any idea of wat it might be?

[@BlondeExplorer1]

Can not find your video on how to make the tool that goes inbetween the 2 wheels where you change the belt out when replacing the water pump......???????

[@guy014]

I've got a 2001 TDI and the transmission recently started leaking fluid from the reservoir. In turn, it would jerk into second gear is too much gas is applied from a stationary stop. I've given up the car for the winter but want to acquire more knowledge on this vehicle because I'll definitely be buying the newer versions of the Jetta TDI in the coming years.

[@drddddd]

Great info, pls make an Cooling fan replacement. Don't know ho to do it on my 1,8t TT

[@Spyster007]

@keebler145 your right it wasn't where he was pointing at first, it was actually right behind the hose he disconected near the beginning around 1:51. I just changed my thermostat and it was very easy to do.

[@ONLYJOKING101]

When I bought my car (1.8t) I had the cam belt (timing belt) replaced and when the garage replaced the belt they found the water pump had the same problem but hadn't completely broken yet.

[@Liamautomechanic]

good vid

[@hammerki1]

A quicker way to check on these VWs is to run the engine up to 3500+ RPM, and monitor the coolant return hose that runs into the coolant reservoir.

[@silayan2008]

@silayan2008 I forgot to say we replaced the timing belt when we replaced the water pump.

[@silayan2008]

Question; I have a 97 2.0 Golf with a similar problem. I flushed the radiator, replaced the thermostat, leaky water pump, leaky overflow ball, and upper radiator hose. It ran great for 3-months. Last week we replaced both control arms & drivers side ball joint. While test-driving, it over heated after a 1-mile. I replaced spongy factory upper radiator hose. Any ideas?

[@528im52]

Normally you would be looking at about the same time-frame, while most mods do inherently put a bit more strain on the engine, for daily driving 60,000-65,000 would be the perfect interval

[@tarzan12052]

I have a 1.8t, this is a great video thanx for uploading it. Mine over heats only at an idle. If i keep moving or sit still with the heat on its fine. I was thinkin the thermostat. What do u think?

[@shannonml]

my 2001 vw passat 1.8t overheats within a mile or less on a hot day and on cool mornings, it will go for a bit longer. would it be the thermostat or the pump. if you continue to drive the car, the temp will go from red back to normal if the car is still running. do you have any suggestions on how to fix his issue?

[@renalawson5620]

I really need help u have a 2000 Volkswagen jetta 2.0 engine it keeps overheating I have put a new radiator thermostat as well what else do I need to do its driving me crazy someone pls help

[@MrSnakeaholic]

@Robjan323 i did the same process same result here, please respond so we can figure out is the water pump is bad, on the 1.8T thermostat is at that hose (by alternator) so is the test on video also for the 1.8T???

[@liridonbajrami90]

If the car runs in normal temperature in town but in highways start to run COLD - u need to change thermostat , but if it runs normally in Town and HOT in highway u need to change Coolant temp sensor. But better change it together(thermostat and coolant temp sensor)

[@Turbotomass]

a video of the water pump flow test would have been really cool and see.

[@davonta45]

My car got fixed but its still overheating after fixing the belt and water pump what should I do now? Please someone reply back . Thank you

[@scorpius7jeremiel500]

Where can I find the video on how to make the tool please I have look all your videos and never found it. Thank you for such an excellent way of explaining and teaching us. I love your videos.

[@bkzee]

thank you for sharing this interesting video with us, i want to know is it possible to get another original flip key for my vw golf mk4 1999 model with the remote sensor, i need to have the alarm system activated, your assistance would be appreciated.

[@V10PDTDI]

Yes they are right when they say that they should use the correct tool and the right places it is true that the cam has no key lock it lock to the cam by wedging to the sprocket just like any vw diesel up to the ALH model and if it off by just a bit the valve and piston will hit and damage will result and other important thing is the the crank position relative too the cam and the fuel pump timing is very important and the only way to check it it is with a VAG Com tool in basic setting.

[@renalawson5620]

I really need help l have a 2000 Volkswagen jetta 2.0 engine it keeps overheating I have put a new radiator thermostat as well what else do I need to do its driving me crazy someone pls help

[@Robjan323]

ok so on my 1.8T i did the test by removing the radiator hose by the alternator like you did in the video, and my buddy started the car , there was no water flow whats so ever, the car had coolant in the system... my car only has 44k miles, with this all being said, my water pump is bad for sure right?

[@juanMoreno-sk7tl]

great information

[@EXOVCDS]

The only true information is the broken water pump... thermostat location and locking the sprocket together, wrong.

[@salesquivel1772]

***** I changed the water pump on my 2001 VW Cabrio but now the radiator fans won't run. I checked that everything was reconnected back property. What did I miss?

[@EXOVCDS]

Sal Esquivel Probably an air pocket / not correctly bled system... so the temp sensor in the radiator is not getting triggered.

[@jasoncameron34]

hello i have a similar situation but i just changed the timing belt and water pump(metal impeller)and it idles fine but as soon as you go a few miles it starts to overheat any ideas?

[@GTILOUD]

Cracked head man

[@dotunvaughn7322]

i was driving my 2001 vw passat 1.8. It started making a tapping noise, temperature went up lifters tapping than car cutt off. The car was full of coolant & oil though. Let it cool off for 15 minutes added water. Start driving again, car started making tapping noise again temperature went way up oil light came on & water was coming out of the small reservoir nipple at the bottom of the reservoir tank car battery light cam while driving than car died. got car towed to the house. battery was dead so I got it charged up and after it charged car won't start but it turns over slowly. I put the machine on it and it read po300 random misfire in cylinders. the motor isn't seized butt it just won't start it just turns slow. do you think it could be that the timing belt didn't pop but slip rent a bad water pump that was making it get hot? and do you think what cause the tapping noise could have been a clogged oil pickup tube. do you think that's the reason the car cut off while driving ?

[@gregh7457]

crickets chirping......

[@nfusionFTA]

where is the video to make the tool?

[@V10PDTDI]

Fist off all the easiest way to check for a water pump failure is to remove the small hose on top of the expansion tank and take the cap off and start the engine and the hose should flow at idle speed and when you get it to over 2000 rpm the flow of coolant should be the same size of the hose but if you see no flow the water pump is probably broken we always replace the water pump any time we do any timing belt change we find that the gas model have more failures than Diesel models.

[@Claus4000dk]

@mk21147 did you get the link?? i am looking for the same video..

[@camelkiller22]

what year is this happening, i am thinking and getting a 01 1.8t should i be worried this is going to happen.

[@ftartem]

Good video it helped me a lot to diagnose the problem but can you please show or explain how to replace the water pump please? I have the same issue and i got the new water pump and the timing belt but i can not get to the water pump. am i supposed to get to it from the top or bottom.

[@MrElvey]

@MrElvey Pull the key apart to see the part numbers. (You may need a screwdriver.)

[@CumminsISBe]

Where is the other video you mention at 06:54 in this video? I'd really like to make my own sprocket lock tool. Thanks!

[@scorpius7jeremiel500]

I was looking for the video as well never found it.

[@Pip2andahalf]

Does anyone know if 2001 Jettas would have a plastic or metal water pump impeller?

[@528im52]

@3squ1v3l3duard0 That sounds as if the Thermostat is stock open and is allowing the engine to be cooled all the time.

[@queensplazasouth]

@supra29True, for VWs. Cars, and engines designed by clearer thinking people, such at those who designed the GM V6 motors, use a pushrod design that uses a simple two sprocket timing system that uses a low tension chain that lasts at LEAST 200k miles, often twice that when the motor is otherwise well maintained. Additionally, the water pump on GM motors are swapped just as easily as a spare tire. In fact draining, and refilling the radiator is more time consuming than the actual water pump swap.

[@LatinEngr]

at wat milage should i change timing belt and water pump?

[@528im52]

Well it sounds like they first thought that the timing belt broke and/or the water pump froze up, this is usual for an estimate if the engine has not been completely looked over. From what you have stated the timing belt broke and you had some valves smack into the pistons causing damage, this normally requires wither a head rebuild or a new head, plus the cylinder walls, pistons, and rings may have been damaged. If all of what i said is the case, then that seems to be why the cost is so high.

[@rafalmaxi]

this issues with pump happen when u drive your engine on water and in the winter time your pump get frost, after first try of start engine this happen so.. check your coolant before winter come

[@MrElvey]

@bkzee Yes. Google the key part # or look on ebay. Ebay has a great howto from mark something. Have you lost both flip keys? Then it's more complicated and expensive; you may need to go to a dealer. There are 3 keys in the flip key - the metal one, the remote one and the electronic ignition security one... You want all 3 to work.

[@racing0eagle]

I drive 1.9 tdi 130ps and it's overheating only if i accelerate hard uphill on highway (temp start to raise from 90c after couple seconds),water pump is pumping coolant,and thermostat is opening,no air at system,no oil on coolant,whats wrong?

[@bukispirit]

racing0eagle i have the same problem with 2.5 tdi.car overheats only when driving uphill.did you sort your problem?

[@curtisskeete]

Hey, where is your shop located? Would like to know if you are in the NYC area?

[@picivizipaci]

You right, this guys do not know what they doing.

[@Liamautomechanic]

the plastic impeller usually comes off the water pump shaft, thats the problem, hence top hose hot, bottom hose cold,

[@cribroolzezelly2366]

Do u guys have any mechanic to refer for me in Miami ?

[@LatinEngr]

oh ok kool but wat if i hav a couple of mods? The same or sooner?

[@GMR06]

@mrkenster007 no they have hydraulic lifters to pick up the slack

[@cesar333]

I have a water pump issue myself. $800 to fix along with a multiple misfire condition. Took it to several shops even to audi and one one can fix it the misfire issue.

[@1100HondaCB]

@kmspop1 Probably why in recent years VW only achieved average reliability in a survey, instead of, as one would assume above average reliability along side the likes of Honda etc. Ignition coils on Golf models burning out being a particular problem, therefore leaving the driver stranded. I've always found VWs to be well put together and generally reliable with the layout of them well thought out, but like many other manufacturers, they do indeed try to save on cost where ever possible.

[@Denbosse]

if the temp needle falls down real fast = temp sensor their is a green coloured updated part

[@streetmetl1]

only ever use factory water pump with plastic impellers. I've worked for Vw 10 years and have seen most after market pumps leak, some after just a few hundred miles. a lot of work just to find out it leaks. plastic oem pumps last 90,000 miles.

[@GTILOUD]

I have a 05 tdi 1.9 and believe the water pump is my issue, I'm about to get it done and do you have any other recommendations?

[@streetmetl1]

Do the whole timing kit. Belt, tensioner, water pump. Make sure you take it to a shop that is going to warranty there work.. Vw will charge you $900- $1100 and have a turn around time of 6 hours, same day. Make sure you use the proper coolant never mix the coolants in euro cars. Its worth paying the $1000 dollars to have it done right. I still pay the dealership I work at to do my timing job for the warranty on parts and service.

[@GTILOUD]

So I can drive it for short trips like 10 miles or less before it starts to overheat, I notice no difference in how it drives no loss of power or weird exhaust smoke, so I believe it to be a water pump failing issue and not a more serious issue. hopefully

[@streetmetl1]

tale care of it soon before it over heats, warps the head and kills the head gasket.

[@GTILOUD]

k Ya as soon as it gets close I'll pull over before the warning light and I know the point so i stay under it, I'll bite the bullet and fix it because I just put new tires and brakes including 4x rotors so..... and it drives well did great last winter and my first winter only got stuck 1 time and I alone was able to free it lol thx for advice bro peace man.

[@COCOT20]

I had the opposite problem on a Mercedes Benz water pump. After 20 years (The car is a second hand) the car started to overheat i`ve changed everithing and still overheated. Finally I discovered that the water pump housing (made from aluminium) was eaten by the electric reation that takes palce when too kinds of metals (Cast iron and aluminium) are present whit water and heat. All the replacement parts are the same, so lets see if now whit the correct amount of coolant it holds more.

[@karwanali9440]

tack

[@tribble921]

All cars that i have worked on have the thermostat at the top, are you sure its on the bottom?

[@camberlubos3995]

Older vehicles before Volkswagen bought Czech car maker Skoda, were at the bottom. Only after they purchased this company, they have "dicovered" that it is way easier and more efficient to mount thermostat at the top. :-)

[@Justin-ti3oo]

thats a 1.9 alh diesel yes its mid lower next to timing belt

[@tpvalley]

the exhaust dpf catalyst can get bunged if it doesnt get driven long journeys, they need to regenerate every now and then, a good thrash is the cure for this, but it makes the tdi get very hot.

[@leeisenberg]

What year model is this?? What would you say to someone that says these engines "aren't very reliable" ? thanks for sharing

[@EXOVCDS]

These ALH TDI engines are one of the most reliable VW TDI engines (1999 to 2003 in North America).

[@leeisenberg]

Thanks man. What about the 05-2011's? What do you think about the "Wind Booster" stuff, worth the $$?

[@EXOVCDS]

@@leeisenberg they are all good engines... but the technology that gives them power & decreased noise levels, is an expensive technology when it comes time for servicing / repairing. Not to mention the DSG or automatic transmissions... the possibility of high pressure fuel pump failure that will result in the need for complete fuel system replacement. I always thought people who leased cars were throwing their money away... it's actually a good way to have a modern car, without the risk of being stuck with the big repair bills. Just switch to a different car once the lease is up.

[@jandjmca]

Check your fan clutch, just start your car, roll up some newspaper or cardboard and try to stop the fan if it stops it is free wheeling and not pulling enough air through the radiator

[@TK-ec5bv]

Pumps with steel or brass impellers are excellent as well. GRAF pumps are among the best.

[@annette.schweiss]

2002 Audi TT Quattro doing this too. Replaced waterpump, still issue.

[@kaseylee1152]

Is your audi loosing water everytime you drive are you having to put water in the coolant rezivor? I have a 06 VW gold 2.0 engine and my car just started over heating 2 days ago and iam having to put water in every road trip idk whats going on hope i didnt mess up my head gasket or something. Good luck on your car

[@angelamarcum4933]

What can you tell me why when it gets to a certain temperature it's the motor totally shuts off I won't run until it's cool

[@EXOVCDS]

Possible crankshaft position sensor fault. Year, make, model & engine?

[@boaterbil]

i have seen this happen quite a few times

[@LatinEngr]

oh ok kool, thats what i thought, thanks

[@malikqabaha9030]

same problem in bora 2000 1.6 SR engine

[@adrianbrown8555]

Thermostat at the bottom on jettas and are a comon fault on audi and vws the thermostat or housing is your definate fault make sure you have a close look

[@germanhugger41]

This is why I always use a HEPU water pump with a metal impeller.... they cost twice as much, but they have a hundred thousand mile warrantee ...

[@sebastiantufigno6955]

Shouldn`t the fan come in if there`s no circulation due tho water pump failure ?

[@AridersLifeYT]

Nah, the fan just cools the rad.

[@EXOVCDS]

The sensor to trigger the fans in mounted in the radiator... when the water pump fails or the thermostat is stuck closed, the radiator does not get hot (no fluid circulation) which means the sensor does not get warm to trigger the fans.

[@tsheposelela346]

I dont understand something. I own a jetta 4 tdi. I have a leak as he explains. I did replace a water pump. After doing so I pressure tested the system and no leak was found but as soon as I drive the car it looses coolant yet it hasn't mixed

[@EXOVCDS]

If you are losing coolant but are not seeing a leak, then the fluid level is dropping because you had air in the system... the air travels to the reservoir tank, causing the fluid level to drop. Once all the air is out of the system, the fluid level will no longer drop. If you do have a leak... follow the leak to the source and repair as needed. If no leak is found... the only other place the coolant could go, is into a cylinder & out the exhaust.

[@svlpa]

i have 2000 ctavia 1,8T 20v and when the car is pushed makes a sound like its diesel...when i restart the engine it stops...any1 know whats wrong?

[@Ukacip]

myname same problem how did you fix it?

[@jessicazoubek9678]

Mine is doing this and i just had a coolant leak fixed

[@snip84]

@IsdangPisot it seems like those problems are just on VW's shiped to USA. Wtf. are they selling to you?