1998 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Discussions

VW Jetta Basic Maintenance Questions (Oil changes, fluids, etc.)

1995 VW Jetta

Written by: thecarbuff on Sep 20, 2008 06:26 AM

Im looking at good reliable cars for a first car and stumbled upon the 1994-1998 jetta and ive done some research onit and im comparing it to a few oother cars. so is this pricy to maintain or is it just another :lemon: Read More...

VW Jetta TDI

Re: TDI vs. Gas [malmouza]

Written by: gagrice on Aug 05, 2008 09:22 PM

Since you don't care about the money, and you don't care about the conservation of energy, you are in the wrong forum. If you could look back at the posts from 1998 you would find my original search was for a small diesel PU truck. I had talked to a couple of fellows from Brazil that had driven a Ranger diesel PU from the tip of So America to the Arctic Ocean where I was working. ... Read More...

Volkswagen Jetta Engine Questions

Re: 1998 Jetta 2.0 - Intermittent engine stall [Mr_Shiftright]

Written by: bpeebles on Feb 09, 2008 06:28 PM

I have never heard of the throttle actuator going bad.... but it may be "out of sync" with the accelerator pedal. This could happen if somone mistakenly touches the accelerator pedal while starting the engine. (One should NEVER touch accelerator pedal when starting engine!!) Also, disconecting battery may lose the adaptation settings. There is a procedure ... Read More...

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

Re: 1998 VW Jetta Transmission [keenan2089]

Written by: bpeebles on Jan 07, 2008 05:02 PM

Most VW automatic xmissions require you to connect up to the computer port to ascertain proper fluid level... just another GREAT reason to convince the wife to let you order a VagCom. Read More...

Re: 1998 VW Jetta Transmission [ccostable]

Written by: keenan2089 on Jan 06, 2008 08:08 PM

Vier did you git dat cah? I have a 2000 VW Jetta and it takes a special tranny fluid ( Store said "SLF") that is at dealership. There's no dip stick and I was stumpped. It must be in engineers' ear. Had me saying "Fahrgenugen". I hear they use a pump to put fluid in. I am glad that you say there is another hole because maybe I can run a tube and funnel. I don't know how much to ... Read More...

Re: Is it worth it? [jeffyscott][jcarr5]

Written by: 600kgolfgt on Dec 19, 2007 06:51 PM

I concur with bpeebles.... Here's some more background on the timing belt issue: A breaking timing belt is usually the final sequence in a chain of events leading to the breakage. 1) The original factory Water pump - Usually the #1 culprit if it hasn't been changed by 60-65K. The factory water pump (in VW's infinite wisdom) has an impeller made of plastic which ... Read More...

Volkswagen Jetta Starting and Stalling Issues

Re: Rough Idle and stalls [glevien]

Written by: 600kgolfgt on Dec 16, 2007 10:21 AM

I just bought a 2001 jetta 2.0... Sorry to hear that... 1999 through 2002 model Jettas have proven to be quite problematic (especially if you have an automatic transmission model). Other potential problems you may encounter: - Falling windows (due to VW''s idiotic decision to use plastic rwindow etaining clips instead of metal ones). - Coil pack problems due ... Read More...

Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Accord

Re: Anyone comparing these? [venus537]

Written by: robertsmx on Nov 04, 2007 06:36 AM

I won't. VW's earned big time laurels with the 1.8T in the late 90s (kinda like the 2.0T is getting now), and I almost ended up picking Passat over Accord. A decade later, I am glad to say that I didn't. In fact, I have comprehensive experience with Jetta (two of them) from 2002-2003 model years. One of them is gone, and for very good reasons. The other is about to. The ... Read More...

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

Re: 1998 VW Jetta Transmission [winwellness]

Written by: ccostable on Oct 25, 2007 00:55 PM

You most likely are low on fluid. And don't listen to VW when they tell you the transmission is sealed and the fluid would never need to be added/replaced (been there and done that with my '97. The fluid has to be a certain temperature to be able to tell if it's low or not. Hence the reason for the computer. Call around to local mechanics or a specialized VW shop to see ... Read More...

VW Jetta Wagon - Smells Like Cat Urine

Written by: grayson1 on Oct 21, 2007 06:58 AM

2005 Jetta Station Wagon Smells Like Cat Urine Inside Mileage: 40,000 approx Engine Type: 4 Cylinder ? Hi There, My neighbor moved in about 3-4 months ago from Greenville, SC to SW Florida during the rainy season. After a month, her car began to smell like ammonia inside. I have sat in her car and smelled it and it is strong. She is blaming my cats. She says that they ... Read More...