2001 VW GTI

2001 VW GTI questions and answers

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Q: How to Fix a 2001 VW GTI fuel door?
I went to a gas station, hit the fuel door release button on my driver's side door, the door popped open. After fueling, I went to go shut the door and it would not lock in place. There is a piece of metal, kind of like a clip, that is sticking down from a hole that is top left of the gas cap in the area where the clip of the door slides in. I don't remember if it was always there, but it is almost like it is blocking it from going in place. I think the clip may be what holds the door in place and is stuck down? What I think happens is when the door is released the clip shoots upward and releases the door, when the door is pushed back in I think the actuator shoots the piece of metal in the clip of the door and keeps it in place. When I hit the fuel door release button I don't here any sound and nothing appears to happen. Any ideas on what to do?

A: the actuator lever is either bound, or broken, or the actuator itself has died, the way to check is to remove the inner panel from the side of the trunk, then you can get to the actuator, and see if it is bound up, or if the lever is actually broken, if nothing appears out of place, put your hand on it while someone pushes the button, and see if you can feel any movement inside it, if still nothing, then remove it from the car and repeat the test. the default position is locked, so even if it is dead, it should release the lock, so it is most likely just bound up, and needs a little lubrication

Q: i need help with a 2001 VW GTI V6....?
i just bought this car and after doing a full tuneup it still runs like a piece of crap. weak power, acceleration is not smooth, and sometimes it dies on me when it idles. for the tuneup i changed the sparkplugs, air filter, fuel filter, cleaned the mass airflow sensor, and changed the oil. the sparkplug wires look fine to me. the check engine light is on so i brought it in for a diagnostic and they gave me the following codes after running it on the computer: 0113, 0102, and 1142. the guy told me to clean the "intake air temp sensor" but i can't find it. i found the mass airflow sensor and cleaned that with a spray and put it back in.... how can i fix this darn thing? where is the intake air temp sensor? also, for extra credit answer the following questions: 1. how do i get the "airbag" error light to turn off? can i just take out a fuse? 2. how do i get the seat heaters to work? i checked the fuse and it's fine, but they still dont get hot.

A: Those are some strange codes, I've never seen them, and I've seen a lot of codes on Mk4 GTI's. There's a chance your MAF sensor may be dead, but I would not be sure enough to suggest replacing it. It's one of the two most common parts on your car to fail. The intake air temp sensor is on the intake manifold IIRC. There is no way to get rid of the airbag light short of getting whatever is broken fixed. You could take apart the dash and take the bulb out. Sounds like you need a trip to a good VW shop. Also, try posting these issues on the vwvortex.com forums. They are by far the most popular VW forums out there, some very knowledgeable people on there.

Q: VW 2001 GTI Alarm problem?
I can unlock the car but if I don't get in and start it within 20 seconds or so, the alarm reengages. Any way to fix this?

A: This sounds like your door latch on drivers door is bad! Can you lock the door with the door open and does the door lock and alarm set? IF yes you need a latch!

Q: 2001 VW Golf GTI 1.8t question?
So I just bought this car and I have not heard the turbo yet. Why is this?

A: Vw specifically designed these cars for low turbo noise! You would no if its not working! You should be able to here it somewhat though! if you listen very close you can here it it will sound like a very high pitched whistle sound! On like the new GLI and GTI vw they have a tube that goes into the cabin area to promote the turbo sound! Hope this helps. happy motoring and happy New Year!

Q: Buy a VW Golf Gti I.8 litre or 2 litre turbo car between 1999 to 2001.Which model is better?
Are these cars expensive to repair and what are the common faults to look for with this cars? Thank you

A: The 2.0 is a naturally-aspirated engine. It's practically bulletproof, and cheap to fix. The 1.8L is the turbo one, and thus more powerful, but also more expensive to fix. On both of these, the only CRUCIAL thing you want to see is a record of timing belt and water pump changes every 60-80K. The WP especially, has a history of the plastic impeller disintegrating and causing engine block to overheat. Make sure it's been changed to a metal-impeller pump.

Q: 18" rims on VW GTI?
i have a 2001 GTI and am wondering if I will get any rub putting on 18" rims? i dont want to lose any corner control either. anyone have experience in this? what type of tires did you put with the rims? thank you. my car came factory with 17's on low profile tires....

A: You dont mention width. But replacing the wheels with a larger size is inconsequential if you make a careful tire selection. It is the size of the tires that will either cause rubbing or not. Get tires that will not change the overall diameter from the tires mounted on your 17's and you'll be fine.

Q: trouble with 01 VW GTI 1.8T?
I am having trouble with my VW GTI its a 2001..it lags when you step on the gas , and doesnt fully speed up until the turbo kicks in..the clutch seems to be working fine, also when you start it up it has a rough time idealing, like it sputters.. what could be wrong with it? i was told it might be the mass air flow sensor it does have a check engine light...for about a year know , but i recently got the car back, i do remember someone telling me that an air sensor was bad..how much does a mass airflow cost?

A: many things can cause your car to run like that, plugged fuel filter, weak fuel pump, bad plugs wires, weak fuel injector, and yes a mas air flow sensor..they usually cost somewhere around 100 dollars....really should have the check engine light checked for proper codes and save yourself the trouble of throwing parts at your car.

Q: What car did you get rid of that you wish you still had?
Mine was a 2001 VW GTI, with lots of aftermarket modifications on it. Not real practical for a newborn. I sold it and got an Explorer. That is a sad story.

A: 1963 FORD GALAXY 500............

Q: My car stalls while im driving but can start back up?
I have a 2001 VW GTI vr6. Its a manual transmission. When i drive the car, it sometimes sputters then eventually stalls out and the power steering turns off. So i put the car in neutral (AS IM DRIVING) and turn the car right back on while im rolling. What is wrong? I just changed my oil only a couple of days ago and did everything perfect as always. What could be wrong? PLEASE HELP!

A: Have a mechanic check the clutch.

Q: VW Timing Belt, Compression, Valve, Header... HELP!!!?
Here is the scenario... I just paid off my 2001 VW GTI 1.8T. Kelly Blue Book Value for the car is 5k. The problem is... my timing belt broke yesterday. Driving on the Coronado bridge. The car was going fine all of the sudden downshifted to a complete stop and the motor and electric turned off. Brought the car to a mechanic. The mechanic said it was just the timing belt. Fixed... No wait... there is no compression!!! They can now fix it for $1500 by doing a Valve Job, or so they say. I called the VW dealership and they said that they wouldn't recommend doing this procedure and that they don't even offer it. They said to replace the Header, which would put me back around 4k. 1. My car is only worth 5k would you even fix it? 2. Should I just trade my car in which I would only get $500 for scraps? 3. Get a second opinion by paying $100 to tow it to a VW and pay another $100 for the diagnostic... which came back the first time I guess as a timing belt. I need some opinion

A: You will need a valve job! The dealer wants you to buy a new cylinder head!! I would go ahead and let your mechanic do the work because without the car running its worth nearly nothing. At least if you get it running again it will be worth the 5k or close to it. You almost never need to do anything other than replacing the bent valves because the engine quits running before anything really breaks with the rotating assembly. (pistons, rods etc)

Q: Golf GTi vs Mazda 2?
I own a 2003 Mazda 2 TS2 which I've owned since new. It has 51000 miles on it and is in generally pretty good condition. I'm considering swapping it for a 2001 VW Golf GTi 2.0, 35,000 miles, and I think I might be able to negotiate a straight swap. What would YOU do in my shoes? I should mention that the Mazda is a 1.4 engined supermini, rather like a Fiesta. The Golf is a 2.0. Please note that I'm also in the UK.

A: Golf GTi will have higher residuals and be easier to sell even when it is a lot older. They are a superb drive and lots of fun, however you are going from a newer car to an older one and that's something I wouldn't do. Make sure you check when the cambelt was last changed as some of these models were prone to early failures.

Q: My rear tires are showing small flat spots every few inches on the inside edge of tires. What is the cause?
The car is a 2001 VW GTI VR6. I drive it about 70 miles each day of mostly highway miles.

A: replace the shocks/struts. a worn shock/strut will allow the tire to bounce as you drive the car. everytime the tire goes down, the extra pressure is causing the tire to rub against the pavement and wearing it out in spots. alignment is also necessary.

Q: Exhaust rattling after catalytic converter replaced?
I just had my catalytic converter replaced on my 2001 VW GTI 1.8t. And immediately after getting my car back my problem is now my exhaust seems to be rattling/tapping. The work was done by an licensed shop. It cost me about $700+ Is this normal, what could it be and is there going to be a time period of my car getting used to my new converter? Anything helps at this point. Thanks-

A: a heat shield might have got bent.

Q: thinking about buying a VW gti! good idea or bad?
trading in a mustang gt 2001 with about 6 grand in performance work.

A: I would definately keep the Mustang. The VW is slow, terrible looking and just not a very good car at all. If I were you, I would stick with the Mustang!!! It's totally your decision though. Best wishes!!!

Q: Did I get a good deal? VW GOLF GTi....?
I have just bought a 2001 (Y) 5 door, silver Golf Gti which only had 40,000 miles on the clock for £2,950 it came with 12 months MOT. I think I got a good deal? The dealer wouldn't give me any discount at all! I've just found out there is a missing windscreen wiper at the back! That's all for now. It also comes with a one month warranty. Sorry forgot to mention 2.0 L engine 115 bhp, 2 previous owners one of which was a Reverend. Also forgot the full service history.

A: Very good price (are you sure they are genuine miles?) lol!!! I don't know now... it all sounds too good.... really low mileage, 12 months mot and a vicar owned it... next you'll be saying its still got the original tyres!!