Volkswagen Jetta Common Problems and Solutions
Idle Rattling
Problem:
The engine rattles while you're idling, the check engine light may be illuminated, and the engine misfires.
Solution:
It's a fact that the timing chains on the Jetta are extremely likely to snap prematurely. The longer that you drive the car with a broken timing chain the more damage will be caused to the engine. Order a replacement from our parts list and install it as soon as possible.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Trouble With Gear Changes (Automatics)
Problem:
The car is no longer making responsive gear changes.
Solution:
This can be a huge problem, especially on 2WD models. The only real solution is to order a replacement automatic gearbox and gear system from BreakerYard and do this challenging job yourself.
Difficulty level
Misfiring Engine
Problem:
The engine is misfiring, and the check engine light is illuminated.
Solution:
This will either be a spark plug failure or a broken ignition coil. Check both before ordering replacements for the faulty parts from us. If the coils and the spark plugs don't seem to be damaged or worn, check the spark plug casing, which in rare instances will be the cause of the problem.
Difficulty level
Spark Plugs
Window Malfunction
Problem:
One or more of the power windows no longer works.
Solution:
Very common on the Jetta, the problem is caused by a worn-out regulator. You'll find replacements in our store and can have them delivered straight to you. It's a bit of a fiddly job, but installing it should take less than thirty minutes.
Difficulty level
Window Regulator Mechanism
DPF warning light
Problem:
If you have noticed the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light come on the dashboard of your diesel Jetta, then the DPF is most likely blocked. This part is responsible for cleaner emissions from the exhaust system. The DPF can get blocked up when you are using the car for driving short distance around town as it doesn't generate enough heat to remove the particulates.
Solution:
Take the car out onto the open road (Motorway/A-road) and drive at between 2000-2500 rpm for at least 15 minutes to burn off the particulates, which clears the DPF. Once you clear the DPF the warning light should go off.
Difficulty level
Automatic gearbox problems
Problem:
It has been known for the automatic gearboxes on these cars to suffer with different problems. One of the most common problems is for the gears struggling to change, which could be caused by problems with the gear linkage. Does this video below sound anything like your problem?
Solution:
There can be many different things that could go wrong with the automatic gearbox. It is best to have a professional to look at it to diagnose the problem and get it rectified correctly.
Difficulty level
Electrical problems
Problem:
The Volkswagen Jetta has known issues with electrical problems. The usual cause is down to loose wiring. Most of the time the loose wiring can be found behind the dashboard.
Solution:
Whatever your electric problem is, check the wiring to ensure that there is no loose wire somewhere down the line. If you find a loose wire, fix it to resolve the issue, otherwise you may have to replace the faulty part.
Difficulty level
Poor running/idling
Problem:
If you are having trouble with the running of this car, and it's feeling sluggish, you most likely have a problem with the ignition coils. If you have a problem with the idling of the car it is down to a fault with this part too.
Solution:
The only way to resolve this issue is to fit a new ignition coil. It is best to change all the coils at the same time.
Difficulty level
Ignition Coil
Heating problems
Problem:
You may have noticed that the heater is not working at all, or is not working on certain settings which is usually down to a faulty heater resistor.
Solution:
To fix this problem you will need to fit a new heater resistor.
Difficulty level
Heater Resistor
Musty Smell From HVAC Vents
Problem:
You can smell something musty and damp coming from the HVAC vents.
Solution:
It's very common for condensation to build up in the heater case and the SC system, especially if the car has been left to idle for more than two hours. Check the drain system is free of debris, and clean out the heat case (this will require a specialist case cleaning product).
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