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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 21:19

Title: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 21:19
hi all!

iv just bought a 1996P Volkswagen Golf Gti, 1984CC Petrol, 3DR, Manual, got it for 500 quid, theres no rust on the outside and inside looks tidy full leather interior ect. just wondering how long these cars can last though as it has 155k on the clock! it has fsh though, and has just had new cam belt starter motor and battery fitted. just wondering really what people think of these cars, mpg, spped, performance ect.

also can anyone tell em were the cheapest place to get a haynes manual for this car is?

cheers in advance everyone
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: tweed on 13 August 2011, 21:28
Welcome to the site!!  :wink:
Is it 8v? If it is many people on here have the same mileage and many more, and there engines are still going strong.
Ebay is ya best bet for a Haynes but we will help you with your needs but please do a search before you post a new thread as many things on here have been covered hundred's of times.

They are good for 40mpg if you drive it right, I get that from mine anyway lol
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 21:31
brilliant thanks for the fast reply, just a quick question i noticed the abs light near the light switch doesn't illuminate at all at any time is this a big issue? and yes its 8v
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: tweed on 13 August 2011, 21:42
brilliant thanks for the fast reply, just a quick question i noticed the abs light near the light switch doesn't illuminate at all at any time is this a big issue? and yes its 8v

oh dear what about airbag light? if abs doesn't work the light should stay on. so it seems as if someone has taken the bulb out to hide the problem. Have you tested the brakes to see if the abs works? if it does work I wouldn't worry about it to much.


Post some pics up
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 21:56
im useless at cars mate, this may seem silly but how do i know if abs is working??? and if it isnt what does this mean? will it pass mot without it? and no airbag light either???
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Seanl on 13 August 2011, 22:01
They should both illuminate on initially turning the key, then go out after about 3 seconds. Yes its an MOT failure. Go on a quiet road and stamp on the brakes. If they lock up, its not working! Get the fault codes read and that will tell you if there are any problems you need to be aware of. Pull your ABS light cover off and have a look if its been snipped first though.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 22:31
ok so when it has its mot next week, whats the best and worst case scenario for this to be rectified rice wise? cheers all
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: nikkiy9 on 13 August 2011, 22:36
where are you located, I can scan fault codes and ill also do the work for you if your near by
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 22:38
if your in scotland im afraid you may be too far away :.( im in blandford forum north dorset mate?
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 22:49
what would you recommend i do mate? whats worst case mot scenario? cheers
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: tweed on 13 August 2011, 23:03
what would you recommend i do mate? whats worst case mot scenario? cheers

test it by stepping on the brakes and you should feel the pedal pump. if your wheels lock up then take it to get fixed. it will only be a sensor but you need to know what one it is to replace
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 23:06
thanks tweed and if its done on the mot how much would you say i was looking at? cheers
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: tweed on 13 August 2011, 23:14
wouldn't want to say mate. £40/£50. I do all my own work so couldn't say how much things cost to get done at a garage.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 23:16
lol do you live any were near me???could you help i mean? if the pedal doesnt pump back up ie the abs isnt working what does that mean?
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Wayne on 13 August 2011, 23:22
The common reasons for abs faults are sensors or in the worst case the pump has died.

You need to get it scanned to see what is what.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 23:27
cheers wayne, if the pumps died how much would i be looking at???
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Wayne on 13 August 2011, 23:28
cheers wayne, if the pumps died how much would i be looking at???

Around £100 s/h, lots more if you buy new.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 23:32
thing is mate i wouldn't have a clue how to do it, what do you reckon a garage would charge? as its in for mot soon
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Wayne on 13 August 2011, 23:32
thing is mate i wouldn't have a clue how to do it, what do you reckon a garage would charge? as its in for mot soon

I would guess £60 to £140 labour including bleeding the system.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 23:36
cheeers wayne, unless you fancy doing it for me? lol
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Wayne on 13 August 2011, 23:38
cheeers wayne, unless you fancy doing it for me? lol

Nope, sorry if you were closer I could scan it for codes.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: tweed on 13 August 2011, 23:38
cheeers wayne, unless you fancy doing it for me? lol

Where do you live? I'm off for the next two weeks
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Wayne on 13 August 2011, 23:39
cheeers wayne, unless you fancy doing it for me? lol

Where do you live? I'm off for the next two weeks

 :lipsrsealed:

:.( im in blandford forum north dorset mate?
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: tweed on 13 August 2011, 23:41
cheeers wayne, unless you fancy doing it for me? lol

Where do you live? I'm off for the next two weeks

 :lipsrsealed:

:.( im in blandford forum north dorset mate?


 :embarassed:
too far sorry
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 23:46
somebody must live close by!! lol guys i just took the plastic cover off were the lights should be illuminating and surprise surprise both bulbs are smashed....... what shall i do is it gunna be a fortune?
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Wayne on 13 August 2011, 23:47
somebody must live close by!! lol guys i just took the plastic cover off were the lights should be illuminating and surprise surprise both bulbs are smashed....... what shall i do is it gunna be a fortune?

You need to get it scanned as a 1st step.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 13 August 2011, 23:49
ok what sort of equipment will i need and is it easy? cheers here guys your helps appreciated
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 14 August 2011, 00:11
im guessing this is what i need? were does it plug into though???

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-USB-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-409-1-OBD2-II-LEAD-VAG-COM-/330399696070
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: nikkiy9 on 14 August 2011, 00:16
that's right, it plugs into the obd port on the dash,
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 14 August 2011, 00:18
ok and then what? it will tell me codes and i can post them here to find out whats wrong? sorry guys i know this may sound silly to you
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Gavv8 on 14 August 2011, 10:05
The mk3 and particularly the 8v is a pretty simple car to work on, get yourself a s/h haynes manual and with some help from people here and a little common sense you can do your own repairs and save ££££'s.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: dan_apps on 14 August 2011, 10:05
right buy one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150541025281&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

this will scan and remove codes and tell you where the problem lies, sensors are cheap enough to replace dependant where you buy from but between £15 - £30 for genuine. if its the pump as said by Wayne 100 quid odd.

if you dont fancy tackling urself a garage will charge u £45 - £70 just to get an auto eleci out to look at it then its abour and parts on top :smiley:
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 14 August 2011, 10:17
Can anyone point me in right direction Of a Haynes manual?? Cheers all, if anyone is near south west I will pay you for services??
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 15 August 2011, 09:49
Try Google, eBay, Halfords or just maybe one of those strange places called a 'book shop'
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: allenthehat on 15 August 2011, 15:28
Haynes manuals are £20 in Halfords but you can get them for half that off eBay.  If the bulbs are smashed then replace them and see if they still light up when you start the car. If the ABS light stays on then it seems the most common fault is the rear sensors.

I read somewhere that cleaning the sensors could get rid of the problem. Although to get through an MOT they are fairly cheap on eBay.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 15 August 2011, 17:00
thanks guys would replacing the bulbs be an easy job? can i get those on ebay too? sorry but i am very amateur lol
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: allenthehat on 15 August 2011, 18:34
thanks guys would replacing the bulbs be an easy job? can i get those on ebay too? sorry but i am very amateur lol

Whole new switch on ebay going cheap http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vw-golf-mk3-vento-abs-and-airbag-warning-light-/150645419095?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item23132aac57
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 16 August 2011, 17:47
cheers pal!
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 16 August 2011, 18:04
got it for 11.50
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 16 August 2011, 18:11
so just got the mot...... just needed a front offside wheel bearing and brake fleck or something at the rear???
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: allenthehat on 19 August 2011, 12:41
Cheap repair then. Good stuff.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 19 August 2011, 15:24
hi guys just an update, so i replaced the abs/ airbag light switch as it was smashed up, the abs light comes on but then goes off like it should, however the airbag light lights and stays lit, any idea what this means? cheers
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 19 August 2011, 20:38
You need to run Vagcom diagnostics and this will tell you where the fault lies, it's most probably a broken ABS sensor on one or more of the wheel hubs.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Screech16v on 19 August 2011, 20:59
hi guys just an update, so i replaced the abs/ airbag light switch as it was smashed up, the abs light comes on but then goes off like it should, however the airbag light lights and stays lit, any idea what this means? cheers

You have a fault on the airbag system,get it scanned for error codes.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: stevolution on 20 August 2011, 01:28
I personally dont think that is an mot failure.
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 20 August 2011, 09:15
Already passed the mot mate :smiley:
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: Seanl on 20 August 2011, 09:43
Did it pass with the Airbag light on??  :huh:
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: brett on 20 August 2011, 12:44
i thought it was a failure coz i panicked bout mine ,was nosying about one day and found mine had been pushed down into dash with lights glowing but luckily disconnected airbag and reconnected and cleared itself
Title: Re: just got mk 3 gti
Post by: claretsimon on 20 August 2011, 14:33
no the switch was already bust before the mot, placed new switch in now and get the airbag light staying on