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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 09:33

Title: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 09:33

Just before christmas I bought a red 3dr 2.0 16v GTi knowingly with a few problems. It's only now i'm realising the extent of them. The rear quarter that wraps under the brake light cluster has lovely bubbly rust and a hole that leaks into the boot, this combined with the wet roof lining above the drivers side in the corner has caused the car to become constantly moist and a bit smelly. The handbrake travel is so bad that it points to the roof and the handbrake light on the dash doesn't work at all. The ABS and airbag unit doesn't light up at all. On further inspection whilst having a new alarm fitted, the connector that goes into the back of the light unit has been cut off and hidden behind the fusebox even though I bought the car with near on 12 months MOT. This led me to believe it has a big ABS fault, I bought an OBD2 cable and downloaded the trial software which showed one fault on the car which is an rear left ABS sensor fault. There is play in the rear wheel bearing which I thought might be causing it. These are being replaced with the rear discs and pads soon though. The next problem is the supposed air conditioning. This doesnt work. I knew it didn't work when I bought it assuming it needing regassing or a new pump. Again the ABS unit has no wiring into the back of it. This leads me to believe it doesn't even have air conditioning at all, anyone any idea of what i'm looking for under the bonnet?? The rocker gasket needs replacing, as does the cam oil seal and now the cam belt as it has oil on it. The power steering belt constantly slips too which is a nightmare. The gearbox is a mother b!tch too, It takes several attampts to get into 1st gear, 2nd is as bad and 3rd ocassionally grinds when slipping into gear. The car also needs new door hinges as the doors drop quite badly. All of this topped off with a bit of paint work that needs doing. I've already replaced a window motor and several pieces of body work on the car including lights and interior bits. The guy wanted £1200 for it but I got it for £850 after he let slip he wanted cash before christmas. I have £1000 to spend on it now. What i'm thinking though... is it worth doing or should i just cut my losses with the car and get what I can for it? I've got mechanic friends but they're always too busy to even look at it for me, and garages want me to pay with my own body parts to do anything to it  :cry:

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Len on 14 February 2007, 10:24

Well if you cant do most of that work yourself - cut your losses mate and sell on.
If you can do stuff yourself then go ahead and you'll end up with a nice car.
You dont say what year and mileage???

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: adyh on 14 February 2007, 10:54

If you have AC you should see some metal pipes in the engine bay with green caps on them .

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 11:54

It's a P reg 1997 and it's just notched up the 130k mark. I can do a lot of things myself like the small bits of painting and the brakes which i've done before but i've never touched an engine before and I have very limited time and space outside my house. Shame because it looks an awesome car when it'd cleaned up!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 12:02

Just had a quick nose around the engine bay, the only metal pipes I can see are the brake lines and one pipe which seems to be heading in between the inlet manifold which has 2 green caps on it. Really need to find myself some pics!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Len on 14 February 2007, 12:16

Same as mine then mate on age and mileage. seems I picked a good one! Not had any probs like yours.

As for the air-con - the alloy pipes have huge fittings and a lot of their length are covered in thick cushioning.
If you switch it on at tick over can you hear a click as the clutch engages and do the revs drop?


As for engine work most is relatively straight forward with some good tools and a Haynes.
But you may want to get the cambelt done by an expert. Make sure they replace the tensioner with a VAG part.

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 12:18

Doesn't switch on at all, the wiring is missing from the back of the AC recirc unit!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: patch900 on 14 February 2007, 12:19

Clean it up, flog it and buy a new one.

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Len on 14 February 2007, 12:21

I tend to agree with patch, coz it looks as if yours has been messed around with and bodged.

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 12:25

Might just keep it for 12 months, fancy a highline VR6 near the end of this year, either that or make the dreaded switch to fords!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Len on 14 February 2007, 12:28

Then I would advise you to invest in a fire extinguisher!

If the wiring has been messed around with to the extent you say then some may be dodgy!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: patch900 on 14 February 2007, 13:13

If you really want to keep it, garage it and project it. Strip it down and that way you can sort out all the problems, none of them seem major to correct (just time) and you have mechanic friends so it wont cost you and arm and a leg.

Mechanically, by the sounds of it the gearbox will need stripping down, which will cost £2-400 (unless your mates can do it. Handbrake shouldnt be a very expensive problem (cable etc).  Your mates should be able to do the cam belt and all the rest.

At least the engine isnt knackered (I hope), the main problem seems that the electrics have been well and truly screwed around with and need sorting.

If you take it off the road, your mechanic mates can have a good look at it and sort out all the under the bonnet stuff for you while its off the road.

Then you can sort out the body work, hinges etc afterwards when under the bonnet is sound.

Personally, I wouldnt spend anymore cash on the car until your mate gives his honest opinion. Then you can cost it all up and see if its worth it. If your mates will do most of the work for you (cash in hand), then your mainly looking at the cost of bodywork which will be ~£200 / panel.

It always amazes me what condition people can get a car into, I saw some Mk3 before I bought mine that where in a right state. Bubbling on the body is pretty common.

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Len on 14 February 2007, 13:18

He doesnt have a garage!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 16:05

When you weigh it up it's not that much hard work I guess. I've already fitted a new side skirt (£15), new crystal fog lights (£50), x2 new wing mirrors (£50 pair), x2 rear door handles off a 5 dr (£12), new window motor (some guy paid £198 for it, i got it off him on ebay for £32 delivered), I had a CAT1 alarm and immobiliser fitted with a stage 2 proximity sensor too (normally 350 with the proxy sensor, got it fitted for 230). Really it's just the bodywork that's the costly bit, i've been quoted £250 for the rear quarter to be done. The thing that made me go for the car is the fact it runs and pulls really well apart from the gearbox (will a VR6 box ffit in?) and I got it for a bargain. I was looking for 3 months specifically for a 3dr 2.0 16v red GTi. I got a grand cash the other day and I get a bonus from work next month so I'm thinking of just buying all the bits now and blitzing it in a day with my mate! Ordered a plug for the back of my ABS airbag unit so i'll wire that back up myself when i get it. I'm going to pop in halfords on the way home and pick up some of the autoglym engine bay cleaner (rang a valeter today to see if he did engine steam cleaning and he said not anymore but recommended that stuff) so i'll get the bay all clear of oil on sunday ready for the new belts! Going to have a flick through the haynes manual and see where and how to get the throttle bodies off and give them a good clean up with the same stuff. Ultimately I wanted to fit in a leather interior and bin the smelly old one once all the leaks were sorted.

My mate won't charge me for fitting the parts at all because i'm forever fixing his PC which is a bonus  :smiley: I Just wish I had some better pictures of what it looked like when I first picked it up!!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: patch900 on 14 February 2007, 16:55

Go for it Pete,

As you say you and your mates can do all the other stuff then all you have to pay for is the body  :wink:

Tell us how you get on.

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 February 2007, 18:18

Anyone know if the VR6 box will slip in? Drove my mates VR6 the other day and the gearbox felt a million times better than mine!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 17 February 2007, 17:21

Result! Having my window motor fitted on wednesday and then loads of work is being done next sunday! I've got my mate ordered loads of parts ready for some guy to fit..

Cam belt with tensioners and pulleys
Power steering belt
Cam oil seal
Rocker cover
Handbrake cable
rear discs, wheel bearings and pads

All being fitted for £150 labour! mwuhaha!

Hopefully the week after its time for new engine and gearbox oil, new oil filter, clean the cone on the induction kit, new fuel filter, new spark plugs and a good cleaning of the throttle bodies which me and my mate will do. Should be running like a dream after that!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 02 March 2007, 11:59

Well I had all my parts fitted yesterday, cost me £190 for it all to be fitted in the end as sureparts gave me the wrong rocker gasket and tensioner and he had to go out himself and get the parts! There was one problem though.. he rang me and told me my rear left caliper had totally seized.. I was thinking this was probably what was causing the abs fault that corner (well, i was hoping!). Sureparts managed to get me a brand new caliper shipped in the same day for £54 which he also fitted. Seems the abs sensor is completely missing though!!! Going to have a busy day on wednesday though.. Doing a full engine and gearbox oil change, oil filter change, fuel filter change, cleaning up my induction filter, fit new spark plugs, fitting 2 new rounded off carrier bolts on my caliper and hopefully fitting a new abs sensor if i get it before wednesday! With the new gates cam belt fitted with tensioner and timed, new power steering belt, working handbrake and new rear brake setup, new rocker gasket stopping oil going into the spark plugs and my throttle bodies cleaned it feels like a new car! Unbelievable difference!!
Hopefully with the full service we're doing wednesday it'll be even better! When that's done it's time to get the bodywork tidied up then source a new interior!

By the way I fitted a new pollen filter as my old one was black with an inch of leaves on top (don't think it's ever been changed) and I would seriously recommend everyone doing it! For the sake of a couple of quid and a couple of minutes work my blowers work a million times better and my screen demists in seconds rather than minutes!

I also flushed out my engine coolant twice with rad flush and filled back up with some lovely pink ready mixed coolant from halfrauds and all that seems to be working pretty well. Happy bunny again now  :smiley:

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: patch900 on 02 March 2007, 12:34

Nice one Pete, glad to hear its going well.  :wink:

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Len on 02 March 2007, 13:02

Glad its all working out for you Pete.

ABS - maybe and I aint sure about this but on some cars there arent any sensors on the rear wheels! Worth checking.

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 02 March 2007, 13:48

I've got an OBDII cable and the vag com software and it's showing a fault on the rear left abs sensor, the guy that fitted my stuff yesterday said the right side was fine

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 02 March 2007, 16:32

Bonus, just bought an abs sensor and a working bonnet catch (have to drop the bonnet from about 2 foot to get it to lock at the moment!) for £58 delivered which i didn't think is that bad considering the price of a new rear sensor is about £75 i believe from some places. Anyway, i get that tuesday ready for fitting wednesday. Here's my things to do list now for wednesday...

flush engine oil
change oil filter
add new oil
flush gearbox oil
add new gearbox oil
change fuel filter
change rear caliper carrier bolts
add rear abs sensor
change bonnet catch
repair rear left tyre with 2 screws in it (mates a tyre fitter)

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 04 March 2007, 08:43

Oops nearly forgot to get new spark plugs. Can anyone recommend some plugs? Was going to go for the Bosch 4 way plugs but spark plug sites seem to be plugging (no pun intended) the iridium spark plugs. Are they any better?

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: raylee25 on 04 March 2007, 08:50

I would use Bosch platinium electrodes as they are the originals. But get them from the stealers as they are 1 quid cheaper that G&S (each).

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: EvilScotsman on 06 March 2007, 07:43

Quite correct Len! Some models of abs are front only. Teves 02 I believe is one, where as Teves 04 system is 4 wheel as fitted to mine.

A clue may be the number of pipes leaving the abs pump, there should be at least one for each wheel.

Theres a small black slotted disc behind the hub which has a pick-up mounted next to it and the wiring box for it mounted on the strut.

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Len on 06 March 2007, 11:41

Yea I thought that mate, but my Pug has four pipes out the abs pump but only has sensors on the front! :undecided:

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 06 March 2007, 12:27

ARrrrrrghhhhhhh! I really wish i hadn't of bought these TT pedals, what a complete b!tch to fit!!! so far all i've got is a brake pedal fitted!

The guy that fitted my rear discs, pads, wheel bearings and new caliper pointed it out to me without me mentioning it, showed me the connection for it. Just awaiting it's arrival in the post today

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 07 March 2007, 00:57

My handbrake on light has never worked since i got the car, so i was guessing it was the little switch on the handbrake. Seems it has fell off. Although I put it back on and it still doesnt work. even with the ignition on if i press the switch on and off by hand it still does nothing. Makes me think it will be a bulb on the dash display gone, but surely it's quite rare for one of these to go? I'm guessing it's easy enough to change a bulb on the display but I'd like to know what bulb i've got to get before i go taking it all apart! Anyone know?

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 13 March 2007, 07:36

Right well the TT pedals are on now and look sweet. Another couple of problems i've noticed though are that there is a lot of play side to side in my clutch pedal.. and there is still a lot of overrun on the throttle. I thought it might just be the way I was driving it but my mate noticed it too when he was driving it. I'm thinking it's either a clogged up k&n cone or the accelarator cable needs a bit of lubrication. Any other suggestions recommended! The throttle body has been cleaned out by the way.

Got my ABS sensor finally and my new suspension kit came yesterday (lowered 40 at the back and 60 at the front). I'm just after some new bump stops and bushes, then some new wheels and tyres then it's time to give my mate a call again to fit it all and laser line it!

Title: Re: Mk3 16v Problems!
Post by: Pete Taylor on 04 April 2007, 12:24

Well got my new wheels, set of 17" Audi RS4 alloys with 205/17/40 tyres on. Absolute bargain at £280 for the lot. Still not got my ABS sensor fitted, my window motor fitted, door handles, wing mirrors or my new suspension and top mounts yet because of a money shortage! Thought i'd show you what she's looking like now anyway. Definately going to have to find a pic of her when i first picked her up!  :laugh:

(http://a431.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/15/l_0b127a9624f41789fdb57e71d6b48b46.jpg)