Golf GTI 8v, New Owner Questions

[bmw156]

Hey Guys, i have just got a mk3 golf GTI 8v. and wanted to know some things please.

driver window doesnt go up or down. is this common, and whats the fix? when i press the button i hear the motor going for it, but nothing happens with the window, is it just a case of the glass of its runner?

Keys. it only has one key, and is driven by two people, is it just simple and get another key cut, or does the original key have a chip in it for the immobiliser?

the black plastic pipe on the front on the engine is leaking coolant at a slow rate, is this common? and is the part still available from VW? or is a aftermarket better replacment available?

the petrol guage is lazy, this normal? lol

any common rust spots?

other then that i LOVE it lol.

[sk8boy73]

for the window check the wires between the door and the body in the rubber flexi
prob a broken wire.

[VR6-Joe]

Don't listen to him above, if the motor is working then the wiring will be fine. Chances are the cables have probably snapped or are close to it, so get yourself a new window regulator

What year is your car? As Mk3's had a factory fitted immobiliser (with the chip in the key) from (I think) late 1995 onwards

Can't help with the plastic pipe as I don't currently own a GTI

When you say your petrol gauge is lazy, what exactly do you mean by lazy?

[Wayne]

Reference the petrol gauge mine was the same, seems to be down to the design of the sender.

[Cooper_si]

the plastic pipe is prob the one off the head. my gti has it leaking around the outside where it meets the face too. Need to get meself a new one, i think its avail from VW and GSF

[boneybradley]

driver window doesnt go up or down. is this common, and whats the fix? when i press the button i hear the motor going for it, but nothing happens with the window, is it just a case of the glass of its runner?

Keys. it only has one key, and is driven by two people, is it just simple and get another key cut, or does the original key have a chip in it for the immobiliser?

the black plastic pipe on the front on the engine is leaking coolant at a slow rate, is this common? and is the part still available from VW? or is a aftermarket better replacment available?

the petrol guage is lazy, this normal? lol

any common rust spots?

1. Motor is a common issue and cheap enough to replace (if buying used)
2. try simpsons for a key as they can code there blanks
3. try euro or gsf for the pipe
4. petrol gauges have a mind of their own sometimes on these but its failry normal
5. rust! check arches, sills (jacking points and where the rubber door seal meets), boot around the number plate and top of the screen are most common..but they can rust anywhere/everywhere! (later models seem to be worse!)

[bmw156]

thanks guys for the quick responses.

door window, ok ill have a look about scrappys for golfs lol. or ebay.

the plastic pipe is on the front of the engine pointing towards the front grill has about 4/5 pipes in to it.

petrol guage is lazy as in i put in 20 quid, and it just didnt move for ages lol, about 20 mins later it moved lol.

its a later 97 model i think, 5 stud

and i have checked the rear number plate as i know thats coimmon and its mint, i will have a look else where. im well used to rust, as i had a nova befor lol.

i can weld as well so thats no problem

and brand new fault lol. i cant get the passenger door open 

[VR6-Joe]

All GTI's were 5 stud dude..

If it's a 97 model then it'll have the chip in the key for sure

As for passenger door, will it not open from inside or outside? Could be the lock mechanism

[bmw156]

ahhh didnt know all gtis were 5 stud, i thought they changed.

and yeh wont open from inside or out, it has central locking, i was thinking if the door pin woasnt working properly and not opening the door.

i will try some more things next weekend when im free lol.

where in suffolk are you?

[VR6-Joe]

Saxmundham mate, take it you're local!?