Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volkswagen Cabrio
Volkswagen Cabrio Models:
Volkswagen Cabrio Problems
Reverse Gear Failures and/or Noise From Manual Transmission
Reverse gear failures and noise in the manual transmission models are common.
Difficult to Diagnose Electrical Issues Are Typically Due to Ground Issues
Electrical issues that are difficult to diagnose—and sometimes intermittent—are typically due to ground wiring issues. The most troublesome ground locations are under the battery or at the engine.
Check Engine Light With no Drivablity Issue
The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of evaporative (EVAP) emission failures and/or intake manifold vacuum leaks.
Check Engine Light Due to Dirty/Failed Throttle Body
A dirty or failed throttle body can cause various drivability issues and illumination of the Check Engine Light.
Coolant Leak From Oil Filter Housing O-Ring
A coolant leak may develop after oil filter replacement. When tightening or loosening the oil filter the filter housing may turn damaging the coolant o-ring seal. The recommended procedure is to hold the filter housing when tightening or loosening the oil filter.
Volkswagen Cabrio Recalls (Recent)
Volkswagen Cabrio Recall 02V244000
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Learn more »Volkswagen Recalls 1997-2003 Models Due to Possible Fuel Leakage
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Volkswagen has recalled certain 1998 Cabrio, 1997-1999 Jetta, and 1998-2003 Passat models because the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates. This may lead to fuel leakage, which can result in a fire. Depending on the model, there are different solutions to the problem. Contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 for more information.
Learn more »Volkswagen Cabrio Questions and Answers
I have put too much oil in my 95 ca brio .... I need to know how to get it out, I have nil experience with VW , there is a pressure build up due to the oil over load.... car still drives ok but I h...
Ok, ok , I am a idiot... I have stupidly put oil in my coolant container How can I get it out? should I use a hose and flush it? or will that screw it?
I think I must have blocked AC condensation drain tube but can't find it. I have water spilling out from under the dash when I make a turn and condensation blowing from the vents. I would appreciat...
Can you describe how to remove the drivers side door panel without ruining it. I need to check the electric window switch. Sometimes it works, most times it doesn't.
Thanks again,
This is driving me crazy! Just replaced oil pressure sencor and housing, temprature is normal but the oil light and buzzer in the car wont stop. Help me before i drive this otherwise enjoyable car ...
Volkswagen Cabrio Stories
I have had the car for almost a year. I had it checked out before I bought it and had to replace a few belts including the timing belt because the mechanic suggested it would be time soon enough. I LOVE the car but have to look past a few issues with it. My brake light comes on out of the blue even though the previous owner had them replaced a few months before I bought it (I saw the receipt). The drivers side window leaks and soaks the seat. Power locks no longer work which makes opening passenger side door annoying. Drivers side power window has to be rolled up twice to get it to stay up. Im guessing water leaking in that window might have caused this. Annnnd NOW the temperature light keeps coming on even though the car isn't running hot and I have filled the coolant to appropriate levels. So shop bound it is. It being winter and not being able to have the top down for a few more months makes me change my previous statement to I LIKE this car. OH one more thing...Im constantly having some sort of foam insulation stuff blown at me when using the AC/Heat. I honestly dont know how such a little car could hold that much foam!
Bought the car used with 50,000 miles on it. It now has 118,000 miles. It handles impressively in emergencies (2 in 70, 000 miles), I replaced the timing chain as scheduled and disabled the power top (big improvement). Good mileage (26 - 36 mpg).
Downsides: the heater couldn't quite keep up driving at night when it was 25 below zero. The wind noise is high over about 60 MPH. It drips a little over the left corner of the windshield in the rain. A little rust in the doors, but they salt the roads here. Reliable, fun, cheap, comfortable, my all time favorite car. If someone ran over it I would probably buy another one.
see hears the thing the car looks and handles like a charm but the car has some major hidden problems like the tac will work when it wantes to or the miss fires that happen all the time other than that the car has a bold stance when you put 18" rims on it and it's fairly fast for a 4 banger.
BRILLIANT little buggy...I LOVE IT!!!!
No problems as of yet ...I get 39 mph at 75mph! Its nible and quick and with slightly wider tires than factory spec there is unlimited grip on sharp corners.
Got this car almost 2 months ago, after totalling my previous car ((Which was not a VW)) and desperatly needed a car to get to work and school. Days after buying it, I thoughrouly regretted ever spending money on this pos.
I've have to re-align the car twice already, replace nearly all of the lights, the left dashlight doesn't work, so at night I can't see how fast I'm going. ((I got some blue-light minis from walmart to replace the dashlights, those work amazing for any future references.))
A hole tore above the window in the back, so I had to plaster it closed with black silicone. ((Looks ugly now, but doesn't leak when it rains.)) Speaking of so; when it rains, the lip in my front window ((the drivers side)) doesn't catch the window, and it leaks terribly, soaking my seat.
The 'Brake' light is stuck on constantly, and thus I have to hit the steering wheel to make it go off, but it flashes back on every now and then, so I have to do that over and over again.
Last but not least, my latest problem. When I turn my steering wheel, the headlights, heat/air, and dashlights og off.
Fun fun.
So in all, unl;ess you're a Volkswagen junkie, steer clear of this pos.