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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Models:

Image for car images Volkswagen 1993 1998 VW Jetta size thumb Image for car images Volkswagen 1999 2004 VW Jetta size thumb Image for car images Volkswagen 2005 2010 Volkswagen Jetta size thumb Image for car images Volkswagen 2011 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI size thumb

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Problems

Check Engine Light Due to Issues With Glow Plugs/Wiring Harness

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

Because of issues with the glow plugs and/or the glow plug wiring harness from the control relay, the Check Engine Light may illuminate. Our technicians tell us there is a service bulletin, not a recall from Volkswagen regarding replacement of the glow plugs on 2004-2005 model years only.

High Mileage Automatic Transmissions May Have Shifting Problems

Drive Train -- Verified

Shifting issues due to internal problems in high mileage automatic transmissions can be difficult to resolve without transmission replacement.

Power Window May Fail Due to Window Regulator

Miscellaneous -- Verified

One or more power windows may fail. Our technicians tell us this is commonly due to a failed window regulator which will require replacement.

Loss of Power Due to Oil and Carbon Build Up in Intake Manifold

Engine -- Verified

Oil and carbon tend to build up, creating restrictions in the intake manifold. Symptoms will be loss of power (sometimes severe) and poor fuel economy.

Reverse Gear Failures and/or Noise From Manual Transmission

Drive Train -- Verified

Reverse gear failures and noise in the manual transmission models are common.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Recalls (Recent)

Automatic Transmission Shifts Into Neutral Without Warning

Drive Train, October 20, 2009

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Connectors for a temperature sensor inside the direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission may have been insufficiently crimped. They could incorrectly read a high transmission oil temperature, and abruptly shift into neutral. The shift position indicator in the instrument panel would begin to flash and the "Depress Brake Pedal" indicator light will be illuminated to alert the driver to apply the brakes. The abrupt shift could lead to a crash. Volkswagen and Audi dealers will reprogram the transmission control module (TCM) with updated software. The recall began October 20, 2009. The Volkswagen recall number is 37E3/S7 and the Audi recall number is 37E5/J7.

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Volkswagen Jetta TDI Questions and Answers

lizbiz, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Hamburg, PA

I was told I need an ac coolant fan module. 1st, do you know where this is located on the car and next, is there anyway to test it myself to see if this is really the trouble

jimmy123, 1997 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Lynchburg, VA

Water is leaking heavily on the passenger floor during and after using AC...what is the best way to fix this...

richminaya, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Huntingdon, PA

How much should it cost to get a new timing belt put on? Thank you

cbon, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Calhan, CO

Was given a vw tdi in an estate. Need to know what type oil and how much.Also what type and how much transmission fluid? Thanks

Visitor, 1997 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Nampa, ID

how do you take the driver side door panel off?

Write a Story About Your Car

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Stories

Bought a 2003 VW TDI (Diesel) brand new. Today, the car has 170,000 miles. All went well until it reached about 100,000 miles (which is just breaking in for a diesel). What happened next between 110,000 and today:

- Relays under dash start blowing (they ain't cheap either). they are also VERY difficult to get to. Should be a recall!!!

- Wiper motor will start stopping intermittently; don't replace the motor as most mechanics will tell you because it still does the same thing no matter what all you replace...relay, motor etc. Should be a recall!!!

- Glow plugs will send a false engine light every few months. Your glow plugs are fine; it is a money gimmick. Bypass the engine fault (there are several videos on how to do this one the I-net). Should be a Recall !!!!

- VERY DANGEROUS- Brake switch is JUNK! which will cause your brake lights to stay on going down the road. The switch is made of plastic and wears out in the "brake on" position. Should be a recall!!! Easy and rather cheap fix IF you know about it before someone rear ends you and kills your family!!!!

All in all, the body and engine are sound. The electrical SUCKS!!!! And for those of you who don't know electrical, it is the most expensive to repair.

I bought my 2005.5 Jetta TDI in June 2005. I now have over 150,000 miles on it. I just took it in for a timing belt replacement. Except for broken wire in the drivers door which caused the window to not work, the car has been perfect! It still looks and drives like new. I change the oil every 11,000 with Castrol Syntec and fuel filter every October. I am still on my 2nd set of tires and 20,000 miles left on them. I changed rear brakes only at 103,000. Original fronts still on car with half pads left. I just got 54.2 MPG hwy on 400+ mile trip 2 days ago. This is an exceptional car. Just keep clean oil in it.

iritating interior air to nose &throat,changed filter no help.dealer looked every thing over couldnt find A problem

Volkswagen Jetta is sharp and stylish on the outside, spacious and versatile inside, it combines comfort, safety and reliability in a package that is affordable and economical.
http://bit.ly/jCzdTR

Just bought the car.....seems ok as far as I can tell.