A new Golf Mk 4 (just acquired) issues

[Sand Fisher]

Hi,

New to this Forum and we're not petrol heads!

Just acquired a 2.0L GTI (yes I know the limp one) 2002 model and the issues tend to be cosmetic(ish) but I found this site and thought these guys might be able to assist us here.

Problem 1 - No original keys! We got given 1 sellotaped up key fob the folding penknife type. Central locking doesn't work on auto wave or whater VW call it so to unlock it we put the key in and turned. Hey only the drivers door worked. So eventually sussing the handbook (looks like you have to double turn the key to unock all doors). This was handy as we kept setting the alarm off! However we still manage to set the alarm off.

Q1 Until we can get a pucka key fob (current price ??) what should we do so as not to pee off the neighbourhood by inadvertently setting the alarm off?


Problem 2 - Fuel locker. Looks like this doesn't engage at the fuel cap end (you can close it, but not click it shut).

Q2 Remedy?


Problem 3 - Clunky noises from suspension? From looking elsewhere on this site looks like it might be Anti Roll Bar bushes.

Q3 Likely issues, cost to remedy?


Problem 4 - Front armrest storage lock seems u/s

Q4 Is this a complete new armrest? Parts source or is it just VW?


Problem 5 - Drivers seat a tad dog eared on one side

Q5 Is there someone one can go to to get these repaired or is it a replacement? Seems black to my eye but if someone tells me the codes in the handback I could advise the correct trim.

Problem 6 - Courtesy light lenses missing in lower front door panels. Bulbs in sockets, but holes in doors where lenses should be.

Q6 Source for replacement?


Thanks

[Doctle Odd]

Hi,

New to this Forum and we're not petrol heads!

Just acquired a 2.0L GTI (yes I know the limp one) 2002 model and the issues tend to be cosmetic(ish) but I found this site and thought these guys might be able to assist us here.

Problem 1 - No original keys! We got given 1 sellotaped up key fob the folding penknife type. Central locking doesn't work on auto wave or whater VW call it so to unlock it we put the key in and turned. Hey only the drivers door worked. So eventually sussing the handbook (looks like you have to double turn the key to unock all doors). This was handy as we kept setting the alarm off! However we still manage to set the alarm off.

Q1 Until we can get a pucka key fob (current price ??) what should we do so as not to pee off the neighbourhood by inadvertently setting the alarm off?


Problem 2 - Fuel locker. Looks like this doesn't engage at the fuel cap end (you can close it, but not click it shut).

Q2 Remedy?


Problem 3 - Clunky noises from suspension? From looking elsewhere on this site looks like it might be Anti Roll Bar bushes.

Q3 Likely issues, cost to remedy?


Problem 4 - Front armrest storage lock seems u/s

Q4 Is this a complete new armrest? Parts source or is it just VW?


Problem 5 - Drivers seat a tad dog eared on one side

Q5 Is there someone one can go to to get these repaired or is it a replacement? Seems black to my eye but if someone tells me the codes in the handback I could advise the correct trim.

Problem 6 - Courtesy light lenses missing in lower front door panels. Bulbs in sockets, but holes in doors where lenses should be.

Q6 Source for replacement?


Thanks

Q 4,5 & 6 a breaker or sometimes people are selling parts at home. The seat bolster and armrest are common wear items. The seats from a Bora, Octavia and A3 are the same fitting so easily sorted and not overly expensive.

Q1 you can buy a replacement fob but without gubbins on ebay for pennies. I just go to a dealer if I meed a key, it's done properly (usually) with genuine parts and has a 2 year parts and labour guarantee, Costs maybe £200.00 but a replacement key will need a transponder chip and coded and you'll need the correct insides for remote locking so not much to be saved there IMO

Q2 First check the tang on the little door is there and intact. If little arm that holds the door closed isn't engaging this could be because the little motor failed or maybe someone broke it. You can access it from inside the boot just pull the lining on the drivers side off

Q3 Hard to say without a look, could be anti roll bushes, wishbone bushes, shock mount bushes, drop links, track rod end or ball joint. Could be the dog mount gearbox mount, heat shield etc

[Flash2]

Q1...assuming the key itself is OK, the fob part splits from the key so you could just buy that part. The new fob will need coded to the car but there is a procedure for doing that yourself without any diag equipment. I think you need 2 keys to do it though. I don't know the coding procedure off the top of my head because it's quicker & easier to do it with the diag tool if you have one. I'm sure someone else will chip in with how to do it though.

Jim.

[Mmalkie]

Q1. A brand new, 2 button or 3 button key fob from your local dealers (assuming it'll be Mr Clark's global empire) is £148 +VAT. Buying it from the dealers will mean that they'll get you one with a key that's cut to match the locks for your car, based on the Reggy number (assuming that no-one has been faffing about changing lock barrels & ECU's). Additional to this will be a charge of approx. £50 to 'code it' to the car. So as stated above £200 for a key is spot on.

Is it possible that the battery in the fob is dead ? You can replace these yourself, just buy a pack of x2 duracell's from Asda / Tesco for a fiver & follow this 'how-to' video...

How to replace your car key remote fob battery on Volkswagen Golf MK4 or Volkswagen Golf MK6 - YouTube


Q2 - The fuel filler flap 'doesn't lock' ? When you turn the key in the lock, twice, I'm assuming that all the other door indicator buttons 'pop-up' ? If you can get someone to turn the key in the lock while you hold open the fuel filler flap & watch / listen, to see if the solenoid operates / moves. If it doesn't, it may be gubbed. If it does work it may just be that it's in the wrong position / the catch has been damaged by someone forcing it open. so it maybe fine, need a new solenoid, or just the filler flap itself. It may be worth a quick check thru the fuse box too, just on the off-chance...

Goto post #10 in the link below for all the fuse & relay details on a Mk4...
Mk4 Locking Probs - MkIV (Mk4) Golf & Bora - uk-mkivs


Q3 - Suspension noises - there's a myriad of possible issues there from the ARB, the bushes (as you said), ball joints, drop links, shockers/dampers, springs, etc. It's be worth while getting a local garage that you trust(or has been recommended to you), to stick the car up on the ramps, have a good look & a shake about of everything & get them to quote you for the work, including parts. I'd avoid the dealerships & certain tyre garages who have a word that sounds like "QUICK" in their name. Price wise well it could be cheap, or it could be £500, just depends what they find.

Q4. I've owned a couple of Mk4's, but never one with an armrest. After looking elsewhere on a few other forums I frequent, I found a 'how-to', to replace it. I know it not exactly what you want, but it's worth a shot...

Central Armrest Install Guide - D.I.Y Guides and How to Instructions - uk-mkivs


Q5. Drivers seat - as it's the most used seat in the car, it get worn down, it's that simple. You can get them repaired & I know that there's a place next to AGMORS body repair shop at Whiteinch on South Street in Glasgow (just the other side of the Clyde tunnel) that does this for most makes n models. There's also Optimuss at Rutherglen. (www.optimustrimmers.co.uk), who have a good rep. Unfortunately, no idea of prices. However, If you fancy a full leather interior, there's usually a few on e-bay for between £350 - £500.

Q6. Courtsey lights - I'd recommend e-Bay for these, as they're cheap as chips (£10 or less). That said, do the bulbs actually light up when the doors are opened / closed ? It could be the bulbs, but more often than not, it's down to the Door Lock Modules (DLM), which have a set of microswitches that operate when you trun the key in the lock / press the open/close button on the keyfob. These are prone to failing on older Mk4's as they vibrate the soldered connections on the circuit board to bits, just from driving the car ! If the locks are working at the moment, you may be able to strip the lock module out from deep inside the door & re-solder the joints. It's a bit of an ache in the cheenies to get them out, but it may well point out if the DLM is nearly gubbed.

I can provide links full of pretty pictures & explanations if you're interested.

Hope this helps...

[Doctle Odd]

ARM Rest Storage Cover Console Armrest LID F VW Jetta Bora Polo Golf MK4 Passat | eBay