2003 VW Jetta
2003 VW Jetta questions and answers
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Q: I have a 2003 VW Jetta with a slightly bent rear axle and slightly bent rims. How much $ to have it fixed?
The axle only causes poor tire alignment, but the shop says it needs to be straightened or replaced to work properly. Also can the rims (upgraded 17" VW OEM sport rims) be straightened or do they have to be replaced?
A: It's better to have them replaced than straightend, there really isn't much of a difference in cost anyway. In your case, be prepared to pay as much for labor as with parts.
Q: For a 2003 VW Jetta Wolfsburg Turbo Edition, should I use gasoline with octane 89 or 93?
I believe the fuel panel door recommends 87-91, but my state does not provide 91 octane. It jumps from 87 - 89 - 93. I was under the impression that only "Premium" octane gasoline should be used, but wouldn't 89 be considered mid-grade? Would 93 be unnecessary or is it best to use highest octane on a Turbo engine? Should I just stick to mid-grade 89?
A: Your cars ecu will probably pull back ignition timing and/or boost pressure if you are not running premium fuel. It will work, but you will not get the most performance out of your car.
Don't listen to the guy saying 93 burns hotter, he doesn't know what he's talking about; if it did burn hotter you wouldn't want to run it in a turbo car.
Q: How do I replace the brake light switch in my 2003 VW jetta?
Is it easy to do, what is a decent price to get it fixed, the dealership said it would cost $70 to fix.
A: Yes it is relatively easy to change. Actually there was a recall to replace the brake light switches on the VWs. So call up your local VW dealership and ask them about the brake light switch recall. It is the N4 Recall, they will replace it free.
Q: I have a 2003 VW Jetta that has 75k miles on it, should I take in my car to dealership for maintenace?
What maintenance usually gets done on the car when I take my car in. Is it worth it, or should I go to someone else to get the maintenance?
A: There isn't a lot on the car that a certified independent mechanic can't do cheaper. Your 'stealership' will charge you a premium for just about everything parts and service related. Ever pay $12 for a PINT of coolant? Find yourself a good trustworthy independent shop. There is always a shop that services specifically german or audi/vw cars that will have all the necessary expertise and tools to service your car. If you need suggestions for a good place to take it, go on www.vwvortex.com and ask around on the forums for a good shop. Vortex is so big someone will be able to help you. If not, check out www.audiworld.com and ask around on their forums... same deal. Same tools fix Audis as do VWs. Good luck!
Q: How can I get rid of the musty smell that comes out of my 2003 Vw Jetta's Air Conditioner?
Something I can do here at home, and nothing that sticks to the vents. Thanks!
A: Try running the A/C and the heater BOTH on high for about ten minutes. The heat will kill any mildew that's growing on the evaporator coil. You need to do this about once a month to keep the system from smelling bad. Give it a try before you give your money to a mechanic.
I AM a mechanic....
Q: I need instructions on how to remove the car battery from my 2003 VW Jetta?
I have never done this before so I would really like a descriptive response. I need to know what bolts you are referring too and if you know of a link that has instructions with pictures that would be even better. Thanks!
A: Fairly simple. Have a set of wrenches, good lighting and a clean rag handy (the sizes vary from car to car).
1. Stop the engine, take out the ignition key and switch off any electrical equipment.
2. Open the hood and locate the battery - a rectangular box in one of the corners with two heavy cables coming out from opposite ends (you may need to remove first a plastic battery cover). One of those is bolted to the frame and/or engine part(s). That's the negative terminal, usually black and marked (-) on or close to the battery post.
3. FIRST, use the adequate wrench(es) to disconnect the cable from the battery negative terminal and tuck it out of the way so it can't touch the terminal.
4. NEXT, repeat step 3 with the positive (+) terminal.
5. The battery is rather heavy, but most have a handle or similar device to facilitate handling. If not, arrange two strong rope or strap loops around it and lift it out of its platform in the car.
6. Store the terminal bolts in a safe place (or on cable terminals).
7. To reinstall, proceed in reverse order (first +, then -); do not overtighten, you might damage the battery posts.
hth, cheers
Q: I have a 2003 VW Jetta and the transmission light is on how do I turn that off?
The transmission is fine and I dont want to bring it to VW b/c the lease is up soon.
A: Have the problem checked out. Then you can reset your computer by unplugging it from the power source, your batter.
Q: Does anyone know how to get rid of the musty smell coming out of my 2003 VW Jetta's air conditioner?
I need a solution that I can do on my own rather than bringing it somewhere.
Without adding anything that sticks onto my vents.
A: Buy a can of Lysol disinfectant spray. Turn your A/C on high with the air circulation drawing in fresh air from the outside. Do not have it set on recirculate. Outside, at the base of the windshield, between the bottom of the windshield and the hood, there are some vent like louvers (from left to right). Spray the Lysol in the vents (you'll see the spray being sucked down into the vents.) Use about 1/4 of the can. This will go down into the evaporator case and kill the bacteria that is growing in there from the moisture. Repeat this every few months. Also, use the A/C on "fresh air" every so often to introduce fresh air into the air intakes and to help dry things out.
Q: Where can i find the thermostat on a 2003 VW Jetta 1.8T?
I need to replace the thermostat on my 03 Jetta 1.8T and i could not locate one by following the upper radiator hose. Is it located somewhere different?
A: The thermostat is located on the cylinder block. If you're looking under the hood it's on the left hand side. It is in the area directly behind the alternator. There will be hose going to it. You will need a 10mm socket or 5mm allen head socket in order to remove the two bolts that hold the plastic housing to the cylinder block.
If you follow the upper radiator hose, the part you will be replacing is the coolant flange. The thermostat is not located there.
Q: Where can I find coolant for my 2003 VW Jetta VR6?
My coolant is a bit low and I'd like to buy some to have on hand. The dealership wants $25 for a gallon, which is ridiculous. I went to Napa and they have DexCool, which is supposed to be compatible. However, I discussed this with service from dealerships and neither said it would work with my engine. I have heard a brand - Pentosin - makes the same coolant (G12 A8D) at affordable prices. Anyone know where to get this stuff?
A: G12 From germanautoparts.com i think is only like $13 per 1.5 liters.
Q: How do I change/flush the radiator in my 2003 VW Jetta?
A: First, ignore any idiot who tells you that all antifreeze is the same. You can get some very bad results by mixing types or using the wrong type for your car. Only use the one VW calls for in that model.
Next, it's not that easy to flush a cooling system properly. The easiest way is to disconnect a heater line, but you run the risk of harming the engine if you do it wrong and let the coolant level in the engine fall while you're running it.
The safest way is to but a flushing kit with a T you can install in a heater line to run clean water through the system while the engine is going. When it's nice and clear, you drain it again and refill with the 50-50 antifreeze mix. (70-30 if you live on Pluto or in Minnesota or somewhere)
Q: what would it cost to have a thermostate replaced in a 2003 vw jetta??
repair shop saying it will cost around 325.00 with labor, when i looked it up the parts total was around 50.00 ..
is this a difficult thing to do?
A: If you use VW factory parts then the thermostat itself will be $44.68. The total labor calls for 2.7 hrs. @ $42 per hour to install it. The total would be $169.15. You would come out a little cheaper if you got the part yourself from a local parts store (such as Auto Zone or O'Reilley's) then take it to a body/mechanic shop to get it installed.
Q: Does the VW Jetta 2003 have a Auxiliary Input In Stock Stereo?
I have a VW Jetta 2003 and i want to hook up my ipod to my stereo, but i was curious if my stereo has an Auxiliary imput, any answers? Thanks!!
A: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XNdRTQarP1O/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=142FMMOD01
This should work for you.
Q: Looking to buy a 2003 VW Jetta?
I am looking into buying a 2003 Jetta and I was just wondering what kind of experience people have had with them. It's a 2.0 GL and they say it gets 28 MPG. I'm not sure yet how many miles it has on it, but what are your experiences with Jettas?
A: I have a 2003 VW Jetta TDI as my daily commuter. I drive about 140 miles a day, Get 49 MPG, Runs great. Over the last 25 years of commuting, I've wore out 4 cars. My VW Jetta has been the best Commute car yet.
Q: Does anyone know how to program a keyless entry remote for a 2003 VW Jetta? I only have 1 key?
instructions manual states 2 can I still program my keyless remote??
A: if you have one key, you have two choices
1st, go to the dealership and get it programed
or
2nd, get a vag com cable and follow these instruction... http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/cars/vw-remote-matching.html