2001 Volkswagen Cabrio Consumer Discussions

Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical Problems

• Re: 2001 Cabrio with regular electrical issues [crappycabrio]

  Written by: NKS969 on Feb 5, 2012 8:35:46 AM

  Well it's been more than a year since you posted this and I'm just looking at it now. Did you resolve your problem? Sell the car to some poor schmuck or take it back to the VW brain surgeons so they can steal your kitchen sink too? If you haven't solved the problem, please tell me what the fix was. I've had the same problem and many many more electrical issues ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Re: NEED NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR MY 2001 [momjenni]

  Written by: sushi3 on Nov 23, 2011 2:45:29 PM

  I do not usually post anything. But, so many people have the "split seam" problem on convertible tops, I could not resist. There is a very simple fix for most such problems. Use McNetts Seam Seal. You can get it at outdoor stores such as Gander Mountain, Marine supply stores or on-line for about $10.00. This stuff is clear and was designed for such things as tents and backpacks. It will ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Cabrio Convertible [pbeall]

  Written by: rhianglenny on Sep 22, 2011 6:51:24 AM

  I disagree with the advice that the vinyl top would be a better choice. Mine is a Cabriolet, not a Cabrio, so perhaps the puffier design of the Cabrio is better suited to the vinyl than the relatively rectilinear design of the Cabriolet. . . But anyway, I bought my '85 Cabriolet after a freak hail storm (in central Virginia, which normally has lovely weather) had shredded its current vinyl top ... Read More

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [remission]

  Written by: shelbsassy on Aug 31, 2009 7:58:19 AM

  The seams on my 97 Cabrio Co nvertible Top are also coming apart , well they are already apart on both sides and are racing towards the middle in the rear. Mine is doing iexactly what yours is, when I try and bring them together they don't seem to stretch far enough and I don't think glue will hold them, and then I am afraid if I ever do get them ... Read More

• air bag indicator light is on

  Written by: mochev70 on Apr 8, 2011 9:21:57 PM

  2001 Volkswagen Cabrio Convertable How do you disable the airbag light on the instrument panel?

Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical Problems

• About to give up

  Written by: ranj on Mar 3, 2011 11:27:03 AM

  2001 VW Cabrio. Coils keep burning up. Have had numerous codes over the past year from 'short to injectors' to the infamous P1582 (?) There is obviously some short problem leading to the coil, but can't seem to find a ground problem. I did notice last night, after it quit on a hill, that there is water running out. From where? Dunno. (And found that the back floorboard is soaked) Could ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [charocfl]

  Written by: remission on May 6, 2009 8:52:18 AM

  Hi, I am wondering how you glued your seams back on your top.... I have a 2004 VW Cabrio..sooo many things are wrong with it. The top hydrolic fluid is empty, I am assuming a leak, and the Electrical system is buggy. Plus the seams on the back sides of the top are coming unglued, where the back window is on the outer edge. I want to try to re-glue them ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical Problems

• 2001 Cabrio with regular electrical issues

  Written by: crappycabrio on Dec 30, 2010 12:46:31 PM

  My wife has a 2001 cabrio with just over 100k miles on it. Recently there seem to be major issues with the electronics but the VW dealership has not been able to fix any of them. Two trips to VW and well over $1,000 and they still were not able to get the airbag light to turn off. We gave up on that when there next best idea was to deploy ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [chryle1219]

  Written by: codyis1991 on Sep 8, 2010 10:34:27 AM

  hi i was wondering if someone could help me find the price for a 2001 vw cabrio top someone has broke my window to the top and i was told i had to replace the whole top now i have looked all over and have found prices around 1500 and more so can someone please help me out i need it to be around 600 or less please and thank and ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Overheating

• Re: 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX Fan Issue [Syruss]

  Written by: 00cabrio08reno on Aug 23, 2010 6:14:20 PM

  my '00 had the same problem but it turned out the ball thats supposed to be the radiator was leaking.

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [charocfl]

  Written by: chryle1219 on Aug 15, 2010 3:45:57 PM

  Hi, I replaced my headliner pad and top. But i did try patches, gorilla tape etc. It won't last long. On the cabriolet, I think it is the vinyl that dries out and shrinks. I purchased the cloth top and I am hoping that it will last longer. If you go that route. Definatley shop around. Prices range varies amazingly.

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [charocfl]

  Written by: ghoward06 on Jan 1, 2009 4:57:31 PM

  Thanks for such a quick reply...I'm in NC so the temp ranges from the 20's to the 90's usually... not that many days in the 20's (hopefully).

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [ghoward06]

  Written by: charocfl on Dec 31, 2008 7:26:33 PM

  One other thing, I have been checking out other VW convertibles & have noticed that this appears to be some what common for the seam just above the rear window to separate. Especially at the corner turn areas & I was just wondering how often this has happened to other VW convertible owners. Please post if this has happened to you or some one you know. Also I would be curious ... Read More

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [ghoward06]

  Written by: charocfl on Dec 31, 2008 7:10:37 PM

  Hi, so far it is still holding although it has about 1/4" spider web look to the seam where I glued the sections together. This may be due to the fact I may not have had enough time to let the clips do their work since I had to hit the road on a trip from FL to INDY for Xmas. So basically I left 70/80 temps to head to the ... Read More

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [charocfl]

  Written by: ghoward06 on Dec 31, 2008 1:35:57 PM

  Hey, Have the same problem with my wifes' 2000 Cabrio. Did the "mighty mendit" work? We don't pop the top all that often so I'm looking for an inexpensive and easy fix. Thanks

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [bluefx]

  Written by: charocfl on Dec 12, 2008 3:29:32 PM

  Hey if you were quoted only $400 to r&r the convertible top I would jump on this since I to have the seam that was hot glued coming apart on my 99 Cabrio top that also looks like new other wise. I talke to several people who work on convertible tops, one lady who happens to live down the street from me actually repairs tops & said she would repair the ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Overheating

• Re: 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX Fan Issue [Syruss]

  Written by: kdamato513 on Mar 21, 2010 8:53:35 PM

  I am having the same exact problem with my 02 Cabrio. I still drive it, thank goodness the constant air flow from driving keeps the engine cool, but if i begin to drive any slower than 35 mph for a period of time or sit in stop and go traffic, it slowly starts to heat up. Eventually, a whirring-rattling noise kicks in, which im assuming is a fan. does anyone have ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio

• My 1993 Cabrio pt. 2

  Written by: djoutsider711 on Mar 21, 2010 1:26:18 AM

  The car surprised me with it's ride quality. I was expecting it to either be stiff and noisy or soft and drafty but it was neither. It did great on the highway at 70mph with only minimal wind and road noise. On the city roads it took the bumps and tight turns with ease, letting me know where they were but not tossing me about like a pissed off bull. By ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Overheating

• 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX Fan Issue

  Written by: Syruss on Jan 15, 2009 10:12:11 PM

  Ok, so my friend has a 01 Cabrio GLX. The past few days the car has been overheating, the coolent isn't low, no leaks of any kind. The only problem I can see is that the radiator fans aren't turning on at all. Anyone have any ideas or experienced this same problem. Tring to keep this repair as cheap and simple as possible

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [bluefx]

  Written by: tirzah on Sep 14, 2008 7:17:09 AM

  I lived down in S. Florida and the stitching came undone on my top, I had it resewn a year ago. This year, the window became unglued from the canvas. I took it to several places, and my only option was to replace the top for about $1800. If it is stitching, you can have it sewn, I had mine done for around $300 in West Palm Beach at a little ... Read More

• 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!!

  Written by: bluefx on Sep 10, 2008 1:26:08 PM

  I've learned a lot from reading the blogs on the Cabrio and see that a lot of folks have the same issues I do with the Cabrio convertible I just purchased. The roof automatic motor stopped working (I have a button to raise and lower it on my dash) AND the factory glue just above the rear window where the roof bends started coming unglued and slowly but surely, it's coming ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Warning Lights and Problem Codes

• Re: VW Cabrio 2002 Mass Air Flow Sensor [kdeanes]

  Written by: mte2 on Jul 30, 2008 8:10:58 PM

  Sorry don't have an answer for you. But I wonder if you can tell me where is the connector to plug in the diagnostics reader. I just went to the auto parts store to get a read out for a check engine light on my 2001 Cabrio, but they cannot locate the plug in. Can you help out? mte2

Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical Problems

• 2001 VW CABRIO WON'T START

  Written by: momjenni on Jul 25, 2008 8:54:04 PM

  The battery is relatively new. We took it to the mall the other day, bright, sunny, hot day. When we went to leave I turned the key and nothing happened. Zip, nada, nothing. The lights and fan and radio worked but the car wouldn't start. Not a sound, buz or crank. Had to have it towed home.

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Reattaching rear window on my Cabrio convertibl

  Written by: dscotten on Jul 23, 2008 6:29:51 AM

  I own a 2001 VW Cabrio convertible and live in the Tampa Bay area. The rear window has come unglued and has dropped out. The gasket that holds the glass up to the top is still intact. We called a local dealer and he referred us to an upholstery shop. They said that it you can't reglue that and that I need to replace the top. I just can't believe that. ... Read More

• Re: Replacing 1999 Cabrio Power Roof Motor - Cost? [vlbjunk]

  Written by: hallkane on Jun 11, 2008 1:37:12 PM

  HI and Thanks for your reply. I have since received the same type of info from my local foreign car repair specializing in VWs. The pump itself was a $795 part, retail. No quote on the labor cost involved. I was told the same motor is used from models 99 - 2001 -- so a junk yard might work. I was afraid another old motor from a 99 would have the ... Read More

• Re: Replacing 1999 Cabrio Power Roof Motor - Cost? [hallkane]

  Written by: vlbjunk on Jun 11, 2008 11:14:24 AM

  I just had my car in the VW shop last week for my broken automatic roof on my 2001 Cabrio. I was informed that I was lucky b/c only some lever thingy on the driver's side of the roof was broken. Repair cost = $900!! I was "lucky" because if the entire hydraulic compressor was broken, the repair would be $3,000! Anyway, I asked the guy if my automatic roof could ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical Problems

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio [cusco]

  Written by: 2deltas on May 16, 2008 5:57:30 PM

  If the battery went completely dead, the radio reverts to 'default mode'. You need to acquire the access code for the radio. Once you have the four digit number, input it into the radio and it will work again, normally. Good luck. Oh yeah, the code should be listed in your owner's manual/paperwork.

• Re: 2001 VW Cabrio [cusco]

  Written by: sab0782 on Apr 21, 2008 12:19:59 PM

  this happened on my 02 cabrio and the brown ground in the radio wiring harness was bad. regrounded and it works fine. if you have the moonson radio you need the security code if the power is removed. the dealear can tell you the code from the vin #

Volkswagen Cabrio

• Radio does not work

  Written by: cusco on Apr 18, 2008 9:36:42 AM

  Question I hope someone can help with,, I have a 2001 VW Cabrio that I had to have jumped, and now the Radio does not work. I checked all the fuses and they are still good, but still no radio. I'm thinking relay? but do not know where it is, plus someone one said theres "2 relays? " any help or sugestions? thanks Lanny cusco1959@yahoo.com

Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical Problems

• 2001 VW Cabrio

  Written by: cusco on Apr 16, 2008 2:45:15 PM

  Question I hope someone can help with,, I have a 2001 VW Cabrio that I had to have jumped, and now the Radio does not work. I checked all the fuses and they are still good, but still no radio. I'm thinking relay? but do not know where it is, plus someone one said theres "2 relays? " any help or sugestions? thanks Lanny cusco1959@yahoo.com

Volkswagen Cabrio

• Re: 99 Cabrio Radio Reset Button [auto108]

  Written by: driveacabrio on Dec 9, 2007 8:39:21 PM

  WRONG CODE NUMBER If you've accidentally entered wrong code number "SAFE" will appear on the disply. Initially it'll flash, then stay on. You can repeat the procedure again ONE TIME. The number of attempts will appear in the disply. If the wrong code number is entered again, the unit will be displayed for about 1 hour. LEAVE THE UNIT ON AND THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR THIS HOUR. After ... Read More

• 2001 volkswagen cabrio GLX

  Written by: driveacabrio on Dec 3, 2007 2:22:22 PM

  I decided to buy this car 3 weeks ago and glad that I bought warranty ( 5 yr/100000 miles). The power door locks stopped working and VW dealer fixed it for $ 540.00 ( $340.00 vacuum + $200.00 labor ). Thanks to this forum, I learned here how expensive to maintain this car so that made me decide to buy extended warranty. ;)

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Re: NEED NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR MY 2001 [momjenni]

  Written by: 1958pilo on Nov 29, 2007 6:48:12 AM

  My 2001 Cabrio is also coming apart at the seam. Spoke with a local upholstery guy, he offered me 3 options. 1. He can glue it ($40) 2. I can remove top and he will sew the seem. 3. If he removes the top cost would be about $250, he said removing and installing the top is the headache. Personally, I'm going with the glue, then sell the car as soon ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio

• 2001 VW Cabrio GLX

  Written by: driveacabrio on Nov 13, 2007 12:01:01 AM

  I'm still undecided if I should buy this car with 65,000 miles. I test drove it for at least 50 mostly highway miles and noticed any problems except for I have to push the clutch a little to far almost all the way to the floor everytime I shift it to 1st gear. It drove and handled very well on the highway and about a little wind noise when driving with ... Read More

• HI

  Written by: arunc on Nov 12, 2007 2:36:21 AM

  Hi all I just purchased a used 2001 VW Cabrio GLX convertible with 51000 miles. I hope this thread stays active I would love to have a sound board for future joys/problems. I kind of fell in love quickly with this car. I am aware that repair frequency and cost on this car may be high and unusual so I am shopping for an extended warrenty and will be happy to ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Warning Lights and Problem Codes

• Re: Volkswagon Cabrio 2001 [01_vw_cabrio]

  Written by: nemesis5 on Sep 26, 2007 11:47:59 AM

  Hey: My check engine light has been off for a while, but sometimes it comes back on again .. fortunately right now it's been off for a while...:) the airbag light doesn't seem to wanna go off though. . These lights just play games sometimes you know . .

• Re: Volkswagon Cabrio 2001 [nemesis5]

  Written by: 01_vw_cabrio on Sep 22, 2007 12:44:15 AM

  It certainly does, thank you very much. The coolest thing happened yesterday, the check engine light WENT OFF! WooooHoooo!!

• Re: Volkswagon Cabrio 2001 [01_vw_cabrio]

  Written by: nemesis5 on Sep 19, 2007 12:42:05 AM

  Hi: If the radio is in safe mode than you need to go to a Volkswagon dealer so they can give you the code for it.. . It's a safety option, so thieves can't steal it..I had to do it for mine. .. My engine light and airbag light is also on.. the car has been running very well though.. hope this helps :)

• Re: Volkswagon Cabrio 2001 [jezebel1018]

  Written by: 01_vw_cabrio on Sep 18, 2007 4:19:56 PM

  Does anyone know whether any of these things below are suppose to prompt the check engine light to go on? Headlight blew out one bulb The reading lights don't work The radio needs to be activated (new battery de-activated it) I hope it's gone on for one of these reasons nothing mechanical. Thank you!!

Volkswagen Cabrio Transmission

• Transmission Harness Wire to Computer Sensor

  Written by: lightspeed79 on Sep 6, 2007 5:20:12 PM

  I own a VW Cabrio 2001, I am looking for the wires that connect the harness to the computer sensor, for the Automatic Transmision. Does anyone have any info on where I can get these parts?

Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

• Re: NEED NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR MY 2001 [jmking33]

  Written by: cabrio98 on Sep 3, 2007 7:15:09 PM

  Well, I'm in New Jersey, and I own a '98 Cabrio. I had to replace the top this July because it split just down that seam that you mentioned. It was the original top. It started to split on the right side first, and then it happened on the left side as well. both of the splits were on the curved part of the top, where the "roof" would meet the ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Warning Lights and Problem Codes

• Re: Volkswagon Cabrio 2001 [nemesis5]

  Written by: jezebel1018 on Aug 7, 2007 1:54:39 PM

  i have a 2002 cabrio purchased brand new and for 3 out of the 5 years ive owned it the check engine light remained on. i took it to two different vw dealers and an after market mechanic, no one could fix the problem. last year, in ny, it became mandatory for a check engine light to be off to pass inspection so i was in big trouble. they kept telling ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical Problems

• couple of questions

  Written by: luvvw on Sep 7, 2006 11:44:22 AM

  I am glad there is is forum for cabrio owners! I have a 2001 cabrio, and seem to have lost the fuse box cover showing the diagram of the fuse placement. I think it was lost when top replaced (due to vandalizem) Any ideas on where to get a new diagram? Also, we purchased this car for a fun runabout while traveling, but now are questioning if it is towable. Cannot ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio

• Re: Love my new cab!!! [ga_peaches]

  Written by: cabriohusband on Sep 14, 2005 6:51:50 PM

  i seen a few on ebay in black and tan for 100 to 150 dollars. 2001 VW Cabrio Batik Blue w/Blue Top Black Cloth Interior Automatic

• Re: Looking to buy [baygroomer]

  Written by: cabbycrazy on Aug 11, 2005 7:41:15 PM

  I had a 98 Cabrio which I missed so much that I just bought used a 2001 and both are stick shifts. The stick makes driving this car a blast, sort of a poor man's sports car IMHO. I bought it to fix my midlife crisis and keep from getting a motorcycle, but it gives me the same open air thrill! You can also buy relatively inexpensive chip upgrades for under ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Cabrio Power top fluid level problems [newguy2008]

  Written by: sbach on Jul 15, 2005 7:39:39 AM

  Hi, You need a small oil can with a grip pump and hose to fill the reservoir. There's a 90 degree turn from the bolt hole to the reservoir. Once it's filled (should be just above minimum when the top is down - half to full when up) put the bolt back on - but don't tighten. Cycle the top up and down 3-4 times to remove any air bubbles in ... Read More

• Re: 2001 Cabrio Power top fluid level problems [sbach]

  Written by: newguy2008 on Jul 14, 2005 9:49:55 PM

  Hi there, My Girlfriend has a 2000 Cabrio and has the low fluid problem with the Convertible Top. I purchased the fluid and for some reason, I can't get the fluid to go into the reservoir. I have the top bolt out and there seems to be some sort of pressure preventing me from adding the fluid. Do you have the instructions from VW that you can post or e-mail to ... Read More

• Re: Brake Light and ABS Light Problems [blondejen]

  Written by: imacman55 on Jul 11, 2005 5:15:57 AM

  Last week my daughter reported that the ABS light on her 2001 Cabrio was coming on intermittently -- she didn't say anything about a noise under the hood or the air conditioner not working. In searching the internet for other reports/solutions to this problem I did see a post on another board that indicated that some VWs had a problem with the ignition switch not fully returning to the right position ... Read More

• 2001 Cabrio Power top fluid level problems

  Written by: sbach on Jul 5, 2005 9:09:11 AM

  I have not had any problems with my 2001 Cabrio. I bought used - so you take your chances. I did have to replace the trans & clutch, but that was covered under the warranty. I am currently experiences problems with the power top. The fluid is very low, I refilled it not long ago. VW sent the directions and it was not too difficult. Has anyone else had problems with ... Read More

• Looking to buy

  Written by: baygroomer on Jul 4, 2005 11:09:21 AM

  Hello Everyone, I am looking to buy a Cabrio within the next couple of weeks. I would like to know if buying a manual or power is better. And what is considered low mileage for a VW. I am looking to buy anywhere from a 96 to a 2001 if the price is right and the mileage is right. I have been looking to buy one that has all the extras ... Read More

Nothing but problems

• Get the extended warranty, you're gonna need it!

  Written by: jackiepez on May 17, 2003 6:05:00 PM

  Lemon laws are different from state to state. I bought my 2001 Cabrio in Florida. The LL there is great. Three times in the shop for the same problem, OR 15 days in the shop, not consecutively, in a one year period, and your car's a lemon. Period end of story. No court necessary, just your money back. I got all my information on line from lemonlaw.com or something like that, ... Read More

• Nothing but problems

  Written by: patzius on Apr 29, 2003 3:50:21 PM

  I feel like I have been severely let down with my 2001 VW Cabrio. I have had this car just over 2 years and have had it in the shop a minimum of 16 times for various repairs. I have read where others have had issues with the door handles peeling and I, myself have had each one replaced 3 times (making that 6 new door handles since I got the ... Read More

Volkswagen Cabrio

• stereo safety feature problem

  Written by: gratefullil1 on Jul 12, 2002 1:46:09 PM

  Hey Cabrio Family! Alanna1122- I just wanted to commend you on your cabrio-induced enthusiasm. I can tell that you're my type of person by your love for the cabrio. The blue is such a pretty color- definitely my next choice (mine's a 2001 Desert Wind GLS). Coming up soon my CabRIO-driver friend and I are hosting a dueling cabrio day trip- two cabrios filled with 8 eight girls looking for trouble. ... Read More

• Wheels

  Written by: chicubs23 on May 29, 2002 3:14:58 PM

  We have a 2001 Cabrio GL. As I'm sure anyone with a 2001-2002 GL or GLS knows, the hub cabs are difficult to clean. I'm looking to replace the wheels with the VW "Suzuka" style alloys which come standard on the GLX. Anyone know where I might find a set?

• We Love Our Cabrio

  Written by: sblaster on Dec 22, 2001 5:30:43 PM

  Hello, I have been reading all of the information and stories that all of the fellow Cabrio owners have posted and I thought I would share my experience with you all. My wife and I decided 1 year ago today to purchase a 2001 GLX cabrio wht/blk. This is our 4th VW. 70 beetle,81 jetta & 87 jetta. I have had SMALL problems with all of my past Volkswagens but I ... Read More