1997 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Discussions

Volkswagen Golf Transmission Troubles

• Re: vw 1997 golf 5 speed stuck in third [iggy8n]

  Written by: shipo on Aug 13, 2011 5:28:16 AM

  Are you aware you responded to a post which was more than four years old? I'm thinking by now the problem has long since been fixed.

• Re: vw 1997 golf 5 speed stuck in third [billr97golf]

  Written by: iggy8n on Aug 12, 2011 4:12:12 PM

  It sounds like the shifter linkage is worn out or misaligned. I'd look down at the top of the transmission and look at the mechanism that moves you from one gear to another. There are plastic and metal pieces there that can bend or wear out.

2010 VW Golf

• Who should buy a TDI [bpeebles]

  Written by: jbaustian on Mar 29, 2010 6:27:01 AM

  Generally speaking, the more miles you drive each year, the better suited you are for a TDI. If you drive under 10k miles annually, then you use so little fuel that it really doesn't matter what you drive -- and it rarely makes sense to buy a new car anyway. OTOH, if you're driving 25k or 35k or 50k miles each year, then there is no better car than a VW ... Read More

VW Golf Engine Problems

• 1997 Golf K2 Engine Upgrades?

  Written by: monopolyguy on Nov 9, 2009 8:18:23 PM

  Hey everyone, I have a 1997 VW Golf with a 2.0L 4 cylinder. It has 133,xxx miles on it and runs pretty good. I'd like to upgrade the engine a bit but don't even know where to start looking. I was thinking of new pistons and rods, a new manifold and even a cheap turbo if I can afford it. My problem is that I have very little mechanical experience. I ... Read More

• 1997 vw golf 2 liter motor(harmonic balancer

  Written by: bortle on Jul 31, 2009 7:22:45 AM

  I had my sons 2 liter motor replaced(used motor 60 miles on it) The motor ran great and then it spit out the harmonic balancer. I had the car repaired which included vlaves in the head, timing belts,serpantene belt and the removal of the broken bolt that holds on the harmanic balancer pully, and replaced spark plug.The car runs great! I get a call from my some he states(I parked the ... Read More

VW Golf

• 2004 Golf/GTI vs 2004 Mini Cooper S

  Written by: technoweenie on Jul 19, 2009 11:31:16 AM

  Anyone have an opinion on which is the better buy? I have a budget of 10k... I owned the 1997 VW_Golf and drove it until the wheels fell off. I drove that poor car to death. I love the feel of a VW but think the interior of the Mini is sooo cool, gadget wize. ;)

Volkswagen Rabbit

• Re: Auto News Article [backy]

  Written by: shirotori on Apr 28, 2009 4:48:24 AM

  VW chief set for new era in North America Diana T. Kurylko Automotive News | April 27, 2009 - 12:01 am EST Volkswagen is preparing to choose suppliers for the mid-sized sedan it will produce at a factory under construction in Chattanooga, Tenn., said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America Inc. Most of the suppliers will be American, Jacoby said. The car, which was designed for the United States, ... Read More

VW Golf

• 1997 Golf CL electrical problems

  Written by: allennef on Aug 27, 2006 6:15:08 AM

  3 niggly little electrical problems with my 97 VW Golf CL... has anyone had similar? 1. Both front and rear indicators on drivers side flash very fast and very faintly when indicating a left turn. Bulbs are good. Right indicators are working fine. 2. Intermittent windshield wiper has died, but other speeds are working fine. 3. Hatchback door no longer opens with the electronic button key, however, it will open when ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Transmission Troubles

• vw 1997 golf 5 speed stuck in third

  Written by: billr97golf on Mar 29, 2007 6:42:10 AM

• vw 1997 golf 5 speed stuck in third

  Written by: billr97golf on Mar 29, 2007 6:42:10 AM

  help, my 97 golf has 160,000 miles and running great. Lately if i shift quickly tfrom 3 to 4 it would grind slightly, and has been making a whirring sound in neutral. I suspected a aging synchro.WHile driving around town,the trans stuck in third, cannot move shifter at all.When i decelerate in gear the shifter actually pulls even more forward against arm pressure.Any ideas what went wrong, or time for a ... Read More

Volkswagen Rabbit

• Re: German-built vs Mexican-built [jbaustian]

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on Mar 21, 2007 5:47:52 PM

  I think when the VW plant in Puebla first started up, there were some problems. But at least since 2001 or 2002 that plant has been assembling cars with very few glitches... or at least no more than the Jetta wagons that all came from Germany. Also, for what it's worth, my Golf was built in Curitiba, Brazil, and has been exceptionally trouble-free. Agreed. I have a 1997 Jetta Trek (209,000 ... Read More

Volkswagen Golf Electrical/Lighting Questions

• Re: 1997 Vw Golf [jdiaz3]

  Written by: nuthinfluxin on Feb 26, 2007 12:10:33 PM

  It doesn't look like there was a response to this yet, so perhaps a bump will result in an answer.. I am also looking for a relay diagram for my 97 Golf. I've scoured the internet with little result and have contacted VW directly for the info. If that should yield anything, I'll post here. In the meantime, if there are any other owners willing to look at their relay layout ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Golf CL starting problem [jdiaz3]

  Written by: allennef on Aug 25, 2006 2:55:18 PM

  Thanks for the reply and the advice, jdiaz3. Yes, you are right, I took the car to the VW dealership today and they diagnosed the ignition switch was faulty, replaced it and it seems to be working fine now, I decided to go to the dealership as it's such a pain to get in under/behind the steering wheel. BTW the replacement part is $44 here in Canada + about $200 labour!! ... Read More

• 1997 Vw Golf

  Written by: jdiaz3 on Jun 11, 2006 1:26:23 PM

  Does anybody have the relay location diagrams???

VW Golf

• 2001 VW Golf 2.0 GLS Problems - HELP!

  Written by: genuinity on May 1, 2006 9:03:23 PM

  Hey, Okay, I have a 2001 VW Golf (GLS 2.0 Engine) and I need to talk to someone who has some knowledge in them. Everytime I call the Service department at the dealership they always give me a different answer. Example: My friend who has a 1997 Golf her car was reving really high (so does mine - its just not a quiet car) she had her transmission fluid changed and ... Read More

VW Golf vs Honda Civic

• Re: My 2 cents... [badodyssey]

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on May 6, 2005 6:29:49 AM

  You just made my point (Hondas are more reliable, but VWs are more durable)- You've owned eight Hondas in 14 years. I owned a 1987 Golf GT for 16 years and 624,000 miles, a 1975 Scirocco for 6 years and 200,000 miles, and I now have two Jettas: a 2003 Wolfsburg and a 1997 Jetta Trek. So that's four VW in 23+ years. I tend to keep my cars a lot ... Read More

VW Golf

• engine trouble

  Written by: chrisking on Jun 27, 2005 9:44:33 AM

  could you please tell me why my vw golf 2.0ltr 8v 1997 keeps cutting out when i pull up to junctions. ive changed the plugs and dizzy cap and new ht leads but it still does it. can you through some light on my problem...???

Volkswagen Golf: Accessories & Modifications

• Re: How to downshift -- 1.8T coil problem [bpeebles]

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on May 3, 2005 8:01:12 AM

  I had that same coil cracking problem on my 1997 Jetta (which I promptly replaced last year for $140 and 20 minutes of R&R - the hardest part was actually finding the special Torx sockets at the auto parts store). So this coil issue probably dates back to the 1992/1993 VW design changeover - when Bosch changed from the traditional cylindrical-shaped 12v ignition coil to a more compact plastic-covered coil. The ... Read More

VW Golf

• We bought a Golf

  Written by: itsaplot on Sep 23, 2002 4:07:26 AM

  On 09/21/02 we bought our son a 1997 Golf GL from a VW dealership that looked to be great shape. We had it checked out and everything looked fine. Four hours later the car won't start and we have it towed to the dealership. It's a starter they say. After a screw up with replacing the starter, they put new tires on the car and call it "VW Certified" and we ... Read More

• Are all Golfs Lemons, Are most Golfs Lemons?

  Written by: moparbad on Jul 31, 2001 1:35:14 PM

  Reading the experiences on Edmunds would make me think so. Remember that people that do not have problems are not motivated to post the problem free experiences they are having. Statistically the Golf is average in reliability. I make this statement after reviewing the reports that are compiled by JD Power, Automotive Information Systems, and others. An example of reliability report is the one by AIS on the 1996 and 1997 ... Read More

VW Golf vs Honda Civic

• Civic DX vs VW Golf

  Written by: rfruth on Jul 6, 2000 1:33:10 AM

  Here is my 2 cents worth, when I was in the market for something new last year went to a couple VW dealerships cause I at least wanted to look at a Golf, there was none (plenty of other high dollar models but no Golf's) in stock and thought to myself if their having trouble taking my money now what happens down the road when I need parts and or service ... Read More

• Written by: rfruth on Apr 9, 2000 4:04:10 PM

  On the subject of VW vs Honda vs Ford vs GM, when shopping for almost any brand hatch late last year I visited VW dealerships to see and feel a Golf, there were never any on the lot, Focus sedans were in stock but no hatchbacks, lots of Toyota Celica liftbacks for $ 20 + and several Civic hatchbacks in stock .. oh yea, SUV = Silly Ungainly Vehicle Rob Fruth ... Read More

• Why 90hp for 18k?

  Written by: qword on Jan 21, 2000 7:20:33 PM

  No I did not mean that the TDI Golf is faster than the Civic Si. I meant to say that yes the 1.8t Beetle is faster than the Civic Si in acceleration times. However; there will be 1.8t gas powered Golf/Jetta here in the States in a year or so, and they to will be faster than the Si while having less horsepower but more torque. I bought my TDI from ... Read More

• maureen

  Written by: maureen on May 24, 1999 7:05:03 PM

  Hi, we at just getting into the VW's and thinking of buying a 1997 golf. It look in very good condition and only has 22,000klm on the clock. It is automatic with air, but does not have power doors or mirrors and does not have a radio although the dealer said they will fit one. We have only been able to find American sites to get a suggested value, has anyone ... Read More

• parisian

  Written by: parisian on Apr 23, 1999 8:37:35 PM

  Just wanted to add my comments about the ongoing debate of Honda vs. VW. Sorry if this is a little bit off topic, but I've been reading this site because I am trying to decide between a 1999 new Golf TDI for long-distance commuting and a Honda Civic HX Coupe or Civic hatchback. This new car, whatever it turns out to be, will be a supplement to our existing cars. We ... Read More