1996 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Discussions

1996 Jetta alarm sounds when trying to charge battery

• Re: 1996 Jetta Alarm Sounds [bobponder]

  Written by: bpeebles on Dec 2, 2011 3:42:07 PM

  I am not sure how you would 'get around' the alarm. As for a radio which has gone into "Safe Mode" - you need to "key in" a special code into the front panel of the radio to get it out of "Safe Mode". If you are lucky, the code was written into the owners-manual when the vehicle was new. If you are UNlucky - the radio will need to be ... Read More

Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

• 1996 VW JETTA TREK - CLUTCH

  Written by: rozieron on Sep 15, 2011 8:33:59 AM

  CLUTCH PEDAL IS ON THE FLOOR. NEW CABLE INSTALLED. NEW CLUTCH AND PRESSURE PLATE INSTALLED. REMOVED TAILSHAFT COVER AND FOUND THE PLUNGER AND ROD ARE STAUCK IN. REMOVED PLUNGER AND ROD, NO DIFFERENCE. INSTALLED PLUNGER AND ROD AND TAPPED END TO TRY AND RELEASE WHATEVER MIGHT BE STUCK. NOTHING HAPPENED. WHAT NEXT. PLEASE, I NEED HELP ASAP!!

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1996 Jetta Coolant Dump [scottcoope]

  Written by: bpeebles on Jun 8, 2011 6:10:07 PM

  First of all, driving without antifreeze is NEVER a good thing... how can you possibly say "The car never overheated." ??? I hope you realize the temperature-gauge does not read properly when there is no antifreeze in the system so it cannot be used as a guide. Next, figure out where the coolant is coming from. It should not be very difficult with such a large leak. Finally, lets not forget ... Read More

Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

• Im stuck and don't know what to do

  Written by: ochandler on Apr 13, 2010 7:51:09 PM

  I have a 1996 vw jetta trek 5speed 4cyl one day clutch dropped to floor so I pulled the trany to see if the clutch broke it was fine. so I pulled the back cap of trany off and clutch release arm was broke so I replaced it and sealed trany back up the problem was the same clutch pedal stays to floor checked cable no problems What could the problem ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• My experience with VW

  Written by: nightmancometh on Apr 1, 2010 1:35:56 PM

  I know it was a while ago, but, I had a 1991 Jetta which was plagued with problems. All of my friends owned Honda's and did not have any problems. Therefore I purchased a Honda Accord in 1996 and had only 2 minor repairs on it after 250,000 miles. I still have the car and it runs like a dream. I'm guessing I have about 4 more years left on it. ... Read More

Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

• Re: 1997 jetta gls - reverse problem - grinding, kicking [bpeebles]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Mar 12, 2010 8:14:28 AM

  My kid tells me that, based on his research, destruction of reverse gear is a common problem in VW manual transmissions of that era. He has 1996 Jetta with just over 100K mi, reverse sounds terrible and he holds in gear when in reverse to prevent it's popping out. He got one estimate from a transmission shop of around $900 to repair, or maybe it was replacement with rebuilt trans.

Volkswagen Jetta Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Newbie 1996 VW JETTA [mark_man3000]

  Written by: kyfdx on Feb 20, 2010 7:48:07 AM

  Hello! We have a whole list of Jetta discussions. This one focuses mainly on the price of new models. Click the link, and you'll see a whole list to pick from, and one that might be on topic for your question. VW Jetta forums

• Newbie 1996 VW JETTA

  Written by: mark_man3000 on Feb 20, 2010 4:10:51 AM

  Just bought 1996 VW JETTA (GL) with 107,000 miles. Does anyone has same year,how does it drive? Any after market parts.

VW Jetta Electrical System Questions

• steering wheel lock...weird???

  Written by: dan191 on Sep 8, 2009 8:04:26 AM

  I just bought a 1996 vw jetta. I bought just a few days agao and it has been sitting for around a year and the battery was dead and the steering was locked and wouldnt unlock, i was told to put a new battery in it and it would unlock for me....so i did and it didnt work. When i hook the battery cable up the alarm goes off for a ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: Locate Engine Size [donai]

  Written by: inlarry on Nov 15, 2008 4:59:51 PM

  The 1996 Jetta GL was only available as a 2.0L, unless it's been aftermarked modified. Try Benzbin.com, they're pretty good for parts for VW.

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 96 jetta 2.0 VW TimingBelt [ganndon]

  Written by: bpeebles on Oct 20, 2008 4:10:40 PM

  So sorry for the recient demise of your 1996 VW 8-( As someone above mentioned, a busted timing belt can mean piston crashing into valves and serious engine damage. Perhaps you are lucky. Just curious ... Do you know when the Timing Belt was last changed? What is the recommend TB change interval for your 1996 2.0L I tried looking up on www.vw.com but their data only goes back to 1999 ... Read More

• 1996 VW Jetta will not start when weather gets warm outside

  Written by: bbrooks762us on Jul 15, 2008 2:13:13 PM

  I've got a 1996 VW Jetta that doesn't want to start when the weather gets warm out. It turns over just fine, just doesn't fire. If it sits in the shade for a while it will usually start. Once it is running it runs great. So far I've replaced the mass air flow sensor, manifold temperature sensor, fuel pressure regulator and checked the fuel pump to make sure it is working. ... Read More

• Re: 97 jetta no start [jeffyscott]

  Written by: revmarket on Mar 9, 2008 10:05:40 AM

  As an Autozone manager in Cincinnati I will tell you we can check codes for most cars 1996 and newer (OBDII). We can usually do battery, starter and charging system on the car in the lot. We can test starters, batteries and alternators while off the car in the store We can test some parts on the Wells tester, (Ignition Control Modules and the like.). The ignition coils for these cars ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Security System

• Deactivating 1996 Jetta Volkswagon alarm

  Written by: nventura on Aug 24, 2007 4:01:50 PM

  HELP!!! How do you deactivate a 96 jetta volkswagen. I can't start the car. This is a brought used vehicle which I didn't know had an alarm. I think I made a mistake and activated it through the ignition alarm when I parked and shut off the engine. It seems like it has a duel alarm. I can deactivate the alarm by locking the doors and unlocking with the key. However, ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 04 Jetta Sputters [bpeebles]

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on Jun 27, 2007 2:31:48 PM

  Dont forget that the 1.8T engine REQUIRES premium fuel at all times. Running lower-octane fuel in a turbocharged engine is asking for trouble. (like holes in the pistons from preignition) I was referring to a good quality PREMIUM fuel, as opposed to the premium fuel from the local Joe's Gas Station... You're preaching to the choir. I've been telling everyone this for quite some time, thank you... I've owned and worked ... Read More

Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Jetta

• Re: Faster wear [ruking1]

  Written by: thegraduate on Mar 7, 2007 7:17:55 PM

  I'm a little confused, your Jetta is run on the highways more than the Honda? My 1996 Accord went 141k miles before ever having brake pads put on the car. I still have the orignal rear ones. It ran lots of highway miles. I'm curious if your Honda is run on the same route as the VW, your post almost makes it sound like it might be (the highway comment) or ... Read More

• Re: MSN [defreitasm]

  Written by: thegraduate on Jan 27, 2007 11:08:09 PM

  Civics and Jettas shouldn't even be a comparison. Well, when prices and size classes overlap, it's hard not to compare. They are very different machines, I'll give you that. The Civic has EXCELLENT fuel economy (30/40) with good power (7.7 sec for Manual Transmission LX Sedan per Motor Trend) and handling, while the Jetta has iffy fuel economy (22/30) with good power (8.3 sec 0-60 per Car and Driver, I think) ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Security System

• My electric door locks are not operating properly

  Written by: mainah05 on Nov 17, 2006 1:07:54 PM

  1996 VW Jetta. Recently the electric door locks are unlocking while I am away. I have tried to lock them manualy and also using the electric button. However when I return to the car it is completely unlock. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Volkswagen Jetta Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: VW dealers in NE Ohio [pete14]

  Written by: joanlm on May 19, 2006 10:26:59 AM

  A dealer can make or break the situation. Two experiences, one in Dallas (they were good) and one in Chicago (not good). In Chicago I bought a brand new 2002 VW Jetta, my dream car, fully loaded etc. that had done .5 miles. The salesman gave me really serious pressure. In retrospect, I should not have bought the car at all. I was driving a perfectly good VW 1996 Jetta. The ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models

• 1996 Jetta

  Written by: upsjimmm on Jan 1, 2006 5:48:41 PM

  Hello every one . I just bought a 1996 VW Jetta the oil light comes on after a few minutes of driving, it is a very annoying beep. I wondering if any one knows what problems could cause this. I do not think it is the oil pump but honestly I have no idea . Any suggestions on what to do?

• Re: 1996 vw jetta cmp fault [jack40]

  Written by: bpeebles on Dec 29, 2005 8:05:48 PM

  A sensor fault DOES NOT MEAN that a sensor is bad. All it means is that the onboard computer flagged a fault with the sensor circuit. For example-- an Oxygen sensor may flag a fault if there is too much fuel is injected.... this DOES NOT mean that the O2 sensor is "bad". (somthing else caused the extra fuel to be injected) A diagnostic tool is just that-- a TOOL that ... Read More

• 1996 vw jetta cmp fault

  Written by: jack40 on Dec 29, 2005 8:02:44 PM

  I have scaned this car 3 times it always comes back cmp fault I have a mt 2500 snap on scaner with asian import software but have little info because I have to go obd11 generic I understand this sensor is in distributor I have changed dist twice still sets fault 1.6 non turbo any ideas jack 40

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2004 Jetta Clutch Problems [600kgolfgt]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Aug 10, 2005 6:51:58 PM

  Agree...and my experiece with clutches has been they have all lasted the life of the vehicle so far. None were VW but... 1989 Plymouth Voyager bought new, donated with over 120,000 miles and original clutch still working. 1986 Plymouth Horizon bought new, donated with over 120,000 miles and original clutch still working. 1995 Ford Contour bought with 70,000+ miles, now has over 130,000 and still running with, I assume, the original ... Read More

• Oil Drips and spurts Jetta 1996

  Written by: chrisnh on May 7, 2005 5:06:21 AM

  I am still looking for a solution. Apparently when the engine gets hot, say after 25 miles of travel at 50 MPH or faster, oil starts leaking. I think it is comming from the oil sensor, or the oil filter flange where it attaches to the engine block, or perhaps the black thing to the left of it (which seems to send a tube to the carb air supply). Suggestions appreciated. ... Read More

• Re: what now? [mramex]

  Written by: chrisnh on May 7, 2005 4:06:17 AM

  Get it to a dry place and slowly bake it, don't set it on fire. What did the check engine light tell your mechanic? Interesting and ditto experience with a 1996 Jetta. "must be spark plug wires, we will replace distributor cap and the sparkplug wires". Seemed logical. Next puddle, Check Engine light, car died. 5 minutes later, started again. "Must be the coil". Sounded logical. Slushy snow on interstate and ... Read More

• Re: 97 Jetta Cruise Control

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on Mar 11, 2005 5:36:45 AM

  It is more than likely the cruise control switch - not the one on the turn signal control stalk, but the electrical/vacuum actuated switch that controls the gas pedal. Do a google search on "1996 VW Jetta Cruise Control switch" and you will see links to auto parts sites that sell the switch. It goes for about $45.00

Volkswagen Jetta 2006+

• New Jetta

  Written by: jacatlga1962 on Feb 14, 2005 11:51:51 PM

  I'm driving an 02 Jetta after having 8 new Benzes from 1996 to 2003 and the Jetta manages to impress me usually before I factor in the fact that it cost exactly 1/3 of what I paid for the last 2 M-B's. I would be lying if I said that I didn't like the Benz better but considering the difference in cash outlay, I think the Jetta presents an impressive product. ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 96 VW Jetta clutch [danbendig #3256]

  Written by: bpeebles on Jun 15, 2004 7:03:54 PM

  I beleive that the 1996 used a "self adjusting" cable. There is a spring-loaded self adjuster in the cable that constantly removes the slack from the system as you drive. Unless this self-adjuster is not working, there is very little you can do to to make the clutch operation any better.

• 96 VW Jetta clutch

  Written by: danbendig on Jun 15, 2004 5:00:10 PM

  Is it possible to adjust a clutch on a 1996 VW Jetta or is it a set cable that cannot be adjusted? If it is indeed possible to adjust, can someone direct me to a reference on how to do it? Thanks in advance.

• 1996 Volkswagen Jetta (manual) with fume issue

  Written by: drprogress on Feb 17, 2004 8:21:44 PM

  My mechanic and I are stumped about what's causing engine fumes to enter the main cab of our 1996 Jetta GLS (104k). The problem is quite severe especially after slow city driving or idling in traffic. We've replaced fuel pump and seals recently and are wary of spending good money after bad especially since we're considering stepping into a car that can better handle our one-year-old's car seat and an adult ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: jtrujillo86 on Nov 2, 2003 6:15:42 PM

  Okay...a few things I have to say - RE Rick2184: It's a 1996 VW...I doubt that they'll EVER fix that one for free, even if it's a faulty part. Get an independent shop to do the repair. I wouldn't worry about $250 at the dealer. That's getting off easy. I have a 97 Malibu. I have paid over $250 multiple times at a nearby stealership and I'm stupid for doing so...they're ... Read More

• Ignition Switch

  Written by: rick2184 on Oct 21, 2003 4:58:06 PM

  I purchased a 1996 Jetta in 1999. I just got done replacing the ignition switch for the second time ($280)!!! Has anyone had any luck getting VW to own up to this faulty part?

Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

• no title

  Written by: ruking1 on Sep 28, 2003 3:48:19 PM

  VW OEM has a technical bulletin Feb 1999 in which it does say very clearly that 5w30 synthetic oil should be used and the customers notified of the change for ALL TDI engines 1996-1999. Most would connect the dots and say it applies to 2000-2003 model years. However, as late as 2003, the information can be a tad confusing about requirements for TDI engine oil. While I personally use Mobil Delvac ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• broken antenna

  Written by: anonymous02 on Dec 30, 2002 8:49:39 AM

  A car wash broke our antenna in our 1996 Jetta some time ago. I want to replace it. Has anyone done this? What part number would I need (hopefully a "generic" antenna will do it, and not a VW part)? Thanks in advance.

• VW sensors, ugh

  Written by: rrsafety on Dec 17, 2002 8:24:26 AM

  I hate my 1996 Jetta, I'm in for the fourth time this year for sensors and engine light problems. Right now I'm in the shop because it needs TWO sensors, the O2 sensor and the speed sensor. I hate this car. Anyone else having VW sensor problems?

Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

• blue and ashut

  Written by: anonymous02 on Aug 27, 2002 3:28:23 PM

  I know how an independent suspension is good. I was just surprised to find the VW doesn't have one (right?). I thought most cars aspiring to sportiness had one. I don't think it is absolutely necessary for sportiness, and VW used to win quite a few SCCA races with the rabbit/golf. I used to have a Civic which had independent front and rear suspensions (I think), and now have a Jeep ... Read More

• Zalay

  Written by: anonymous02 on Jul 11, 2002 2:06:38 PM

  My wife has a 1996 Jetta GL auto/AC/2.0Liter/4cylinder. We like it OK, but the fuel pump crapped out once, stranding her at night. VW has a cheapo reputation, and a spotty reliability record. They look nice, though, to some people, even if just standing still in a lot or the repair bay. We prefer the older, boxier style over the new jellybean style. Doubtful I'd buy one today. Good luck.

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• 1996 VW Jetta GL rear suspension problem/questions

  Written by: anonymous02 on Jun 6, 2002 12:22:13 PM

  My wife has a 1996 Jetta GL 4 cylinder. We brought it to the local tire/repair shop for new rear struts. He said there is an arm coming forward from the axle which attaches to the unibody under rear doors, which has a worn bushing. He said the bushing is probably around $12 or so, but he does not have the means to remove old one and replace with new one. ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: 8u6hfd on Apr 3, 2002 5:22:36 AM

  rileyyh: Jetta 1.8T versus WRX I have a Golf TDI, and have driven my friend's WRX. I'll tell you my impressions: WRX: Pro: Fast car 'nuff said. Cons: Sloppy shifter (even though it's a solid linkage, sloppy because of the soft rubber bushings) Lacks the refinement of a "Japanese" car. Like the Jetta/Golf, it's got some glove box & interior rattles. Wasteful cupholder in the dash design. Horrible stereo, even with ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

• The Jetta has been an important

  Written by: razorclam on Jan 24, 2002 3:28:43 AM

  building block in the company's positive direction since '94. That direction, logically, is to take on BMW, Mercedes, Lexas, et al. And why not??!! The W8 can be looked at as a bargain as an AWD, 8cyl., euro/luxo sedan under 40k. By offering the Jetta/Golf in the same showroom for under 20k is something BMW cannot dream of. Also, at least here in the Seattle area, $4k 1996 Jetta's are scarce. ... Read More

• Newcar...

  Written by: vocus on Jan 7, 2002 7:11:20 AM

  My statement was misinterpreted though. I took the dive on a Jetta, but only after they improved the warranty (to better than the Protege's that I had), their predicted reliability scores went up, and customer service at the dealer was better (new ownership). And like I said before, every car has problems one time or another. There are problems with Toyotas and sludge, but no one says anything about that when ... Read More

• 2002 Jetta GLS 1.8T M

  Written by: asimpson on Sep 21, 2001 5:04:09 AM

  Just acquired a 2002 Jetta Turbo. Very fast, very smooth, very nice. As with all VWs it seems: MYSTERIOUS RATTLES from front passenger door (just like my 1996 Jetta). Trouble is, the rest of the car is so quiet it is very obvious. Does anybody have any specific recommendations? ALSO, specifically which Panasonic CD player fits the existing wiring in the trunk? There was also an adapter mentioned. Any suggestions/recommendations would ... Read More