Edmunds Answers questions

How do I get an extra key for my Volkswagen New Beetle?

tipolston — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:24:03 GMT

How Do I get an extra key for my Volkswagen New Beetle?

Power Steering Leaks?

sally — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:04:00 GMT

I have a 2003 VW New Beetle GLS with 31000 miles (not like the one in my pic - I wish!). Anyway, the power steering wasn't working so I put in more power steering fluid. It leaks out of the bottom of the car. So I took it to a shop (not the dealer) and they said the seals on both sides of the steering gear (rack & pinion) were bad and would cost $1500 to fix. Is this a common failure? And I'm beyond the warranty by a year, but under the 50,000 mile warranty. But there is a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty - would the dealer fix it under that?

Passengers keep banging their head on the safety pillar in the backseat of my '06 Beetle. How can I fix that?

omarisafari — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:48:00 GMT

HI, I was hoping someone can give advice on this problem that my backseat passengers keep having in my 2006 New Beetle (TDI). Everyone who sits back there bangs their heads on the pillar behind the rear side window. The Insurance Hiway safety institute has crashtest photos of dummies hitting their heads on that same pillar, http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?.... It makes me feel really guilty knowing this to let people sit back there, so I'd like to know what others are doing about this problem. I called VW customer care and they told me to talk to the dealer and there's nothing they could do (some customer care!!!). My current plan is to take it to a body shop or upholsterer and have padding installed up there. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Omari

How do you remove crankshaft pulley,bolt is stuck!

wbradway — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:57:10 GMT

VW 1999 beetle, 2 litre engine, changing timing belt.

Can't remove 2nd door panel(metal one) in a 2001 New Beetle?

riversr — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:29:54 GMT

I am trying to replace the glass in a 2001 Beetle on the pasenger side door. I removed the door panel including all the electrical connectors. Now there is a black metal panel that supports the glass. The glass is on the back side of this panel. I have removed all star head screws around the perimiter but still can't get the panel to come loose. Any suggestions would be greatley appreciated.

rivers

2000 New Beetle, 1.8T. Hard to start after running a while then dies when put in drive. No codes are being set.

wnwilson — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:10:24 GMT

I have had the car put on a Snap-On analysis computer which could find nothing. He did resync (not the real term) the electronic throttle. The car will act like it is not getting fuel. You can crank constantly for about 30 seconds and then it might hit on one cylinder before eventually starting. Is not flooded (no black exhaust smoke). Both me and the technician are stumped.

Water builds up in the gas filler area around the gas cap of VW New Beetle .

teeeeitup — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:15:57 GMT

I do not see a drain hole, but there is some sort of clear plastic plug I see where a drain valve should be located. I tried to pull it out but it does not remove all the way. I wonder if there was a hole that was modified by the previous owner.

Does Volkswagen make a diesel convertible - New Beetle?

aspen001 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:43:26 GMT

i have been looking for a diesel convertible does anyone know if Volkswagen make a diesel convertible beetle, thanks

2004 VW Beetle Headlight Replacement

charlottec — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:06:45 GMT

How do I remove the headlight housing on my 2004 2.0L GLS Beetle? I am trying to replace the bulb but I can't remove the housing.

2003 VW Beetle with P0171, P0422 and P1128 codes. Where do I start? Thank you for any input!

ashleyrobbie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:57:44 GMT

has 84k miles. starts but soon stalls. must give gas to keep running but still stalls.

My 98 VW Beetle instrument cluster does not work. The fuse is good. Any advise?

shredder760 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:12:35 GMT

Just purchased this car.

Changed oil from regular motor oil to synthetic, New Beetle now running very sluggish. Any thoughts?

paulco — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:58:36 GMT

Changed motor oil, switched from regular motor oil to synthetic, car now running very sluggish? Any thoughts?

2000 VW bug.

Any ideas for electrical failure on a 2000 VW New Beetle?

hmckitt — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:15:43 GMT

If I do not drive it for 3 or more days...battery dies. It has a new battery and has been tested at the VW garage several times. Something drains the battery. It has cd player in the trunk installed by garage and lo-jack. any ideas??

VW New Beetle 2002 air filter replacement, is this easy to do and what/where is the pollen filter?

rick113 — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:55:01 GMT

dealer wants to charge $67 for filter & labor and $75 for pollen filter and labor

How do I change the brake light in a 2004 VW New Beetle?

punkypat — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:42:00 GMT

how do I change the light bulb in the brake light? I have a 2004 new beetle

How many liters of transaxle fluid for a 2002 New Beetle?

fesup — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:32:38 GMT

.the car was acting like it was low on fluid. first thing in the morning it would slip into neutral. but as soon as it warmed up it drove fine the rest of the day. figured I would change the filter. and fluid. not a problem. book said add 3quarts which would be 2.8 liters. buttoned it all up. the next morning it did the same thing tell it warmed up. could it be Im still low on fluid or is it something else.?anyone know what the amount is for the proper fluid level?

Installed an aftermarket radio in VW New Beetle. Now the code reader can't link to the computer?

balmore — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:46:58 GMT

I know this is the cause because i reinstalled the factory back, and code reader link the computer,there is any way to bypass this error installing a new aftermarket radio in it, the factory doesnt work no more.

Is there a website/company that sells an aftermarket convertible boot for a VW New Beetle?

greatday — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:13:15 GMT

I have talked to VW, there cost is to high

I've a VW 1972 New Beetle1600cc. I've a B11 Nissan 1300cc engine with my VW starter. I want a starter with no exterior shaft.

ribocon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:52:33 GMT

with my vw beetle and using a b 11 nissan1300cc engine .i am experiencing problems with the bushing where the starter is bolting up to turn over the engine , whenever i change the bushing it works good for a few months .i heard that there is a starter that the guys who races uses that does not carry an extended shaft to the front if so can anyone out there inform me as to where i can get one please.

How do you read the dipstick on a VW Beetle, there aren't any add or full marks.

bramlett — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:51:27 GMT

replaced dipstick funnel, did to be use I am reading the dipstick correctly

1999 VW Beetle. Problems with starting car. What could it be? Sounds like it is flooded all the time.

demetrius09 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:33:02 GMT

It starts up fine some days, others it won't at all. Battery is new, alternator is in good shape. What else could it be? Fuel pump? Oxygen sensor? ANy help would be greatly appreciated.

Interior door panel parts for 2001 VW Beetle

lala7 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:26:45 GMT

Hello!
I bought a 2001 VW beetle for my daughter. The black plastic upper door panels on both sides need replacing. Is this an easy replacement process and what online parts store is the most economical that carries these parts?
Thanks a million!
Laura

I have a VW New Beetle 2.0l automatic (W registration) and when the car sits in idle it loses power and cuts out.

manor37 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:35:51 GMT

I have fitted a new air flow meter which has cured the problem of erractic running but now it loses power cuts out when you sit in idle.

2004 VW Beetle driver side door hinge/pillar broken. Is a new door only solution?

redbug4 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:22:30 GMT

pillar hinge that keeps door open on driver side door on 2004 VW Beetle convertible broke. Dealer says only solution is to replace driver door at cost of $1500. Has anyone else had this problem and been able to fix. Dealer says not covered by extended warranty.

The Fuse Bracket on the battery on a 2002 VW New Beetle has been arcing and now the AC quit.What would cause this? Ed.

ejpolitza — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:55:37 GMT

Car has 36000 miles, no other issues with it. I ordered a new fuse box but wondering about the AC.
Ed

2002 VW New Beetle fuse bracket on battery is not a fuseable link rather a junction of wires going to other functions. Arcing.

ejpolitza — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:45:39 GMT

36000 miles no other issues. noticed the arcing while checking oil negative connection on end and that is where arking is most previlant

Volkswagon New Beetle radio code needed.

arniebelo — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:03:37 GMT

I have a 2004 volkswagon beatle my radio is asking for a code does any one know what the code maybe

Looking for an 02 2l VW Beetle in the UK. What should I look out for?

cardenjw — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:02:26 GMT

sen one for £4k with 55k miles in green......

How do I change the rear (side) speakers on a 1999 VW New Beetle?

nuernberg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:07:40 GMT

i need to replace the rear speaker on my 1999 New Beetle. How do I get the panel off to get to the blown speaker?

Do you know the towing capacity of a 2005 VW Beetle?

precious2219 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:11:19 GMT

I would like to know if you can tell me the towing capacity of a 2005 VW Beetle? I want to buy a lite tent trailer to pull with it - "if I can tow it" - thanks

I have a 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (TDI). How do I change the headlight bulb?

dawgonpete — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:23:08 GMT

I am not sure how to change the burned out lower headlight bulb. How do I gain access to the headlight compartment?

99 VW New Beetle heater not working.

Terryens — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:09:58 GMT

Blower moter is running, pre filter is clean, new water pump, radiator hoses get hot. There is very little change in temperature when changed from hot to cold. When the outside temp started getting colder the heater would work as long as the A/C compressor wasn't running to dry the air, now it wont work at all. I'm asuming that the heater core is plugged but i'm hoping that it's something easier to get to than that. Any help is greatly appreciated.

How do you remove the blower switch? Does the center piece snap in or is it held in place with screws? 99 VW Beetle.

carruth — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:17:34 GMT

99 VW Beetle

I have an 04 VW New Beetle convertible. The lense fell off my headlamp. Should this happen? Service manager says "yes"!

john1004 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:47:45 GMT

I had the headlamp bulbs replaced in my 04 beetle convertible. Two months later the lense fell of of the passenger headlamp. I took it to the dealer and was told by the service manager I would have to buy a new assembly ($248). He said it happens frequently. The car is out of warrantee. The lense had very pliable and fresh, sticky sealant on it that had released. Does this sound feasible.

2001 VW Beetle check engine light always comes on. Please help.

seant87 — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:33:25 GMT

ok so the car is a 2001 beetle 2.0 gl s it has about 80,000 miles on recently i had sometime work done the car and it seems to be every time i take to the mechanic after i leave a few days later the check engine light comes on.. Now the error code is saying ecm fault along with injection flow error and secondary air .. i was hoping someone can tell me if the ecm which i think is the "computer" of the car ..could that send false error codes? what should i do ..

Worn upper hinge on driver's door. 1999 VW New Beetle.

brugran — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:48:03 GMT

Door drops about 1 inch when opened, upper hinge worn (though can't see due to outside mirror design. Dealer quotes $154 for hinge alone. I have had no success with used part search, and I understand there is a vin split for the hinge in 1999 model year. Is there a repair kit available for this hinge such as bushings etc.? I am having a bit of trouble with sticker shock on the part price.

I have an 01 VW New Beetle 1.8t. One day it runs great then it shakes and loses power. After a couple of hours it's ok again.

roadtrip765 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:04:20 GMT

2001 Beetle 1.8t 20 valve did a head job but problem started before i was told .fixing for a friend .seems that i go and drive and everything is fine runs great good power .then about 1 to 1.5 days later it has a huge loss in power when i lift on throttle is seems to smooth out no shake or loss but when i get back on it it bogs and shakes some .then in usually 2-3 hrs it seems to be fine .does this every day or so ?when running bad it uses a lot of fuel

01 VW New Beetle 1.8t. no power, getting P0301 and P0171.

roadtrip765 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:39:08 GMT

i askek why no power i have scanned and cleared codes now i am only getting p0301 #1 missfire and a p0171 to lean code figured it would be maf or o2 seems to clear up then run bad clear up run bad ,did a head job on it recently but friend said it started to miss and run bad at times before the broken timing belt .all the timing is correct it idles smooth exept when first started think i hear a sticky lifter .goes away quik and purrs like a kitten till you drive it

01 VW New Beetle 1.8t. No power, rotten egg smell sometimes.

roadtrip765 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:05:02 GMT

i have changed all coil packs recently new plugs cleaned maf new head job the valves are fine do get a rotten egg smell sometimes not all the time was told they will smell thay way when a cylinder is running bad no vacume leaks when i took the turbo side vacume off the n75 valve and reved it sputters not a full vacume .turbo is pushing fine into the intake .toook off the intake hose and it pushes alot of air .dont want to spend alot trying to fix it if it isnt broke .the injectors are good even took the #1 out and switched it with another still the p0301 comes up would the lifter cause this? the p0171 is what is getting me cat seems fine dont pull any codes .wished someone had a vag com around here .the dealer here is way high priced more than any other ive seen.and they want to do the work not just hook it up to see what is wrong .

2007 VW Beetle left headlight works. Right headlight doesn't.

sailor13 — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:45:05 GMT

All lights work on the left side but nothing works on the right.

My 2004 VW Beetle needs a new engine! The engine code is BCA. The mechanic wants to put in a AXP, is that ok?

kelly32 — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:59:33 GMT

My 2004 Beetle needs a new engine the engine code was BCA. the mechanic says its ok to fit an AXP....What do you think? Has any one else changed engine codes?

Having idle problems with a 2000 New Beetle.

tfabe22 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:38:26 GMT

I turn on my car and it does not stay on unless I press the gas. Any suggestions?

Check Engine light (MIL) blinking & car vibrating. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. Please help.

lparrish3511 — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:28:08 GMT

Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Volkswagen Beetle 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 70000 miles

My g/f's car's MIL (check engine) came on and started blinking, and her car shakes when not moving.

I took it to a VW Dealership, and he recommended a tune-up to correct a "misfire." They broke down the cost of fixing it as follows:

Drivability Diagnosis - $105.95
Set Readiness Code - 50.00
Minor Tune-up (2.0L AEG 98/01) - 245.74
Air Filter (2.0L 98/05) - 46.00
Synthetic Oil & Filter Change w/ Lube - 54.90
Fuel Filter, R&R (2.0L 98/05) - 76.41
Fuel Injector Flush - 139.95

TOTAL = $718.95.

Does this seem reasonable? We purchased the car from an individual several months ago, so I cannot vouch for its maintenance history.

Thank you...

Lewis

2000 VW Beetle TDI. Turbo boost comes and goes. When it goes, turn off engine for 1 minute and it works again.

tappercut — Fri, 01 May 2009 23:31:39 GMT

My 2000 TDI Beetle has 140k miles. While driving at normal mph the turbo stops working, like tapping your brake while the cruise is on.

Let's say you stop for a soda and turn the car off, when you start it up again it works fine until it stops working again.

The last time I drove for 35 miles with no turbo boost, stopped and turned the engine off for one minute and the boost started working again. Any suggestions?

2

Looking at a 2000 VW Beetle TDI with 129k miles and previous owner stated the timing belt was changed at 60K miles.

gerald — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:06:33 GMT

On 2000 new beetle TDI, what is the recommended timing belt change? Car runs great. Has 129K miles, and previous owner had VW serviced on a regular basis.

Said timing belt was changed at the 60 K mark. Like I said car drives and runs great. What concerns should I as a buyer have?

VW dealer says on 2000 TDI timing belt should be checked/ changed every 40,000 miles, and every 80,000 miles on 2001 and up, gas or diesel, with auto transmissions.

I have a 98 VW Beetle. I have recived several codes, anyone knowing about VWs, please help.

lesliesp65 — Sat, 16 May 2009 20:28:14 GMT

Codes are as follows P1626, P1128, P0725, and P1780. Car runs great but won't shift into O/D goes 1 thru 3 but no O/D.

01 VW New Beetle. Light on lower right of dash circle with three dashes on each side is always on. What is it? I have no book.

lfrober — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:02:55 GMT

Just bought the car used. I know it has been wrecked and has a vibration while stopping. What I think is due to needing front brakes and rotors. Otherwise have had no problems.

How do you check the automatic transmission fluid in a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle?

jwrong65 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:01:54 GMT

Trans is leaking. I can't find any method of checking the fluid level on the transaxle. Is there a dipstick?

What is wholesale cost for 2006 Volkswagen Beetle convertible?

marvin11 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:58:53 GMT

Car is in mint condition and has only 18,000 miles. I would like wholesale cost for value of car, and the cost of 2009 similar car which is a 5 cyl auto shift. Thank you.

1999 Volkswagon New Beetle reliability.

tjleanna — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:18:36 GMT

I am currently trying to find a good VW Bug for my teenage daughter and I really dont know a lot about VW's life span of their engines. Most of the models I am looking at have close to or over 100k miles on them I am aware of the life span of a Honda or Volvo but can anyone tell me about the VW's?