Hey guys I'm new here, and this seems like the best place to get some kind of consensus on a bit of a conundrum I've got at the moment! We're considering a 1997 Golf Cabrio, it's the 90PS 1.8 with an auto (wtf never seen one of those before) which is partly the reason for being interested in this - an auto almost classic, what can go wrong?? Just wanted to hear of any of you guys' experiences with the Mk3 generally, or the cabrio specifically in case anyone has experience with it. What are some common faults to look out for, besides rust etc, how reliable is the auto box? There are a couple of known issues - apparently the roof works fine but the electric windows and central locking both are not working. I've seen that the windows seem to be a pretty common Mk3 gremlin but I can't seem to find much that these problems have in common. Do any of you know if theres something specific that causes both the windows and central locking to go? Some people have said potentially just a fuse, others have said potentially problems with ground and stuff that's way beyond my ability to fix, but even then normally it's one of the two and not both. Would this be likely to turn into something expensive? Any advice is appreciated
Hello, and welcome Re. the 1.8 with automatic - most of the surviving 1.8's I've seen seem to be automatics. A '97 car would have an '01M' type* automatic. I've heard that it isn't as reliable as the earlier '096' type, while my own experience of the 1.8/90 with an 01M (and admittedly over 100,000 miles) bears this out - it lurches unpredictably during low-speed changes. So much so that I intend to heave it/them out in favour of a 2E engine and manual box. Other than being door-mounted systems, the windows and central locking don't have much in common, certainly not fusing. As a check^, the window motors can be operated (if they work at all) by holding the key in the external key cylinder. 'Unlock' lowers the windows, and 'Lock' raises them. In fact, that is a point shared by both systems, control switches built into the door locks. I'd be more concerned if the powered roof wasn't working. * the actual gearbox code on the cars' label may be 'CKX' or 'CXK', the one i've mentioned is ^ the other body types have this, AFAIK cabrios do as well
That's really helpful, thanks so much for the info. From the paperwork of the car it's at least had a couple of ATF changes which is reassuring - if I'm right in saying there was no VW recommended change or inspection interval for these gearboxes? Re the windows - would you be more concerned if they do or don't go down with the key? Do you think it could become a more difficult fix if they don't, like something deeper electronically that's wrong?
The 01M has even checking the fluid level made difficult, with a supposedly tamper-proof cap rather than an accessible dipstick. I'm not sure about Vw recommendations for it, though. I should say, that while I'm quite well up about the window set-up, I haven't actually tackled them in a cabriolet. I used a combined motor and control circuit board from a cabrio in an estate once, and the key-controlled functions were present with that, but I can't categorically say that a cabrio should have it. If it is fitted, then a lack of response to the key switches suggests a lack of power to the system. Or to the key switches, which are really part of the central locking system, so a lack of power to that would knock out the key operation of the windows too, i.e. central locking fuse (#21) blown > key switches not powered. The critical or 'main' power to the windows comes from a circuit breaker rather than a fuse, so if there's no key response I'd wonder if that's been removed. The window system is enabled for 'normal' use with the up/down switches by an ignition-On feed, which comes from the same fuse (#14) as electric mirror adjustment and reverse lights. If they're working, the windows probably don't have main power. On balance, I think I'd be more wary if the key control doesn't work. The window motors each have their own control unit attached, with inter-connected wiring, rather than a centralised control unit. Water entry to a control unit can cause problems such as opening all windows, if there's a false key controlled command. Diagnosis is by taking units off the system, but with a cabrio it's tricky to even reach the rear 1/4 window units.
It's interesting that you mention that because I was looking at the fuse box diagram for the Mk3 and (apologies if this sound stupid, I'm really not well versed on car electronics) I noticed that the same fuse/fuses that send power to the central locking and electric windows also includes the reverse lights, so does that mean that we'll be able to tell if the fuse is blown because the reverse lights won't we working either or is that a noob take?
Hello again, No, you're quite right to regard the reverse lamps as a sign about Fuse 14. I'd signed in to add, or rather correct, that it's primarily for the reverse lamps, but can also be used for electric mirror adjustment and to 'wake' the window control units. The central locking unit is supplied from Fuse 21, along with interior and boot lamps, lighter and clock. So, without Fuse 21, the central locking and key controls for windows won't work also without Fuse 14, the mirrors and inside switches for windows won't work with Fuse 21, without Fuse 14, the windows would only respond to key control With Fuse 14 and without Fuse 21 the mirrors and windows should work from internal switches, but not from key control
Hi New to the forum and in need of some advice. Does anyone know if you can pop a mk3 soft top and mechanism onto a mk3.5? Recently purchased a mk3.5 but softop has been slashed. Local repair specialist in Swansea said the bonded window on the 3.5 is a nightmare, as a result nearly double the price to replace. Can get a decent mk3 roof and all the bits etc, but wondering if its a straight swap. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
