Hi! I've recently bought a red MK2 Golf and I absolutely love it, I don't have loads of car experience but I always knew that I wanted a unique car and I've certainly got one! I've been back to the place that I bought it from a few times as there were a few problems (leaky sunroof being one!) and they've been so helpful, but I've also fixed a few problems myself and love a tinker so if I can fix something myself that's always the best option! I have a list of things that are more annoying rather than really affect the running of the car and would appreciate any input on them. I've noticed that the rear footwell behind the driver's seat (I have a 5 door) is a bit damp, and was wondering what the causes of this could be. It's wet enough that when I feel it my hand then is noticeably wet, but not soaking. I've already had the inner membrane on that door changed so I know it's nothing to do with that. I've also noticed that the engine very rarely makes it past the end of the white section of the temperature gague, even when taking a 40 minute trip up the motorway. I'm not sure whether this is something to be worried about or just a quirk of the car! My coolant level was also low, but when I bought the car I didn't check this so don't know if it has gone down significantly or whether it was never as full as it should be. I topped it up with water, and in the manual it said that I should replace it with the special VW coolant mixture, is this essential? The rear windscreen heater doesn't seem to work, apart from noticing a tiny bit clearing around the heated elements on the windscreen. I've seen that sometimes just cleaning the windscreen is all it takes, what should I use to do this as I don't want to damage the heating elements, and what is the next step if this doesn't work? I'd appreciate input on any of these things, please help a novice out!!
Hello and welcome. Does the car have a sunroof? If so check the drainage holes are clear and the seal is fine. Check the door seals aswell. As for coolant - buy some G13 Grab a multimeter and check the switch works and that you are getting current on the heating elements. I assume you have checked the fuse. Give the car a service as well.
Thanks dragonfly! I do have a sunroof, that was initially a bit leaky as one of the rear drainage channels was blocked, but that has been sorted and the ceiling isn't wet at all any more so I don't think it's dripping down. Is there anything particularly to look for with the door seals, is it the bottom of the doors that I need to look at? This is my first car so I really don't know very much and I've thrown myself in at the deep end but I always like a challenge! I'll see if my Dad has a multimeter; do I literally test the switch that I press to turn the heated windscreen on? The switch does light up if this means anything! And in terms of a service, is it best to take it to a specialist or is any reliable garage alright? Thanks!
with the door membrane, it's all to easy to replace it and still have a leak. these things can be pesky. Get a hosepipe, turn it on and aim it at the window of the suspect door. immediately open the door and see if there is water dripping out inside the car, mine was. in the rear door the top part of the inner skin sits proud of the lower part, meaning that the water drips off onto the inside of the lower part. In turn this means that the membrane has to be able to have a completely watertight seal all the way around to literally hold the water. I made my own membrane out of a plastic rubble sack and duct tape. tape a layer of plastic sheet along the top of the overhanging skin, then tuck it INSIDE the bottom part. this guides any water into where it is meant to go, to the drain holes on the outside. then stick another membrane over the top just to make sure. My carpet has been dry since. I agree with the comments above about the thermostat, it is wither stuck open or non existant. The tailgate wiring can also break inside the grommet. Good luck with it :-)
If the switch is lighting up then it should be fine. Check for breaks in the heater elements and then the wiring under the rubber boot going into the car. Feel under the door cards to see if they are wet. If they are then re-check the membrane. Get the service bits and do it yourself.
Dragonfly, my switch light worked with broken wires. PS: If someone would do a resistance check of the rear windscreen demister, I would appreciate it.
If the wire is broken but still touching or holding on by a few strands, it will still work but not to anywhere near its potential
That is very good to have one more person with MK2. Here are few links: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByF55_gMXvQBVXZoSm9VczdHbms , that is the Haynes Workshop manual for Golf MK2 https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByF55_gMXvQBNzlIZmctY3cwNkU , that is for Digifant I and II That is the info you will need to do most of the work!
Thanks for all your replies, I've only just had the chance to have a proper look at my car over the Christmas break. I think I've managed to find and solve most problems so thanks for all your help! The back windscreen was just pretty greasy for some reason which was stopping it clearing properly so that's all sorted, my floor is still a bit damp but seems to have got a lot better since i double checked the membrane so think i might just have to accept that when it torrentially rains for weeks on end i'll have to keep an eye! I agree and think that the thermostat is stuck open as the car is showing all the signs of that, plus the MPG isn't great which I read on another forum is another symptom of this! From what I've seen I think that it's best to take it to someone to replace this as I don't think I'm quite ready to handle engine stuff quite yet! Thanks so much, and I'm sure I'll have other questions needing answering in the near future!
If you have power steering the thermostat turns it to a bit of a task to say the least. So best fit a good one VW are 25ish now. So I bought a Wahler brand one this time.
