Various Mk2 8v GTI Problems

[Ashtan]

Hey all, first time poster long time reader. Or something heh.

Anyway, just picked up a H reg golf for next to nothing, its a lovely little runner, looks nice, however it has a couple problems I need to sort.

Bearing in mind its been sitting still for about 10 months without being started or anything, so some parts may have rusted/seized.

1) Sometimes when I switch on the heating I get a loud.....hard to describe, a medium pitched tone, to me sounds like the motor is sticking or something? If I put it up to full speed it invariable stops and then the fan actually kicks in.

2) Dashboard lights don't work, illumination that is. All warning lights and what not work fine. I have checked the fuses, all are ok. (unfortunatly)

3) The rear wiper gets stuck sometimes at various places, but doesn't seem to be trying to move, just stops there. Strange....

Lastly, electric windows and really, really slow. Any easy way to give these a little maintence as to speed up the process?

Many thanks for any advice given

[16VG60L]

Hi Ashtan,
well, let's see...
1.About the heating:Remove the cabin air filter and see if there is dirt or "crocodiles" in the blower.Clean it up if necesary. Try applying some oil or rust remover on the bearings of the blower motor. Also check the condition of the motor itself. If you can do this by yourself, open the motor and check the conition of the rotor and brushes. If brushes are worn out replace them.
I believe though that just appluing oil at the bearings will solve the problem. Just put the blower at high speed and while running apply enough quantity so that all rust/dirt that is formed in the bearings is removed.
2.Dash illumination.Have you checked the bulbs? Also check the dimmer resistance. Is it in good condition?
Warning lights. Have you checked the relay?
3.Check the rear wiper motor for a loose contact.Also check the relay of the wiper.
4.Windows. Check if there is heavy dirt on the rails of the windows. Clean if necesary and apply oil in mechanism joints.Ensure that window is sliding freely and smoothly in the rails. If this wont work,replace the motors.

I hope that I have been helpful.
I remain at your disposal for anything that you may need.

[Ashtan]

Ok, many thanks for your help 16 Was much appreciated.

I've managed to mildly improve the heating situation, turns out the control cable from the dash to the heater box was snapped, so it was constantly on about 3/4 heat. Although even at full heat now, it still isn't exactly what i'd call hot. But Its progress

Pulled the dash out to check the bulbs, all were fine. Put the dash back together, it now works lol. Typical. Assuming a dirty connection or some such.

Havn't checked the rear wiper yet.

About to grease the windows up now

Does anybody know how to reset the onboard computer? I'm guessing its a VW job, but if I can just set the time that would be a start

Originally Posted by 16VG60L

Hi Ashtan,
well, let's see...
1.About the heating:Remove the cabin air filter and see if there is dirt or "crocodiles" in the blower.Clean it up if necesary. Try applying some oil or rust remover on the bearings of the blower motor. Also check the condition of the motor itself. If you can do this by yourself, open the motor and check the conition of the rotor and brushes. If brushes are worn out replace them.
I believe though that just appluing oil at the bearings will solve the problem. Just put the blower at high speed and while running apply enough quantity so that all rust/dirt that is formed in the bearings is removed.
2.Dash illumination.Have you checked the bulbs? Also check the dimmer resistance. Is it in good condition?
Warning lights. Have you checked the relay?
3.Check the rear wiper motor for a loose contact.Also check the relay of the wiper.
4.Windows. Check if there is heavy dirt on the rails of the windows. Clean if necesary and apply oil in mechanism joints.Ensure that window is sliding freely and smoothly in the rails. If this wont work,replace the motors.

I hope that I have been helpful.
I remain at your disposal for anything that you may need.

[16VG60L]

Ashtan,I thought that it was only the heater motor the problem.You can also try cleaning the heater radiator and assosiated water hoses, or even bettr perform a full cooling circuit flush.
About the onboard computer now, the clock is set by two tiny buttons on the right side of the instruments. should be in the area of the Hazard lights swich. By the way, what year is it?

[Ashtan]

16, yeah so did I, but when I was taking the dash out i found this snapped cable. Crazy, i can't beleive I had missed it before hand.

I'm still gonna do some maintence on the other aprts though, see if I can make it blow even hotter.

Really? Hmm i'll have a look, i havn't seen any buttons or anything near the clock tho...

Its a H reg, 1991? Realyl has been looked after though, just been sitting still for 9 months which hasn't done it any favours. Kinda a project for me really

[16VG60L]

I'll send you a pic of my dash tomorow, maybe it is not the same...

[Ashtan]

Originally Posted by 16VG60L

I'll send you a pic of my dash tomorow, maybe it is not the same...

Nice one, thanks

On a un-related note, something keeps blowing the fuse for my dash-lights/rear numberplate lights.

Talk about irritating =p get one problem sorted and find another heh.

I think this ones gonna have to be solved by process of illimination.

[16VG60L]

Dear Ashtan, I tried to attach here the pic but unfortunattely attachements are not allowed in this thread. Please send me your email in a private message so that I can send it to you.