1996 Volkswagen Jetta CLX review from South Africa
"It feels like the timing is on and off"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My 1996 VW Jetta is jerking?
General comments?
It started by just cutting off while driving on a highway. The engine was running but could not rev.
I took it to mechanic who took the whole week trying to find the problem. They started by saying it's throttle body, which they changed, and there was no difference, then fuel pump, which they changed and still no difference.
Then a computer box, which they changed and the car started revving, though you could feel something was not 100% right.
On driving the car started jerking. I noticed that it was jerking on the steep when the fuel was low (1/4 tank). I also suspected timing.
I took it to my VW specialist; they started by pointing at HT leads and distributor cap, which they changed and the car is still jerking. When they checked the timing with the timing light, they said it does not hold timing, but they do not know what the cause is.
Now the car does not hold the idling when cold, and you can still feel it cutting while driving. Any one who can help with this?
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| Not what they used to be |
Swift powerful daily commuter |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 135000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 264000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Sentra |
| Date of Entry | 20th July, 2008 |