2002 Volkswagen Jetta from North America - Comments

1999 Jetta. The car drives well and in general mechanically sound. However, VW and their engineers deserve a “deedeedee.”

The placement of some of the electronic components is ridiculous. The coolant control module is located under the overflow tank. The only other place they could have put this that would have been worse would have been dragging on the ground. So, your overflow bottle cracks and the control module floods.

VW electronics are pitiful. I also have an Audi A4. I have spent several thousand dollars fixing electronic issues on that car as well. I can make a very good case that VW has planned these defects. The Jetta window regulators failure is due to a ‘plastic’ clip. VW’s fix: replace the regulator and the motor for +$500 rather than fixing a $.25 part. They could have even upgraded to a metal clip for $.50. The ABS control module failed on my A4. It is a simple short in the module’s circuitry. Audi’s fix: replace the whole ABS module (both the circuit board and pump for $1,400 when they could have just replaced the board.

I could go on listing failure of this type. There are two solutions. First, call VW of America and complain. Send them emails. Write them letters. Tell them you will never, buy another VW again and that you will make sure every person you know is warned about the quality of VW products and VW’s inability to stand behind them. They refused to replace the window regulators, but were willing to repair the ABS module for the cost of labor. Make sure you understand the issue completely and do your homework before talking to the dealer or VW. Don’t just let them have their way with you…cause they will. Second, get rid of the car. I just got a Mazda. See ya VW/Audi. It’s been real.

I have a 2002 Jetta TDI. I am experiencing the radio problem. Getting ready to try the #42 fuse fix suggested.

I have a question about the trunk lid. I can click either of the keyless entry remotes or the switch inside the car to open the trunk, but it won't open. I can hear the "trunk motor" making the noise like its going to open, but the lid won't release. I have to insert my key and manually unlock the trunk to get it open. When I do that, it still makes the sound like it is electronically opening.

Could this be a fuse-related issue of the lid not releasing?

I recently purchased a 2003 jetta in May and I am now experiencing similar problems. My radio died a few days ago. It was working fine when I got out of the car, and when I got back in- nothing.

Today I went to unlock my doors with the remote and nothing happened. The car won't start, no lights, no sounds- nothing. After reading your helpful comments, I'm suspecting its the battery and is probably related to the radio problem.

I will try the fuse thing, but how should I go about solving the battery problem? Did anyone ever come to a solution with that? I bought the car salvage and I'm feeling like a huge idiot. I'm looking forward to my window falling in.

Pulling out fuse #42 worked! Radio works great now. I am going to email VW and ask for a fuse map that actually states which fuses controls what. Had it not been for these postings, I would have never figured out that fuse #42 controlled the radio from the fuse map or the owner's manual.

When you pull fuse #42 to try to correct the radio problem does the vehicle need to be running or off?

I have a 2002 VW TDI and so far it has been good to me. I've had to replace the rear shocks which were a piece of cake and the brakes all around. (normal wear) I do have a problem though; my engine light has come on recently and will not go away. the car still runs fine so I'm guessing it must be a sensor. has anyone had this problem also.

2002 Jetta GLI - Does anyone know the fuse for the lights around the thermostat dials? The lights around the dials just went out, but the AC and Filter button lights still work. I would appreciate any help. Thanks!

I, like others, have had numerous issues with my 2002 Jetta 1.8T (windows falling in 3 times, brake light failing, radio antenna disconnected, broken passenger seat spring, peeling interior, and I could go on...). Yesterday a new thing happened, and I am having trouble locating information on the internet or in my user's manual about a fix. My Monsoon stereo now says "Phone" on the display and will not play any music (CD, radio, iPOD). When I turn the car off, the "Phone" display remains on. Tonight when I got out of work, the battery was nearly dead, although it ran with a jump. I removed fuse 42 and slid it back in per advice on this forum, but "Phone" is still there. Anybody have any advice?

I have a 2002 Jetta TDI; the car is great except, every year I have to replace the battery and have a service technician reset my key and ignition because the car won’t start.

I’ve taken my car to several dealers they’ve suggested everything from a power problem with the alarm to a bad alternator. The last time I took it in they actually found the culprit; the factory installed radio somehow de-programmed and won’t go into sleep mode when the key is removed from the ignition. They want to charge $450.00 to replace it.

I also have an 02 Jetta TDI, and it's funny to see how most of us have had similar problems. So now my radio just stopped working yesterday and I've noticed that fuse #42 can help so how can I locate fuse #42, does anyone know a website that can show the proper locations with the proper labeling?

2002 Jetta TDI.

Carbonned up clean it myself ran great

Then MAF sensor failed

Replaced with after market

Light went off, but problems got worse

Light now on for EGR excessive

Dealer lost in space replaced Diaphram valve and temp sensor. Did not correct, but did charge me.

Returned it then they replaced the ECU light was off for about 5 miles. Black smoke like a train. They said normal. Now replaced the MAF with a VW part all problems gone. VW is lost on this issue and I spent $2500. Will be looking to get refund. These guys from West Side VW are scamers.

Just came across the and was impressed with all the helpful info on VW. I have a 2002 Jetta 1.8t and can't find any relief for the hazard/turn signal relay continuously clicking.It's driving me nuts! I also had to do the radio fuse monkey motion, but it only cost me to get the spaded keys for removal. if anyone's looking, try ebay, $6 they worked fine. any help greatly appreciated.

I purchased a 2002 Jetta (57,000mi) last may. I have not experienced any problems until recently. I cannot take the automatic transmisson out of park. The brake light stays lit even while I am pressing the brake pedal. Likewise, when I press the brake the rear brake lights fail to light up. There is plently of brake fluid in the main chamber so I do not think it is a matter of lack of brake fluid pressure. I am assuming it is a mere electrical problem, perhaps as simple as replacing a mere fuse. I was hoping someone could help me out before I take it to a shop and get charged hundreds for a problem that may only cost me a few cents.

I have a 2001 VW Jetta 1.8T and I love it, however

I have had the issue with the engine light coming on which was was only the Mass Air Flow sensor (it is a very common issue with these cars, and because of that the part is not very expensive). I have also had the brake light issue, which was a recall about two years ago... I recently recieved another recall in the mail also regarding the brake lights... and just yesterday they went out again. : (

The best things about the problems is you know they are comming, because they are the same thing for everyone.

One thing that has helped me and save me A lot of money is that I finally started going to a VW/ Audi specialist for my mechanic and they have helped b/c they know whats wrong just by talking to me over the phone. I'm in Tampa so if anyone wants a suggestion of a place let me know.

To the person who posted on Nov 20, 2006 (and others) regarding the radio-dead battery-alarm system situation:

I had the same problem for several months and took it to three dealers, spending lots of money for "diagnostics" with no relief. (Unfortunately taking out the #42 fuse trick was not working either.)

FINALLY, the VW in Sacramento figured out the problem: the radio was not shutting off properly internally. This was causing the battery to drain. Since the alarm system relies on the battery, it would not work either. Apparently it's an electrical wiring thing.

The mechanic disconnected the radio and YAY! I have not had one dead battery since this got fixed in October! This was such a relief after needing at least one jump a week before figuring this out.

Hope this helps. The next time this happens to you, tell them to just snip the radio wires.

Now I just miss listening to tunes in my car!