Top 10 2001 Volkswagen Golf Questions & Answers

when you last time changed your labda sond also the sensors on fuel intake system can resolve that
in most cases is lambda sonda problem

My Polo had a similar problem and the brake light switch at the brake pedal was replaced. Then the computer was reset and the EPC light issue was resolved. It has something to do with the engine management, when sensing the light switsh being activated, retarding the power of the engine.

No problem. The key fob is two pieces. The key part and the remote. Open the key as you would to sue it. Where the key flips open you can see a small recess about where the line of the trunck switch. This is where the key separates. You can pull it off or pry it with a small screwdriver. Once separated with remote part in your hand this also splits in 2. In the same area you split the key off insert the screwdriver in this recess and the fob will open giving you access to the battery. Also can be done by hand. It is a little tight so you will have to force which is normal. No screws just clipped. Make sure the battery is positioned in the right way and that you have 3 volts when you test the battery. 2.7 volts will make the remote not work or act funny.

I removed all 3 switches from driver and passenger door, which is really easy with a flat head screw driver. took them completely apart, very carefully, with a small screwdriver out of a christmas cracker. put them back together again and 2 switches started working, so I put 1 in the drivers side and 1 in the passengers side so now my drivers door window opens and I lean over to open the passenger door. cool, no money spent...yet ;o)

There is a part between the air intake manifold and the air box on your engine, it's usually black on a golf, will look like a 15cm tube around 80-90mm in diameter with a plugged wire leading into it, this is your MAF sensor or MASS AIR FLOW sensor and if dirty / faulty can cause an incorrect temp reading from the air intake and cause rough engine starting, this is a very common problem on mk4 golfs... the part is apparently cleanable, with isoprop alcohol, or I assume white spirit. the actual sensor needs to be removed from its housing for cleaning, and as always treat carefully... the part replacement, depending on where you go can be around $50 - $100 used or even new.... part number off the existing one on your car, try ebay as you can do well for price :) could be fouled spark plugs from rich fuel mix on bad airtemp sensor, could be a million things but the MAF sensor is one of the golden oldies I'd be checking first :) Goodluck, Chas

check the turbo hoses, they are renound for dry cracking, very hard to see at first glance

The engine number location depends on engine type.
1. For 2001 VW Golf 1.6 liters 16V engine:

2. For 2001 VW Golf 1.8 liters 20V engine:

3. For 2001 VW Golf 2.0 liters engine:

4. For 2001 VW Golf 2.3 liters engine:

5. For 2001 VW Golf 1.9 TDI-PD engine:

The ESP system means the Electronic Stability Program. If the ESP lights on the dashboard permanently the ESP system is faulty. You must access the ESP Electronic Control Unit (ECU) memory for pull out all DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), using diagnostic equipment connected to the data link connector of the car (placed in dashboard, under a plastic cover above the ashtray). Then you will be full informed about bad pieces (e.g.: front right wheel abs sensor interrupted, ...). After bad pieces replacement you will be able to erase all faults memored by ESP ECU, in other words reset the ESP system and turn off the warning lamp on dashboard.

Heed of antifreeze coolant temperature!!!
First time you might check the thermostat operating.
The thermostat location for VW Golf 1.6 is inside of coolant thermostat housing placed on back side of the cylinder head. See pictures below.
Thermostat checking:
1. Cold engine. Start up the engine and watch of the water temp indicator. After first value 60 Celsius Degree you still warm up the engine until the lifter (pointer) reach 80 C deg. (second mark after 60 C deg.). At this time you let engine running at idle speed and check with your hand the thermostat plastic housing and hose temperature in bottom left side of the engine. Heed of alternator driving belt and ventilator fan !!!
2. If the thermostat is good the hose must be cold until the water temp indicator reach almost 90 C deg.
3. The thermostat opening temperature is 87 C deg.
4. If the hose is already warm the thermostat is out of order.

Thermostat location, Part number: 032121110B, in german - "Kuehlregle" (Price around $20):




Important note: Always replace the thermostat round seal, position 6 in the above picture.


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• Late 2001 model

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