VW & the plethora of dashboard warning lights.

sufi42

Hey all,
I drive an 02 VW Golf.
Recently the EPC light has been decided to pop on, when I pump the brakes it goes away.....Any explanation??
Also the ABS light decided to join in on the fun coming on and mysteriously going off for no apparent reason....same question.
And just for good measure the Engine light likes to pop it's head over the parapet occasionally and then disappear?

Personally I'd like to sell the thing but can not afford it!

So any idea's on my Christmas-tree dashboard, how much it's likely to cost me, is it dangerous and is it worth fixing???

Thanks in advance, and obviously i'm not so mechanically inclined.
Cheers!

sufi42

I forgot to mention that when I start the car the odometer has changed and says SERVICE...I think I know what that means.

Atlantic Dawn

EPC is I would say the brake light switch needing to be replaced, common problem with Mk4 Golfs.

GTE

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

EPC is I would say the brake light switch needing to be replaced, common problem with Mk4 Golfs.

Electronically I would be surprised if you could get a warning light for that, at least on the 1998 to 2002 Mark 4's.

I have had the brake light problem and a warning light does not come up for this.

The Electronic Power Control light from my understanding is more about critical sensors and other things like that rather then a simple on off switch not working unless there was a change for 2002 onwards.

Regarding the ABS, there was a recall on certain ABS units for the mark 4's. The year escapes me but a google or a contact with a VW dealer should help you there. I did that with my car just for the sake of doing it and they said all the recalls that were applied for my car had been sorted. Quite helpful.

Neilw

For starters get a diagnostic scan done and go from there. If you are near Dublin I can scan it for you.

thewheel2.0

Thinking of getting an MK4 golf. Have they any other known issues or problems?

GTE

thewheel2.0 wrote: »

Thinking of getting an MK4 golf. Have they any other known issues or problems?

Rear window washer can leak. Easy.
Coolant temp sensor can go on older diesels. Not a bother, cheap service fix and only really needs fixing once.
Door locks can break in cold weather. Fine if you are a DIYer.
Boot opener button can fail if the water leak is there long enough. Tough it seems. I cant fix that.

EPM

It's a VAG. That's getting away lightly, trust me. Take up Neils offer. A scan is your best bet

thewheel2.0

bbk wrote: »

Rear window washer can leak. Easy.
Coolant temp sensor can go on older diesels. Not a bother, cheap service fix and only really needs fixing once.
Door locks can break in cold weather. Fine if you are a DIYer.
Boot opener button can fail if the water leak is there long enough. Tough it seems. I cant fix that.

Sorry to hijack the thread... I'm looking at the 1.4 petrol model for my first car. Any known issues with that model?

bazz26

thewheel2.0 wrote: »

Sorry to hijack the thread... I'm looking at the 1.4 petrol model for my first car. Any known issues with that model?

Excessive oil use, weak gearbox and struggles to pull the heavy body around. Look at the 1.6 instead.

Fresh Pots

Had to replace the brake light switch in my car (polo) only a few days ago. If it is the brake light switch your brake lights will not be working. Have someone see if they are working and maybe save yourself money on diagnostics. The switch itself is fairly cheap and not too complicated to replace. Picked mine up for €14 from gsf parts.

Here's a guide for replacing it:
http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/Jetta_brake_light_switch.html

sufi42

thewheel2.0 wrote: »

Sorry to hijack the thread... I'm looking at the 1.4 petrol model for my first car. Any known issues with that model?

I also had a problem with the rear washer, I replaced the motor but still won't use it as it smells strange when used...like burning! and I had to replace the read hatch lock..it was rusted out when I got the car.

The Engine coils went during the icy/snowy conditions earlier this year and a mechanic told me that a valve that stops fuel going back up the fuel line needs replacing.

If you want to buy my car......

sufi42

I'm in Glasnevin and would love to arrange to get a scan done.
let me know when is good for you etc...
#neilW

sufi42

I would also agree that the 1.4 is a bit weak for this car. I'd go 1.6 next time round, I still like VW's