Stuart's Volkswagen Golf Mk 5/V Forum

Hi Stuart,

I have had exactly the same problems my 54 plate (2004) golf tdi. First the rear demister stopped functioning about 4 years ago. Next the rear tail light bulbs keep blowing. They last about 3 months. Rear windscreen wiper started working intermittingly and now doesn't work at all. Finally last week the central locking for the tailgate ceased to function. I was told that it was a computer that was malfunctioning by the local garage who service the car - they are not a VW dealer. They have had a lot of similar experiences with Golf's. They estimate that the VW dealer will charge me about 350-400 GBP to replace the computer. They suggested that I remove the internal trim from the tailgate and attach a piece of string to the release lever. On principle I won't spend 400 GBP on correcting an inherent design fault. I shall be writing to VW.

In addition to the problems at the rear I have had very irritating issues.

1. Front windows when slightly will 50% of the time go fully down before closing.
2. Occasionally the windows open automatically, especially at night when it's pissing down.
3. The radio used to turn itself on automatically but only in the middle of the night so it wakes the neighbours.
4. The bonnet catch sometimes is so stiff I have difficulty opening. Furthermore the cheap and nasty plastic release lever feels as though it will snap at any moment.

I have owned this is the fourth Golf I have owned since 1988.

GOLF MK2 GL bought new but replaced with a new MK2 Golf GTI. This one was the best as I did 200,000 miles and only spent 200 GBP to replace leaking valve stem seals. It was fantastic until a Postman drove into the back of it 25 mph whils it was parked. Fortunately I was inside. It was never the same after that.

I then bough secondhand MK3 GTI but had a few problems with the engine management system. Probable been thrashed by the previous owner.

My next car will definitely not be a Golf.

I have a German friend who works for Tyssen Krupp the press tool manufacturer and he told me that his company supplies press tools to Seat, VW and Skoda. I asked his advice about which make he would buy and without hesitation he told me not buy a Seat and the build quality of the VW is inferior to the Skoda. The build tolerances are much tighter with Skoda. So, there you have it. Of course having gained such a good reputation Skoda may embark on a programme of cost reduction in future.

Best wishes

Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your email. Sorry to hear that you have had so many problems with
your Mk 5 Golf.

Definitely sounds like your car has snapped tailgate wires. I hear of so
many people whose cars have this problem this is obviously a design fault
which Volkswagen should be more willing to fix without owners needing to
fight.

As for your car's other problems:

1. I've heard of this before. I think it is that the motor is sensing too
much resistance when closing and so switches into reverse. I believe you can
"train" the motor to the "normal" level of resistance by holding the down
window switch all the way and then holding the up window switch all the way.
Worth a try.

2. Yes I've heard of this before also. I think it once happened to my car.
Of course there's the chance I just forgot to close the windows. Fortunately
it wasn't raining. It might be related to point 1.

3. I've heard of this also. I'm assuming this is the standard radio? Have
you checked to see if a fault code has been logged suggesting a fault with
the unit? Also, you could use the "On-Vol" setting in the menu to set a low
on volume so at least it wouldn't upset your neighbours should it happen
again.

4. This is a VERY common problem. Fortunately it is very easy/cheap to fix
whilst you can still get the bonnet open. Much harder job if you wait until
you cannot. See http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5/sticking_bonnet.php

I don't have much experience of Seats but I have a brother who owns a Skoda
and the build quality does seem to be at least as good as VW if not better.
I do prefer to styling of VWs over Skoda's though.

Stuart

Hi Stuart,

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it. I will definitely look at the bonnet catch.

I've just released the tailgate by removing the small circular trim and poking my finger inside. Will now try and attach a piece of string and route it through parcel anchor points.

Finally, I shall be visiting the local VW dealer to get the name of VW's UK product Support Director and will send him a full report. I can be very persistent as I used to be an Area Technical Support Manager with Massey Ferguson for many years.

I forgot to mention that after is purchased my MK2 GTI in 1989, very shortly after taking delivery I was having problems with the gearbox. I was having difficulty in engaging gear when stationary and was becoming really embarrassing at traffic lights with everyone tooting me. The problem was intermittent so very time I took Listers service guy out with me it rarely happened. Of course their immediate response was to deny there was a problem but I finally proved to them that was a problem. They stripped and rebuilt the gearbox and told me that was nothing wrong. Having had some experience of troublesome tractor gearboxes this didn't surprise me as usually it was caused by a buildup of tolerances. I then wrote to VW direct and insisted that the gearbox be changed which they immediately agreed to. Dealers aren't always the most helpful of people from my experience of working for MF and car dealerships are no different.

Thank you again for your help.

Best wishes

Mike