Questions and Answers

Three Volkswagen Jetta Questions Q. I have recently bought a 1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL and I'm currently fixing all the bugs. Couple things have me puzzled. If you could help that would be great. I consider myself to be some where between an intermediate and a beginner mechanic. 1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0 liter Manual transmission 145,000 miles

1. Sometimes it has a hard time starting, usually when it has been running a while. When I open the hood it usually feels really hot underneath but temp reads normal. Sometime it will stall at stops and will take a few tries to start. I have change the spark plugs and air filter, which have helped.

2. The second small problem is the trunk lock. It will jam up inside when pushed to open the trunk, and also I am not able to put the key in it. When it jams up I have to go to the door lock and unlock it a couple of times and it will work again.

I have pulled of the lock and it seems to be leaking rust from the inside. Will this piece have to be replace? And if so will it have to come from the dealership?

3. Do Jetta's need special Coolant for them? And is there a good parts supplier for VW parts besides the dealer ship in Canada?

Thanks,
Silver

A. 1. It's probably a touch of vapor lock. There is not much you can really do except wrap the fuel lines with insulation to keeps the heat from affecting them too much.

2. The trunk lock is cheap, just replace it. Even if you could take it apart, it would not be worth the time and effort. And it will probably fail again with two or three uses.

3. Nothing special about the coolant. The regular green anti-freeze is the right thing for it.

There is a place online called Volksessories that handles Volkswagen parts. As far as price and service goes, I can't say since I have never used them.