rh203

Rear passenger, rear driver, front passenger, front driver.

Hi, I started the "car cuts out randomly" thread. Just had mine fixed. Had a new alternator fitted, which I believe when it was, the teaser wire going to the alternator was crushed and was causing it to cut out. I also had a new fuse box fitted ( small one where the battery would go in the engine bay) as this was shorting out and had badly corroded points. When my alternator went initially, the interior lights were dimming and eventually flickered until everything went off. The aa guy tested it with a multimeter and it showed to be dead. Now its fixed and my aircon has miraculously started working too :s

Hi, the handle surround on the boot is bubbling from the top edge. Is this common and how can I fix it? I also have the bubbling spoiler issue aswell, just wondering, if i buy a new one wont this just bubble again eventually or is there an upgraded version?

I know for a fact that my drivers door has a faulty microswitch connection (the interior light does not come on unless it i pull the door from inside and the interior buzzer only sounds if I pull the door more from inside when the lights are on) - but the lights still flash when i lock it. I can't for the life of me set the alarm off though...could this be down to the microswitch? Is it an easy replacement? Cheers

Garage has found a small fuse box the engine bay that appears to have overheated and is about to go. Not certain which it is as they were digging a wiring diagram out but getting a new one fitted. Its on the near side if that helps ??

You mean sensors etc?

That makes sense...but why does the gearbox need to be earthed as it is? It has no electronics...right?

Do you (or anyone) have a pic? Sorry for my stupidity but why does the gearbox need to be earthed? Surely its part of the engine...?

It definitely charges now... Checked it tonight with my black n decker charger and tester. Could it be an ecu? Ive lowered it also..is this a common problem from bashing it on the road?

One that was fitted less than a year ago died to begin with. Then a new one was fitted around a week ago...it died within a week - faulty. Now there is another new one on but now the car intermittently drops power to the engine, lights go off and on, warning lights come on, beeps etc etc. Could this be the ECU / could it have caused the alternator issues (or vice versa) Im looking to get it into the German and French car specialist in Byker (Centerville garage) to get it on the VAGCOM. Anyone else had anything similar?

No idea but something is seriously up.

What the hell is up with my car. Been through two alternators and its still not fixed.

How reliable really are GTI's? Mine is now 10 years old and has had 2 new alternators and i think needs a new radiator. The air con is knackered (i think the compressor) and its broken down once so far because of the alternator. Are they really as reliable as everyone on here would like to think ? What's everyone elses experience?

I think the rubber spring holder stayed on the car...it didnt come away with the spring on either side. is there a correct direction that the spring should face? ie with the end of the coil to the front...

Thanks for that John. I definitely checked that the damper was fitted properly...it only seems to be the passenger side. I need to check it before it gets setup on wed. I don't suppose you have a pic of a correctly assembled rear damper?...anyone?

Hi, fitted my AP coilovers which are going in on Wednesday to be setup by John Pye in Bishop Auckland, Durham. At the moment the steering wheel is in the wrong position when going forwards and I need to steer to the right to keep straight. I didn't change the the tracking but it's gone like that anyway..... As a second point, the rear coilolvers sound quite clunky when they go over a bump. Moreso the passenger side one I think. I have checked for any play with any bolts etc but there's nothing there. Is this normal also or should I be worried. What should I check or ask for when it is being setup?

nah, i took it through once when I was hacked off with the weather and it was pitted in salt. It was promptly hand washed the next day and meguiars tech waxed the next day.

oh well...automatic carwashes bring it up nicely It's definitely more noticeable on the doors rather than bonnet etc.

Theres nothing like that. The whole car has a very slight orange peel effect. Wonder if it's normal...

My GTi's paintwork seems to have an orange peel paint effect. I've had the usual mechanics itching to suck in air and tell me itd been resprayed. Is this normal for black GTi's oreven GTI's in general or is it the sign of a spray job?? What could I check?

Adjusted it today. Raised it up a bit at the front and dropped it more at the back and the camber is a hell of alot better. Ill put some pics up to see if it looks the right height to people. For interest, how high is the standard setup from floor to the highest arch point? Comfort wise it doesn't feel too different but i think it needs to go lower at the front still. Also out of interest...has anyone chromed any bathursts before on a black gti? Expensive? Cheers for the help

All fitted. Pulled out the top of both front hubs as far as i could and the camber is still crazy... Poking in at the top. Is there anywhere good in newcastle that can set geometry ?? Cheers ryan

I keep having to top my gti radiator up around every two weeks. Theres a pinky deposit round the edges of the radiator. Would this be indicative of a leak? Ive tried radweld so ill see if that makes any difference but i was wondering what the main things to look for on gti cooling systems are? (thinking about silicone hoses and a new rad eventually) any reccomendations?

still doing it, think it has got slightly worse but can't really tell. What possible causes could it be then? so far I have: 1) Chassis is built that way to prevent you falling asleep at the wheel :S 2) Tracking (had that checked) 3) Tyre pressure (all fine) 4) Camber of the road (not that, does it on every single road, regardless of camber) Could it possibly be something with the suspension setup or steering rack etc? I'm concerned that the tyres are being worn when it's happening and I do have to keep the wheel in the centre otherwise it moves to the left slightly. thanks for your help.

Think i'll just stick with the lupo seats and get them re covered....proper lupo gti seats seem like hens teeth and I think the original seats are actually quite comfortable so I'll get some quotes. proper leather lupo gti seats that is...