Thank you for visiting Humble Mechanic!
I have been working as a Volkswagen technician, mechanic, grease monkey, well you get the idea. I started this site mainly to connect with my customers on a level that I just can’t in the shop.
You will find out what it takes to be a mechanic in a VERY high tech industry.
This site will give everyone a place to connect with me, and connect with each other.
There has been so crazy things that have happened over the years, and I am sure you will get a kick out of it.
This site was built to help everyone. It does not matter what type of car you own. Many of the things I talk about do not apply to just Volkswagens.
Also, please understand that everything I talk about here comes from me. It does not represent my employer, or Volkswagen of America. Anything that I say or do is my own.
Some other things you need to know
- I am not a writer. I spell stuff wrong, I write the same way I talk. I use wrong punctuation and tenses. I don’t care, Do not grammar Nazi me. Pay attention to the message
- I use the term “GUYS” a lot. It does not mean men, it means the same thing as “folks”, “Y’all” that kind of thing. Please don’t worry about it.
- I also use the word technician. To me, it means the same thing as mechanic. The title of a job is MEANINGLESS! Its the actions you take, and the integrity you work with that makes you great, or makes you SUCK!
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DISCLAIMER! I will give you some really great information here. If you choose to use this information, I fully support that. I can not be responsible if something goes wrong. I hate that I have to even say it, but sure enough some jerk will try to blame me for their car getting messed up..
hey Charles! thanks for stopping by and commenting. I do love me some VW’s. how can you not?! 🙂
Hello Charles. You answered my question on Answers.Yahoo a few days ago. I asked about the ignition switch problem. When I turn off the key on my 2001 New Beetle, everything turns off as normal, but the dash, radio, etc. stay on. You told me it was an ignition switch problem or a faulty ground off the battery. I believe it is the ignition switch after doing some probing. What goes into changing that and do you thing it could be a DIY job or something I need to take to the incredibly expensive local VW shop?
Hey thanks for coming by the site!
An ignition switch can be a DIY. The steering column trim will need to be removed. I forget if the steering wheel needs to come off on a beetle.
If the wheel does not need to come off, you can totally do it. If it needs to come off, take it to the dealer. The airbag is a pain to separate from the steering wheel, and you need a special tool.
With the column trim removed, you will see a round connector on the driver side of the column. That is the connector for the electrical part of the switch. You should see some red paint just to the right. Pick the paint out, that will allow access to 2 small screws. Loosen those screws, and remove the electrical part of the switch.
That is about all there is to it. I will see if I can find out if the wheel needs to come off or not. Some do and some don’t, I forget which is which.
Hope that helps, let me know how it turns out!
I have yet to get to the ignition switch, but I asked a GM Cert Tech where I work if he has seen anything like this, and he said in GM vehicles the door latch is normally what causes this. He said he has seen this in many vehicles, but never in a VW so he was not sure.
How do you take off the steering column trim?
I have not seen a door latch do that before. I have seen them fail, but not like that. Usually you can’t lock the doors and such.
To removed the trim, there are 5 screws. You can remove the ones from the bottom front 1st. There are 2 holes in the lower trim. Take a long thin phillips head and removed the screws. You can then pull up the upper trim and see the switch. You will need to turn the steering wheel to remove the other 2 screws. Then there is one T25 torx on the bottom.
I purchased a nice 2012 2.0L Passat TDI SE that will crank but not start. I’ve checked timing 3 times and using the tools to keep cam, crank and fuel pump in time. VCDS keeps giving me P0016 code over and over. When I bought the car it had new timing kit, high pressure fuel pump, intank fuel pump installed. Since purchased from prior owner I’ve changed injection, cam and crank sensors and still get P0016. I removed the crankshaft timing gear sprocket for any wear on the inside which can cause P0016 and looks perfect. It’s there anything else I’m missing to fix this? Prior owner said it just stopped running and wouldn’t start up anymore so he started throwing parts at it like I am.
we have an issue on Volkswagen Transporter new engine we cannot fix the time and I don’t know if you can do a little bit
to help us fix the timing
Ignition Switch Installation
Could you kindly confirm, if the steering wheel has to be removed to facilitate the ignition switch installation? The vehicle is a 2000 New Bettle GLS. 4 Cylinder 2.0 Liter Engine. Some mechanics say its not required and some say its required.
Thanks
Hey, sorry it took me so long to reply. I looked it up in our VW repair manual. It says you have to remove the steering wheel.
There are some of our cars that you can get the trim off with out, and I forget which ones you can and which you can’t.
You will need a special tool to remove the airbag. I might recommend having a pro replace it. I usually don’t recommend people mess with airbags.
Correction
Volkswagen New Beetle 2000 Model
I have a 2007 VW Jetta Automatic 2.5, I think the transmission needs to be replace. How much can I expect to pay to get the transmission replace or rebuilt? Also what should I look for in a repair shop when shooping around for this service?
Hi Denise!
I found your twitter post first, but this is a much better way of me to respond to you.
Depending on what the transmission is doing, I would not just to replacement/rebuild. That year and transmission had a few issues with the valve body. That is the fluid controller inside the transmission. VW extended the warranty on many of them. You can call your local VW dealer and have them check your VIN. IF your car falls under that warranty extension, start there.
If your car does not, the solution is much more complicated. Most VW dealers do very little trans rebuilds. Usually the cost to rebuild is so close to replacement, it is worth paying a little more to get a new trans with a 12month 12,000mile warranty.
Tell me a little bit about what your car is doing, and lets go from there.
Thanks for the question, and sorry you are having to ask it.
I was driving my Tiguan and when I slowed down it started misfiring. P2015 and multiple misfires, the low tire pressure light and check engine light are both flashing. I changed the intake manifold bit the problem is still there. Can you help?
What advice to you have to an aspiring mechanic? I love VW’s specifically and would love to learn all about VWs, Audis, and Porsche. I hear its very hard work if you want to be at the top….
hey charles..was also wondering ..how long have you been a vw mechanic? thanks
@Vinny,
Just about 9 years. I totally need to update this page don’t I 😉
Hi Charles,
Love the blog!
I was just wondering of you accepted guest posts, I would love to write something for you.
Katy
Hi Katy,
Thanks for the nice words, I really appreciate that. I don’t generally take guest posts. I am not 100% against them, they just generally fall short. I also find that they are rarely a big benefit to the community.
I do have some other options for guest spots on the blog. You can email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com if you would like.
Cheers
Charles
Great blog! It reminds me of when I used to work as auto body tech. I used to like fixing VW’s. They have so many parts that just snap together! Keep up the good work!
Carl
Hey Carl,
Thanks for the kind words. I bet you seen some CRAZY stuff as an auto body tech. Thanks for checking out the site, I really appreciate that.
Greetings I hope this message finds you in great spirits I have a 1998 VW beetle that I use for my mobile brake service. The car is called the ” Brake Bug” i am having a sitiuation that the fan does not come on causing the car to overheat. I was told to check the fuse – than the fan control module- than the fan is there anything else I should check and where is the fan mod located
Hey Carl.
I like that you use your Beetle for work. I actually think that the mobile mechanic is a great business plan. Anyway,
This is how you need to check the fans.
1)Take the cover off the battery. Check the middle flat fuse on the top of the battery and see if it is blown.
2) Also check the 30amp fuse on the right(passenger side) Take the fuse out. The fuse block is good about melting.
The fan module is under where the battery is. You have to get to it from the bottom.
If the fuses are good, turn on the a/c, and check for power and ground at the fans. The fuses, the fan module, and the fans are all really common failures.
Hi i am a mechanic i work on german cars mostly older BMW’s but love all things german. I have a question regarding my 05 touareg with the 4.2 and air suspension. I replaced the steering rack, bad seal, when i was done the stability control light was on and won’t go out. I have not started to go through and start diagnosing yet, although i did check any electrical connectors that were close by just in case they were loose. It drives ok i thought maybe the steering angle sensor could be bad. Do you have any ideas?
Generally the steering angle sensor will need to be reset with a Scan tool. Not sure if any aftermarket scan tools will do that..
Hi Charles,
My husband bought me a used 2002 VW Jetta and ever since we got it, there seems to be issues with it. Right now the A/C is working off and on and it’s over heating. The temperature light has been coming on periodically since we got it, but my husband would fill the coolant up and it would fix it for a little while. Unfortunately, not this time. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Julie
2000 Passat – 60,000 miles – I locked my glove compartment for an appointment but when I returned, couldn’t unlock the glove compartment. The keys work for the doors and ignition. Any ideas?
Also, Is there any signs that the keys will start causing a problem with the doors or ignition? Thanks. P
hope can get an answer the week of may 17-22. My question is i have a fast heating issue but remains at operating temp. haven’t driven it on a long haul yet. also noticed my fans dont kick on as well as i would assume they would. but tried the AC on trick and both fans run perfectly. So have a few suspects issues. 1. being the fan relay. 2 thermo switch ???? i checked fuse on top of the battery and it looks fine. I just had water pump and timing belt and thermostat replaced last winter. No codes have popped up yet. but planning on taking a long trip up the eastern sea coast and don’t want an overheating issues happen in the middle of nowhere. I’m fairly mechanically savvy. but with these new cars relying heavily on ECUs and relays. diagnosing what was once easy now you have to be careful what you touch. Any help would be appreciated as to where to start
I have a 2011 VW EOS that has sporadic engine and EPC code errors. It started with cylinder 2 malfunction reads. We replaced all spark plugs and cylinders. Good for a couple of months. Came back on and is now random cylinder codes. Under cylinder 2 code, car still ran fine. Now bucking like a rodeo bronco, no pickup, speed not in excess of 30 miles per hour. Help. I love my car and I am in a rural area with few VW options. Thank you.
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Hi
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Thanks
Hello
This one is Great.
Freda’ s is also pa platform that everyone a place to connect with me, and connect with each other.
Thanks
Hii
Awesome place
Thanks for sharing this tips.
Thank You
I own a 08 VW eos 13900 miles 2.0 6 speed turbo was running fine until one evening it would not start . I’ve changed the Battery,Ignition switch and a new stater . I’ve checked the grounds the hot to the starter, I have no power to the solenoid starter wire when key is turned in which the computer sends the signal. Then I felt it could be the Neutral switch on the transmission when you depress the clutch. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated Thank you!
Cheers from Puerto Rico.
Stay humble my Brother.
Your videos are getting better day by day so keep it up… stay safe… and be BLESSED ************************************
Very respectfully… Rafy !!!!!!!
I’m experiencing a problem with my car ( Golf 5 GTI 2.0L BWA)which is overheating when ever it exceeds 120 KM/H . It’s started a day after a Machanic changed a turbo Cartledge, Coils and fuel high pressure pump. I changed water pump and thermostat but still overheating. With your help maybe I will overcome this problem.
Any feedback will do.
This is the nice portfolio website where anyone can find good news, ideas, videos, and podcasts. I will give 10 out of 10.
Hey man. Do you have a shop in nc I can bring my CC to? Would love to have you look at and potentially work on my car. I’ve had it almost 4 years and put over 70k on it now it’s at 148000 almost. It needs a rear main seal for sure and I’m almost sure probably needs more attention and good inspection with vagcom software. I dont trust the folks around here but I am little over an hour from Charlotte nc and was considering going to dap repair. My car has a very slow oil leak. I check the oil often and it barely drops. It is literally just barely dripping but it has been this way for awhile. I just changed oil and noticed it on my previous oil change and I do oil change every 5k so it’s been running locally daily maybe 20miles per day but it does act slightly hesitant at times and may also have some carbon build up as it severely hiccups during acceleration but only when cold until its fully warmed up. It will drive better then but I am worried about driving it very hard so I’d like to have an expert such as yourself check it out or at least a very trustworthy knowledgeable and fair honest shop
I have yet to get to the ignition switch, but I asked a GM Cert Tech where I work if he has seen anything like this, and he said in GM vehicles the door latch is normally what causes this. He said he has seen this in many vehicles, but never in a VW so he was not sure.
How do you take off the steering column trim?
Give me response
I have a 2007 VW Jetta Automatic 2.5, I think the transmission needs to be replace. How much can I expect to pay to get the transmission replace or rebuilt? Also what should I look for in a repair shop when shooping around for this service?
Give me response
Hey,
If you would like to do an interesting video on a 2011 Audi A5 Quattto, I’d love for you to diagnose the problem. Nobody has solved the problem yet.
Love your video’s , very helpful !
Thanks
Hi Charles, I really appreciate your “Some other things you need to know” section in your Bio. I feel like you plucked that out of my brain. I would like to use similar language in some of on online personal accounts. I’m use my own wording but I would like your permission.
Hi Charles
I have a broken multi plug I need to replace and I have the new housing 1J0-973-737 and release tools. I Have figured out the purple section needs to be slid towards the arrow but I still can’t get the terminals released from the housing. Can you help?
Hey Charles, do you have a shop where you take cars (or maybe you can recommend a vw mechanic around Taccoa GA area). 2010 Eos with 2.0 turbo. P0221 and ECM light intermittently. Replaced throttle body, replaced pedal assembly. Don’t have appropriate scanner for readingvtps voltages etc. Mike
Thanks for sharing such a great information with us. i really appreacite it it realyy help
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What is your shop address and tele. I want to make an appt. I need my dpf cleaned, on my 2012 vw Jetta TDI sport wagen. 812 264 2950
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Hi there, i just got a vw passeratti 3b 2000′ 2.8 v6 30v APR 4motion 142kw-193hp with 163.450km ,and i want to ask if is there any way to see one day a video that you can tell us the things we have to watch out on these engines, i bought it from an old guy very cheap it staid in the garrage for 2 years without crank
… I have a 2001 VW GTI 1.8T and I want to ask questions, etc.
A couple of things i didnt know my 2010 golf 2.5L auto tiptronic was doing for 10 years, and one im still not sure it does do.
A) Dual break booster program. There is a reason vw built the car with that annoying to repair/replace vacuum pump. Under normal driving the boost is 5:1. Under gas pedal acceleration followed by sudden rapid breaking the boost gpes to 50:1 You stop about 2 to 3 car lengths quicker at 60mph. Those vacuum pump delete plates should be illegal.
B) When idling at a stop light the engine rpm is not at the normal 720 rpm. Its upat about 1000rpm. I had pushed the ground connection onto thebattery but not tightened the bolt. The car was sensing the poor charging and oncreased the rpm..
C) Brake rotor warming . The abs is gently appling the brakes when the wipers are on and the car is moving for some time period. Im told this started on some vws back in 2008 . But ic never feel it.
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Charles, I watched your YouTube video “Complete R32 Engine Rebuild Boost VR6 Turbo”.
I think using stock head bolts with the spacer between 2 head gaskets is a huge mistake. The additional space of that head gasket spacer + the extra gasket reduces the number (amount) of threads that hold those head bolts to the block. With boost, thus is just asking for those head bolts to pull out the block threads and of course blow the head gaskets.
Also, not powder-coating the oil filter mount is a good idea (though you may not have known it) bare allows some transfer of heat (cooling). If you powder-coat it you reduce that cooling.
Better yet would be to rough up that meal surface. Rough surfaces actually have more surface area that interacts with air to transfer heat. Polishes surfaces drastically have less cooling effect.
You did not mention if the additional head gasket and head spacer required atiming chain with additional link(s). Since the timing chain passes that additional spacing twice (down and up) the additional timing chain length required would be about twice the additional head gasket spacing. Maybe even more than twice since the chain is not exactly 90 degrees to the head gasket.
I like your attention to details and cleanliness when assembling an engine. Your video is very nice to watch.
I hope you can appreciate my constructive criticism. Am not trying to get on your case. Just pointing out some things I saw when watching your video.
Thanks for making the video.
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Jim Tagg
AKA, JimPghPA on the web site Bobistheoilguy
hey charles, have i had couple questions for you about vr6 timing, i saw your video which was great for information. and i got my motor timed but theres couple things dont seem right and im not sure exactly why. if you could drop me an email so i can send a couple pics for you to look at and see what your thoughts are.. its mostly the cam timing where things are little weird. i have chain set for where the gold links are suppose to be but between the 2 cams i slight bit of slack, where you say there needs to be no slack. all timing marks line up everything looks like its right. except for the little bit of slack is.. its a vr6 3.6L by the way..
thanks for your time keep up the good work.. maybe one day well actual get to meet at a car show. would love to meet paul some day also,.lol you 2 together = good comedy..
thanks Terry