1995 VW Golf... another problem/question...

snip
"You didn't mention if it ever started... "
/snip

sorry, about that, after about 5 or 6 tries it does start. i didn't try
giving it any throttle, because it started just before i thought of that.

i've already checked the timing belt, it looks good, missing a screw on the
cover though, the serpentine belt needs replacing - the belt that's in there
isn't even the correct one.

snip
"Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea!"
/snip

i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to someone
else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.

thanks



"Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:BVdLc.17992$Gf7.617703@news20.bellglobal.com...
 > You didn't mention if it ever started... Did you try giving some throttle
as
 > the engine was turning over, this used to work on my old 91' Golf when it
 > refused to start (due to bad idle caused by the temperature sensor -
 > apparantly) it would still barely run, but it wouldn't cut out... This
 > tactic also worked on two of my friends Jetta's, a 90 and a 92.
 >
 > Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea! New
plugs,
 > rotor, wires, distributor cap, flush the fluids... Might be a little
pricey,
 > but it's all normal maintenance items, you're just doing them all at once.
 > Get the timing belt checked, replace if cracked.
 > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
 > news:SScLc.18063$Vw3.994521@news20.bellglobal.com...
  > > it's me again...
  > >
  > > I stopped at the drugstore on Sunday afternoon after driving back from
the
  > > cottage to pick up some cream for my sunburn which has left my body the
  > > colour of a nicely cooked lobster... I got back into my car, put the key
 > in
  > > the ignition and turned. The car starts, but doesn't seem to 'catch'
(if
  > > that makes any sense) when I release the key.
  > >
  > > I've recently replaced the battery, but no other work has been done on
it,
  > > and I figure it needs a good "check-up".
  > >
  > > Does anyone know what's wrong here? And/or how much it's going to cost
to
  > > fix it (or how much parts are?)?
  > >
  > > Thanks
  > >
  > >
  > > oh, and to those of you that helped answer my car stereo question- I
 > checked
  > > the fuse and it was toast, so I've replaced it, but I've yet to put the
  > > stereo in to see if it works.... thanks for all your help!!
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

I know of one good VW dealer mechanic, and two good VW/Audi performance
shops around the greater Toronto Area, if that's anywhere near you... I also
know of one regular VW mechanic.
"lilmissgiggles" <nospam.TakeThisOut@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:qQeLc.18599$Vw3.1027759@news20.bellglobal.com...
 > snip
 > "You didn't mention if it ever started... "
 > /snip
 >
 > sorry, about that, after about 5 or 6 tries it does start. i didn't try
 > giving it any throttle, because it started just before i thought of that.
 >
 > i've already checked the timing belt, it looks good, missing a screw on
the
 > cover though, the serpentine belt needs replacing - the belt that's in
there
 > isn't even the correct one.
 >
 > snip
 > "Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea!"
 > /snip
 >
 > i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to someone
 > else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.
 >
 > thanks
 >
 >
 >
 > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.TakeThisOut@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
 > news:BVdLc.17992$Gf7.617703@news20.bellglobal.com...
  > > You didn't mention if it ever started... Did you try giving some
throttle
 > as
  > > the engine was turning over, this used to work on my old 91' Golf when
it
  > > refused to start (due to bad idle caused by the temperature sensor -
  > > apparantly) it would still barely run, but it wouldn't cut out... This
  > > tactic also worked on two of my friends Jetta's, a 90 and a 92.
  > >
  > > Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea! New
 > plugs,
  > > rotor, wires, distributor cap, flush the fluids... Might be a little
 > pricey,
  > > but it's all normal maintenance items, you're just doing them all at
once.
  > > Get the timing belt checked, replace if cracked.
  > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.TakeThisOut@nospam.com> wrote in message
  > > news:SScLc.18063$Vw3.994521@news20.bellglobal.com...
   > > > it's me again...
   > > >
   > > > I stopped at the drugstore on Sunday afternoon after driving back from
 > the
   > > > cottage to pick up some cream for my sunburn which has left my body
the
   > > > colour of a nicely cooked lobster... I got back into my car, put the
key
  > > in
   > > > the ignition and turned. The car starts, but doesn't seem to 'catch'
 > (if
   > > > that makes any sense) when I release the key.
   > > >
   > > > I've recently replaced the battery, but no other work has been done on
 > it,
   > > > and I figure it needs a good "check-up".
   > > >
   > > > Does anyone know what's wrong here? And/or how much it's going to cost
 > to
   > > > fix it (or how much parts are?)?
   > > >
   > > > Thanks
   > > >
   > > >
   > > > oh, and to those of you that helped answer my car stereo question- I
  > > checked
   > > > the fuse and it was toast, so I've replaced it, but I've yet to put
the
   > > > stereo in to see if it works.... thanks for all your help!!
   > > >
   > > >
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

Rob-

I work in Mississauga, and live in Toronto. What/where do you recommend??


"Rob Guenther" <robertguenther RemoveThis @sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:K%eLc.18982$Gf7.631470@news20.bellglobal.com...
 > I know of one good VW dealer mechanic, and two good VW/Audi performance
 > shops around the greater Toronto Area, if that's anywhere near you... I
also
 > know of one regular VW mechanic.
 > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam RemoveThis @nospam.com> wrote in message
 > news:qQeLc.18599$Vw3.1027759@news20.bellglobal.com...
  > > snip
  > > "You didn't mention if it ever started... "
  > > /snip
  > >
  > > sorry, about that, after about 5 or 6 tries it does start. i didn't try
  > > giving it any throttle, because it started just before i thought of
that.
  > >
  > > i've already checked the timing belt, it looks good, missing a screw on
 > the
  > > cover though, the serpentine belt needs replacing - the belt that's in
 > there
  > > isn't even the correct one.
  > >
  > > snip
  > > "Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea!"
  > > /snip
  > >
  > > i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to someone
  > > else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.
  > >
  > > thanks
  > >
  > >
  > >
  > > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther RemoveThis @sympatico.ca> wrote in message
  > > news:BVdLc.17992$Gf7.617703@news20.bellglobal.com...
   > > > You didn't mention if it ever started... Did you try giving some
 > throttle
  > > as
   > > > the engine was turning over, this used to work on my old 91' Golf when
 > it
   > > > refused to start (due to bad idle caused by the temperature sensor -
   > > > apparantly) it would still barely run, but it wouldn't cut out... This
   > > > tactic also worked on two of my friends Jetta's, a 90 and a 92.
   > > >
   > > > Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea! New
  > > plugs,
   > > > rotor, wires, distributor cap, flush the fluids... Might be a little
  > > pricey,
   > > > but it's all normal maintenance items, you're just doing them all at
 > once.
   > > > Get the timing belt checked, replace if cracked.
   > > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam RemoveThis @nospam.com> wrote in message
   > > > news:SScLc.18063$Vw3.994521@news20.bellglobal.com...
   > > > > it's me again...
   > > > >
   > > > > I stopped at the drugstore on Sunday afternoon after driving back
from
  > > the
   > > > > cottage to pick up some cream for my sunburn which has left my body
 > the
   > > > > colour of a nicely cooked lobster... I got back into my car, put the
 > key
   > > > in
   > > > > the ignition and turned. The car starts, but doesn't seem to
'catch'
  > > (if
   > > > > that makes any sense) when I release the key.
   > > > >
   > > > > I've recently replaced the battery, but no other work has been done
on
  > > it,
   > > > > and I figure it needs a good "check-up".
   > > > >
   > > > > Does anyone know what's wrong here? And/or how much it's going to
cost
  > > to
   > > > > fix it (or how much parts are?)?
   > > > >
   > > > > Thanks
   > > > >
   > > > >
   > > > > oh, and to those of you that helped answer my car stereo question- I
   > > > checked
   > > > > the fuse and it was toast, so I've replaced it, but I've yet to put
 > the
   > > > > stereo in to see if it works.... thanks for all your help!!
   > > > >
   > > > >
   > > >
   > > >
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

"lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:qQeLc.18599$Vw3.1027759@news20.bellglobal.com...
 >
 > i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to someone
 > else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.
 >
 > thanks
 >

I'd opt for "someone else". Once a car is out of warranty, and no longer a blank
check for the dealer, they seem to lose interest and are quick to make it seem
like a hopeless case. In a way this makes sense, as most people are not willing
to pay dealer service costs and dealer parts prices on 9 year old cars. Find a
good local shop and let them sort things out for you.

That is my advice...add your own grains of salt.

--
Tony Bad

02 Jetta Wagon
01 Eurovan MV
91 Jetta 1.6 Diesel
86 Jetta
79 Rabbit 1.5 Diesel (semi-retired for now)
Schwinn Continental 10 Speed
Radio Flyer Pedal Car (my daughter made me add this)<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

thats kind of what i was thinking....


"Tony Bad" <SpamSpamSpam.RemoveThis@bakedbeans.spam> wrote in message
news:48fLc.61840$S45.7261651@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net...
 >
 > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
 > news:qQeLc.18599$Vw3.1027759@news20.bellglobal.com...
  > >
  > > i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to someone
  > > else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.
  > >
  > > thanks
  > >
 >
 > I'd opt for "someone else". Once a car is out of warranty, and no longer a
blank
 > check for the dealer, they seem to lose interest and are quick to make it
seem
 > like a hopeless case. In a way this makes sense, as most people are not
willing
 > to pay dealer service costs and dealer parts prices on 9 year old cars.
Find a
 > good local shop and let them sort things out for you.
 >
 > That is my advice...add your own grains of salt.
 >
 > --
 > Tony Bad
 >
 > 02 Jetta Wagon
 > 01 Eurovan MV
 > 91 Jetta 1.6 Diesel
 > 86 Jetta
 > 79 Rabbit 1.5 Diesel (semi-retired for now)
 > Schwinn Continental 10 Speed
 > Radio Flyer Pedal Car (my daughter made me add this)
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

The VW dealer in Georgetown (northwest of Brampton along HWY7) is where I
get 90% of my work done (the routine services at intervals, and some
repairs) other stuff I tackle myself (with help from a friend)... I got my
rear suspension inspected by R2SPORT which is located right next to the VW
dealer in town (actually, in their old repair bays), they are going to
replace all my struts for me, i'm having a good feeling about them so far...
more of a performance shop tho, but they will do normal stuff... Basically
you probably pay just a bit less on labour, same parts costs as dealer on
what i've seen. There is also Audi Only out near Newmarket, they will
service VW's.... I find them too far out of the way tho, this is a real Audi
performance shop... wouldn't recommend it unless you want to tune the hell
out of a car... tho they do great work, they tuned up our old 91 Golf to
make it run like new (too bad it still knew it had a 13 year old electrical
system...). There is also Arno's Volkswagen in Glen Williams, we used to
take our car here under the old owner... we've had mediocre experience with
the new owners tho, so it's all dealer for now.

I'd say Gtown VW for a good dealer... they've got a brand new facility and
are pretty nice people. I think they just bumped their labour rate up tho...
but a tuneup of cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and air filter only takes me and
my dad around an hour or so.... And we're not the fastest workers.
"lilmissgiggles" <nospam.DeleteThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:BjfLc.18717$Vw3.1038415@news20.bellglobal.com...
 > Rob-
 >
 > I work in Mississauga, and live in Toronto. What/where do you recommend??
 >
 >
 > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.DeleteThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
 > news:K%eLc.18982$Gf7.631470@news20.bellglobal.com...
  > > I know of one good VW dealer mechanic, and two good VW/Audi performance
  > > shops around the greater Toronto Area, if that's anywhere near you... I
 > also
  > > know of one regular VW mechanic.
  > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.DeleteThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
  > > news:qQeLc.18599$Vw3.1027759@news20.bellglobal.com...
   > > > snip
   > > > "You didn't mention if it ever started... "
   > > > /snip
   > > >
   > > > sorry, about that, after about 5 or 6 tries it does start. i didn't
try
   > > > giving it any throttle, because it started just before i thought of
 > that.
   > > >
   > > > i've already checked the timing belt, it looks good, missing a screw
on
  > > the
   > > > cover though, the serpentine belt needs replacing - the belt that's in
  > > there
   > > > isn't even the correct one.
   > > >
   > > > snip
   > > > "Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea!"
   > > > /snip
   > > >
   > > > i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to someone
   > > > else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.
   > > >
   > > > thanks
   > > >
   > > >
   > > >
   > > > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.DeleteThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
   > > > news:BVdLc.17992$Gf7.617703@news20.bellglobal.com...
   > > > > You didn't mention if it ever started... Did you try giving some
  > > throttle
   > > > as
   > > > > the engine was turning over, this used to work on my old 91' Golf
when
  > > it
   > > > > refused to start (due to bad idle caused by the temperature sensor -
   > > > > apparantly) it would still barely run, but it wouldn't cut out...
This
   > > > > tactic also worked on two of my friends Jetta's, a 90 and a 92.
   > > > >
   > > > > Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea!
New
   > > > plugs,
   > > > > rotor, wires, distributor cap, flush the fluids... Might be a little
   > > > pricey,
   > > > > but it's all normal maintenance items, you're just doing them all at
  > > once.
   > > > > Get the timing belt checked, replace if cracked.
   > > > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.DeleteThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
   > > > > news:SScLc.18063$Vw3.994521@news20.bellglobal.com...
   > > > > > it's me again...
   > > > > >
   > > > > > I stopped at the drugstore on Sunday afternoon after driving back
 > from
   > > > the
   > > > > > cottage to pick up some cream for my sunburn which has left my
body
  > > the
   > > > > > colour of a nicely cooked lobster... I got back into my car, put
the
  > > key
   > > > > in
   > > > > > the ignition and turned. The car starts, but doesn't seem to
 > 'catch'
   > > > (if
   > > > > > that makes any sense) when I release the key.
   > > > > >
   > > > > > I've recently replaced the battery, but no other work has been
done
 > on
   > > > it,
   > > > > > and I figure it needs a good "check-up".
   > > > > >
   > > > > > Does anyone know what's wrong here? And/or how much it's going to
 > cost
   > > > to
   > > > > > fix it (or how much parts are?)?
   > > > > >
   > > > > > Thanks
   > > > > >
   > > > > >
   > > > > > oh, and to those of you that helped answer my car stereo question-
I
   > > > > checked
   > > > > > the fuse and it was toast, so I've replaced it, but I've yet to
put
  > > the
   > > > > > stereo in to see if it works.... thanks for all your help!!
   > > > > >
   > > > > >
   > > > >
   > > > >
   > > >
   > > >
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

lilmissgiggles wrote:

<snip>

 > The car starts, but doesn't seem to 'catch' (if
 > that makes any sense) when I release the key.

<snip>

Do you mean that the engine starts, but then stops again as soon as you
release the key from "Start" to "run"? If so, it could be the ignition
switch.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

Her problem sounds like the problem I had with my old 91... Temp sensors
(blue and black one) and a full tuneup curred it of its issues... ignition
was fine.... I think it was mainly the sensors, at least thats what people
on this NG told me at the time.
"Randolph" <trash.RemoveThis@junkmail.com> wrote in message
news:40FD90C2.4B06CE90@junkmail.com...
 >
 > lilmissgiggles wrote:
 >
 > <snip>
 >
  > > The car starts, but doesn't seem to 'catch' (if
  > > that makes any sense) when I release the key.
 >
 > <snip>
 >
 > Do you mean that the engine starts, but then stops again as soon as you
 > release the key from "Start" to "run"? If so, it could be the ignition
 > switch.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

Thanks for the help Rob, I have a friend (who lives WAYYYY out in the
'country' right now, but come the school year he'll be closer), but he does
a lot of work on cars, and I'm trying to learn some things myself (I was
pretty pissed when I couldn't get the lug nuts off my tire when I blew the
air valve one night and I had to call a towtruck and pay some guy $53.00)
but for now I'll take it to a shop and have them take a good look it.

The next few weeks are going to be rather expensive.... new muffler,
'check-up', the ignition problem fixed (hopefully it will be solved with the
tune-up...), new wipers, new driver's side headlight lens (trying to find
one at a junk yard- slightly difficult...) and somewhere in the very near
future I need to put the lock back in the passenger door, get new rims as
the one of the ones I have now is slightly bent, new tires, needs some body
work done, and eventually a paint job.

I have my fingers crossed that nothing else goes wrong, or that nothing
major IS wrong with the car...

Oh, and speaking of body work- any recommendations to a good place to go?


"Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:hKjLc.19720$Gf7.705247@news20.bellglobal.com...
> The VW dealer in Georgetown (northwest of Brampton along HWY7) is where I
> get 90% of my work done (the routine services at intervals, and some
> repairs) other stuff I tackle myself (with help from a friend)... I got my
> rear suspension inspected by R2SPORT which is located right next to the VW
> dealer in town (actually, in their old repair bays), they are going to
> replace all my struts for me, i'm having a good feeling about them so
far...
> more of a performance shop tho, but they will do normal stuff... Basically
> you probably pay just a bit less on labour, same parts costs as dealer on
> what i've seen. There is also Audi Only out near Newmarket, they will
> service VW's.... I find them too far out of the way tho, this is a real
Audi
> performance shop... wouldn't recommend it unless you want to tune the hell
> out of a car... tho they do great work, they tuned up our old 91 Golf to
> make it run like new (too bad it still knew it had a 13 year old
electrical
> system...). There is also Arno's Volkswagen in Glen Williams, we used to
> take our car here under the old owner... we've had mediocre experience
with
> the new owners tho, so it's all dealer for now.
>
> I'd say Gtown VW for a good dealer... they've got a brand new facility and
> are pretty nice people. I think they just bumped their labour rate up
tho...
> but a tuneup of cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and air filter only takes me and
> my dad around an hour or so.... And we're not the fastest workers.
> "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:BjfLc.18717$Vw3.1038415@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > Rob-
> >
> > I work in Mississauga, and live in Toronto. What/where do you
recommend??
> >
> >
> > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > news:K%eLc.18982$Gf7.631470@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > I know of one good VW dealer mechanic, and two good VW/Audi
performance
> > > shops around the greater Toronto Area, if that's anywhere near you...
I
> > also
> > > know of one regular VW mechanic.
> > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
> > > news:qQeLc.18599$Vw3.1027759@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > > snip
> > > > "You didn't mention if it ever started... "
> > > > /snip
> > > >
> > > > sorry, about that, after about 5 or 6 tries it does start. i didn't
> try
> > > > giving it any throttle, because it started just before i thought of
> > that.
> > > >
> > > > i've already checked the timing belt, it looks good, missing a screw
> on
> > > the
> > > > cover though, the serpentine belt needs replacing - the belt that's
in
> > > there
> > > > isn't even the correct one.
> > > >
> > > > snip
> > > > "Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea!"
> > > > /snip
> > > >
> > > > i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to
someone
> > > > else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.
> > > >
> > > > thanks
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > > news:BVdLc.17992$Gf7.617703@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > > > You didn't mention if it ever started... Did you try giving some
> > > throttle
> > > > as
> > > > > the engine was turning over, this used to work on my old 91' Golf
> when
> > > it
> > > > > refused to start (due to bad idle caused by the temperature
sensor -
> > > > > apparantly) it would still barely run, but it wouldn't cut out...
> This
> > > > > tactic also worked on two of my friends Jetta's, a 90 and a 92.
> > > > >
> > > > > Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic idea!
> New
> > > > plugs,
> > > > > rotor, wires, distributor cap, flush the fluids... Might be a
little
> > > > pricey,
> > > > > but it's all normal maintenance items, you're just doing them all
at
> > > once.
> > > > > Get the timing belt checked, replace if cracked.
> > > > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:SScLc.18063$Vw3.994521@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > > > > it's me again...
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I stopped at the drugstore on Sunday afternoon after driving
back
> > from
> > > > the
> > > > > > cottage to pick up some cream for my sunburn which has left my
> body
> > > the
> > > > > > colour of a nicely cooked lobster... I got back into my car, put
> the
> > > key
> > > > > in
> > > > > > the ignition and turned. The car starts, but doesn't seem to
> > 'catch'
> > > > (if
> > > > > > that makes any sense) when I release the key.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've recently replaced the battery, but no other work has been
> done
> > on
> > > > it,
> > > > > > and I figure it needs a good "check-up".
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Does anyone know what's wrong here? And/or how much it's going
to
> > cost
> > > > to
> > > > > > fix it (or how much parts are?)?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > oh, and to those of you that helped answer my car stereo
question-
> I
> > > > > checked
> > > > > > the fuse and it was toast, so I've replaced it, but I've yet to
> put
> > > the
> > > > > > stereo in to see if it works.... thanks for all your help!!
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question... 

Body work, the only time we've ever needed it is when my mom backed her
Volvo into a low fence type of bar... Crumpled some metal on the back of the
car... Went to a place called Riteway, in town... They did great work. My
friend really banged up his Tercel and he got it fixed at a place called
Arnies, in Norval (small town between Brampton and Georgetown along HWY7)
and you can't tell the car was in an accident, the work was immaculate (new
hood, fender, headlamps, fixed a transmission problem that would have caused
him thousands down the road, paint is a dead perfect match too)!

Your tuneup should solve the start problem... I don't know if the A3
Golf/Jetta's have them, but get them to change the two temperature sensors,
one's for the gauge (black in colour on the old cars) and ones for the
computer (blue)... No idea what a 1995's engine bay even looks like, and it
might not have these sensors, but they cause a lot of
starting/idling/running issues on the older A2 style when they act up.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you, i've got a 1999.5 (the .5 means new
style, as there were 99 old style, similar to your car, if you didn't know)
with NEARLY 100K Kms on it (2 hundred to go... i'm very excited...) and I
drive it pretty hard, and high kms in one year... so it needed a LOT done
this year. Tires, front brakes, going to be putting on new shocks in 2
weeks, total fluid changes (gets expensive when it's all synthetic), enough
oil changes to make me wonder if I should push them to the 15K Kms limit,
and not do it every 10... I think i'll stick with 10 tho. I've got a friend
who can help me, but so far it's either been too much work for him to do
(total suspension), or too small/messy of a job to really want to bug him
about... He did do my brakes tho, brakes are actually really easy I
found.... So i'm trying to learn, basically at the same stage as you - car
getting older, smallish bank account being effectively drained by car... I
figure tho, I don't need tuneups since I drive diesel, and there are only so
many systems left to have issues... so once as I have my rear brakes and
timing belt done next year.... I think i'm set for another couple years of
just fluids. Same with you probably... get over this big hurdle of tuneups
and fixing the paint etc, and you could very well be good to go... .
"lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:HfALc.23622$Vw3.1447557@news20.bellglobal.com...
> Thanks for the help Rob, I have a friend (who lives WAYYYY out in the
> 'country' right now, but come the school year he'll be closer), but he
does
> a lot of work on cars, and I'm trying to learn some things myself (I was
> pretty pissed when I couldn't get the lug nuts off my tire when I blew the
> air valve one night and I had to call a towtruck and pay some guy $53.00)
> but for now I'll take it to a shop and have them take a good look it.
>
> The next few weeks are going to be rather expensive.... new muffler,
> 'check-up', the ignition problem fixed (hopefully it will be solved with
the
> tune-up...), new wipers, new driver's side headlight lens (trying to find
> one at a junk yard- slightly difficult...) and somewhere in the very near
> future I need to put the lock back in the passenger door, get new rims as
> the one of the ones I have now is slightly bent, new tires, needs some
body
> work done, and eventually a paint job.
>
> I have my fingers crossed that nothing else goes wrong, or that nothing
> major IS wrong with the car...
>
> Oh, and speaking of body work- any recommendations to a good place to go?
>
>
> "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:hKjLc.19720$Gf7.705247@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > The VW dealer in Georgetown (northwest of Brampton along HWY7) is where
I
> > get 90% of my work done (the routine services at intervals, and some
> > repairs) other stuff I tackle myself (with help from a friend)... I got
my
> > rear suspension inspected by R2SPORT which is located right next to the
VW
> > dealer in town (actually, in their old repair bays), they are going to
> > replace all my struts for me, i'm having a good feeling about them so
> far...
> > more of a performance shop tho, but they will do normal stuff...
Basically
> > you probably pay just a bit less on labour, same parts costs as dealer
on
> > what i've seen. There is also Audi Only out near Newmarket, they will
> > service VW's.... I find them too far out of the way tho, this is a real
> Audi
> > performance shop... wouldn't recommend it unless you want to tune the
hell
> > out of a car... tho they do great work, they tuned up our old 91 Golf to
> > make it run like new (too bad it still knew it had a 13 year old
> electrical
> > system...). There is also Arno's Volkswagen in Glen Williams, we used to
> > take our car here under the old owner... we've had mediocre experience
> with
> > the new owners tho, so it's all dealer for now.
> >
> > I'd say Gtown VW for a good dealer... they've got a brand new facility
and
> > are pretty nice people. I think they just bumped their labour rate up
> tho...
> > but a tuneup of cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and air filter only takes me
and
> > my dad around an hour or so.... And we're not the fastest workers.
> > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
> > news:BjfLc.18717$Vw3.1038415@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > Rob-
> > >
> > > I work in Mississauga, and live in Toronto. What/where do you
> recommend??
> > >
> > >
> > > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:K%eLc.18982$Gf7.631470@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > > I know of one good VW dealer mechanic, and two good VW/Audi
> performance
> > > > shops around the greater Toronto Area, if that's anywhere near
you...
> I
> > > also
> > > > know of one regular VW mechanic.
> > > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:qQeLc.18599$Vw3.1027759@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > > > snip
> > > > > "You didn't mention if it ever started... "
> > > > > /snip
> > > > >
> > > > > sorry, about that, after about 5 or 6 tries it does start. i
didn't
> > try
> > > > > giving it any throttle, because it started just before i thought
of
> > > that.
> > > > >
> > > > > i've already checked the timing belt, it looks good, missing a
screw
> > on
> > > > the
> > > > > cover though, the serpentine belt needs replacing - the belt
that's
> in
> > > > there
> > > > > isn't even the correct one.
> > > > >
> > > > > snip
> > > > > "Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic
idea!"
> > > > > /snip
> > > > >
> > > > > i'm just debating whether to take it to a VW dealership or to
> someone
> > > > > else... I don't need to spend more cash than i have to.
> > > > >
> > > > > thanks
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Rob Guenther" <robertguenther.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > > > news:BVdLc.17992$Gf7.617703@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > > > > You didn't mention if it ever started... Did you try giving some
> > > > throttle
> > > > > as
> > > > > > the engine was turning over, this used to work on my old 91'
Golf
> > when
> > > > it
> > > > > > refused to start (due to bad idle caused by the temperature
> sensor -
> > > > > > apparantly) it would still barely run, but it wouldn't cut
out...
> > This
> > > > > > tactic also worked on two of my friends Jetta's, a 90 and a 92.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Tuneing up a newly bought used car is generally a fantastic
idea!
> > New
> > > > > plugs,
> > > > > > rotor, wires, distributor cap, flush the fluids... Might be a
> little
> > > > > pricey,
> > > > > > but it's all normal maintenance items, you're just doing them
all
> at
> > > > once.
> > > > > > Get the timing belt checked, replace if cracked.
> > > > > > "lilmissgiggles" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:SScLc.18063$Vw3.994521@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > > > > > > it's me again...
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I stopped at the drugstore on Sunday afternoon after driving
> back
> > > from
> > > > > the
> > > > > > > cottage to pick up some cream for my sunburn which has left my
> > body
> > > > the
> > > > > > > colour of a nicely cooked lobster... I got back into my car,
put
> > the
> > > > key
> > > > > > in
> > > > > > > the ignition and turned. The car starts, but doesn't seem to
> > > 'catch'
> > > > > (if
> > > > > > > that makes any sense) when I release the key.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I've recently replaced the battery, but no other work has been
> > done
> > > on
> > > > > it,
> > > > > > > and I figure it needs a good "check-up".
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Does anyone know what's wrong here? And/or how much it's going
> to
> > > cost
> > > > > to
> > > > > > > fix it (or how much parts are?)?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Thanks
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > oh, and to those of you that helped answer my car stereo
> question-
> > I
> > > > > > checked
> > > > > > > the fuse and it was toast, so I've replaced it, but I've yet
to
> > put
> > > > the
> > > > > > > stereo in to see if it works.... thanks for all your help!!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: 1995 VW Golf... another problem/question...