San Leandro, CA – Common Volkswagen Beetle Issues | Auto Repair Shop News

Power Window Sticking

Because of frequent use, the mechanism that raises and lowers power windows habitually fails. This part is called a regulator. It includes the motor that provides the force to run the window up and down and its connections. We can install an aftermarket part that is more reliable than OEM and less expensive.

Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure

This vital part reports your engine’s temperature to the central computer (ECU). This component controls important parameters for efficient and smooth engine operation.

On starting the engine, more fuel is required to run well until the engine is warmed up. During a cold start, the coolant temperature sensor signals the ECU to richen the fuel/air mixture. If this sensor sends the wrong signal, the engine will hesitate during acceleration and stall at idle.

If this sensor tells the ECU the engine is overheating, the air conditioner will stop working, and the radiator fans will constantly operate.

If this sensor tells the computer the engine is cold when it’s warm, your motor runs rich, emissions increase, and poor fuel economy results. The engine will overheat, and damage may result. The ECU won’t retard the ignition timing and activate the cooling fans when appropriate.

A failed coolant temperature sensor will illuminate the Check Engine light. This warning should not be ignored, as engine damage may result. Also, you cannot pass a smog check with a Check Engine light on.

Failed Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor

The MAF sensor tells the ECU how much air flows into the engine. The ECU uses that information to resolve the air/fuel balance. Since the MAF sensor follows the engine air filter, a soiled air filter will let dirt past it to clog the MAF sensor. A broken or dirty MAF sensor will give you the following symptoms:

When an engine runs rich excess fuel comes out of the tailpipe as black smoke. A rich mixture can also cause catalytic converter problems. A MAF sensor sending wrong information to the ECU can cause lean or rich running. A lean air/fuel mixture will result in difficulty starting and poor acceleration. A rich mixture will cause surging with a constant accelerator position and poor fuel mileage.

Either condition will cause a rough idle. A malfunctioning or dirty MAF sensor will cause the Check Engine light to illuminate.

Don’t let fear of finding out stop you from having that Check Engine light investigated. By solving the malfunction that caused the light to go on, we can save you money in the long run. Call us or visit our website for an appointment to solve these common Beetle problems. Our master mechanics will find a cost-saving solution and get you back on the road with a great-running Beetle.