First Unexpected Issue With My VW Golf

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
02/07/2015 at 20:55 • Filed to: VW Ownership

After 5 months of 100% trouble free motoring ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ), my Golf played one on me. As I arrived home today I decided to top it off with wiper fluid. As I grabbed the hood release and and tried to pull it, I felt a snatch and the latch just went freely without opening the hood.

I have had this issue happen to me before in my old Cabrio, and I took it to an Independent VW shop which charged me about $9 Dollars but I don't know if it would be a good idea to take this car there. Tomorrow is Sunday which means my VW dealership service department is closed, and I don't know if they would make a big deal out of it ordering god knows how many parts from Puebla or if they would be done in less than half an hour.

Should I take it to the independent shop or wait for Monday to take advantage of the juicy warranty?

DISCUSSION (20)

WhiskeyGolf > Vicente Esteve
02/07/2015 at 21:02

I'm for the warranty. Quick fix will probably work, but with the dealer the issue can be logged and hopefully fixed for the future.

dogisbadob > Vicente Esteve
02/07/2015 at 21:03

Glad to hear the new Golfs are more reliable than the old ones. Holy shit did you really get FIVE WHOLE MONTHS of trouble-free... from a GOLF???? (sorry, I had to)

Were you planning on doing anything tomorrow? If not, wait until Monday and use the warranty.

Vicente Esteve > WhiskeyGolf
02/07/2015 at 21:07

Yup, will have to wait until Monday though, and Mexican dealerships are very "eh, yeah, we can't check it today. Theres stuff we need to do". But its better I guess.

Vicente Esteve > dogisbadob
02/07/2015 at 21:13

Ha, yeah it has been trouble free for 5 months.

I think I will take it on Monday right after school ends. I also have to check the MDI cable since it also just broke.

Svend > Vicente Esteve
02/07/2015 at 21:46

If under warranty, make the use of it.

It has been relatively common issue with VAG cars. I believe it's something to do with how the cable is connected to the latch or pull handle.

Vicente Esteve > Svend
02/07/2015 at 21:57

Warranty it is!

Svend > Vicente Esteve
02/07/2015 at 22:02

If it happens again ask the dealership or contact VW USA to extend the warranty on the cable, pull and latch.

Vicente Esteve > Svend
02/07/2015 at 22:05

Im in Mexico! But yeah, I would ask for that if the issue happens again.

Svend > Vicente Esteve
02/07/2015 at 22:11

Have a look at some forums it's not an uncommon thing to happen on VWs, Seats and Skodas.

Vicente Esteve > Svend
02/07/2015 at 22:18

I have looked, but it doesn't seem to be an easy fix at all.

ttyymmnn > Vicente Esteve
02/07/2015 at 22:21

Warranty. Period. You paid for it, use it.

Svend > Vicente Esteve
02/07/2015 at 22:33

Some remedies.

With the help of another person, apply some pressure to the leading edge of the bonnet and pull the lever again, now quickly release the pressure on the bonnet and repeat a few times. The latch may of just jammed due to where the release mechanism is and needs lubricated.

You should also be able to snake your arm up behind the front bumper (if you can raise the car all the better) and flick the catch over if it is the cable that has gone or the link between the two cables has come loose.

Google 'Vw Golf bonnet release problem' and there are a few threads on there.

Vicente Esteve > ttyymmnn
02/07/2015 at 22:44

Im using it, no question.

Vicente Esteve > Svend
02/07/2015 at 23:04

Thanks! I already did, but I have no one to help me now so I'll try it tomorrow.