Volkswagen Mk.5 Golf GTi (2019-09)
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. Furthermore, the number of items identified below should not be taken as an indicator of a model's reliability or the frequency with which they may occur. In December 2009, Volkswagen USA initiated a 'Customer Satisfaction Campaign' for 2007-09 'model year' Volkswagen vehicles that had six-speed DSG transmissions. According to Volkswagen, the six-speed DQ250 DSG transmissions of a limited number of 2007-09 'model year' Volkswagen vehicles had a faulty component inside the transmission鈥檚 Mechatronic unit. Specifically, the bushings of two solenoid valves inside the mechatronic unit could wear prematurely, causing the clutches inside the transmission to 鈥榦perate less smoothly than before鈥?and provide jerky gearshifts. According to Volkswagen, the vehicle remained safe to drive since it did not affect forward or rearward motion of the vehicle. As part of the 'Customer Satisfaction Campaign', Volkswagen would replace mechatronic units that were identified as faulty by Volkswagen's diagnostic tool.
As part of the Customer Satisfaction Campaign, Volkswagen extended the warranty on the DQ250 DSG transmission to ten years or 100,000 miles (160,900 kilometres) - whichever occurred first - from the vehicle鈥檚 original 'in-service' date. The 'in-service' date was defined as the date that the vehicle was delivered to the original purchaser/lessee or, if the vehicle was a demonstrator, the date that the vehicle commenced service. Under the extended warranty, the Volkswagen dealer was responsible for diagnosing and repairing the DSG transmission at no cost to the owner provided that the vehicle was maintained in accordance with the requirements in the owner's manual. Although the manual transmission is a 鈥榮ealed for life鈥?unit, it is recommended that the oil be checked at every second service. The clutch for the manual transmission generally has a service life between 60,000 kms and 160,000 kms depending on use. The Golf GTi's cambelt is scheduled to be replaced every 80,000 miles (around 130,000 kms) or every four years, whichever comes first. Furthermore, the water pump and tensioners should be replaced at the same time.
For the Mk.5 Golf GTi, the high-pressure fuel pump is driven off a camshaft and the cam follower is prone to early wear. If the follower fails, it can cause serious damage to the engine鈥檚 top-end. Given the relatively low replacement cost, some owners recommend changes every 40,000 kms. The diverter valve controlled air flow to the turbocharger. A whistling noise in fourth gear at low engine speeds. The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve was a one-way air valve that enabled blow-by gases to enter the intake tract upstream of the MAF (mass airflow sensor) so that they could be burned in the combustion chamber. Oil in or around the diverter valve, oil cap, valve cover, engine cover and coil packs. To diagnose a failed PCV valve, 1. Briefly remove the oil cap or the dip stick - if the engine keeps idling as normal, then the PCV valve has failed. 2. Remove the PCV valve and blow through it on the intake manifold side - if air goes through it without any resistance, then this indicates that the valve has failed.
For the Mk.5 Golf GTi, carbon may build up on the back of the valves and prevent them from sealing properly - this can cause high oil consumption. According to VW, however, oil consumption of one litre per 15,000 km is regarded as acceptable. If the rear shock absorbers become soft, consequences include excessive wear to the inside of the rear tyres and droning noises (like a worn wheel bearing) from the rear of the vehicle. The air conditioning may become gradually warmer due to a faulty temperature sensor causing the evaporator to freeze up. The airbag warning light may illuminate due to high resistance in a connector under the driver and/or passenger seat; if so, the connector must be replaced. Where fitted, the satellite navigation system may develop several faults (i.e. no map, inaudible audio, et cetera) and require the software to be upgraded. Noises from the rear springs may be fixed by replacing the galvanized spring plate with a rubber-coated plate. The windows may separate from their regulators, requiring the glass to be glued in place. A software fault may cause the power windows to retract. Inserting the key into the driver鈥檚 door lock, turning the key to the unlock position and holding it there may reset the on-board computer and cause the windows to wind back.
