2 Slow. It's still getting me to work and home after 15 years. Still a great looking car, IMO.

You went over some great points that I really appreciated but if u could do something on the older 2.0 engines like the 2000-2005 preferably

Came back to this vid after my 2007 2.Slow Beetle crossed 310k miles, I still love my little yellow bug. Just keep up with regular maintenance, use good quality parts and change the timing belt and water pump regularly and the car will last virtually forever. These are very reliable engines if a bit slow, especially with the automatic trans.

This examples the trouble I've been having with my Jetta for the last few months thank you

I love my 2.0 jetta! It’s ungodly slow but it’s fun! And I use Costco gas which is definitely top tier

Charles, I need a gas saver to drive back and forth to work as my Suburban just isn't cutting it. I've heard some great things about Volkswagen and some not so great things, and I know very little about them outside of about a pre 1973 bug. What would you recommend? Are there any models that are still fairly simple to work on and maintain myself like I do with Suburban and Chevy Nova? I've heard several people say to get around an 03 Jetta or something similar. Any help would be greatly appreciated please and thanks.

Question Charles? I have a 2003 2.0L Jetta Wagon AVH Would you happen to know why my car all of a sudden shuts down in motion after hitting a bump in the road? As I slowly pull to the side I noticed the door open symbol on the instrument cluster turned on and my epc light and check engine

Hey there!! I need some help, I have a 2000 vw bettle GLS 5 speed. I just bought a couple of weeks ago and it only has 113800 miles on it. I'm the 3rd owner and they individually before me had the cat replaced. And now since I bought it it has an extreme exhaust leak. After doing research and finding the right gasket from the exhaust manifold To the collector going to the cat it still leaked. I was wondering if there is a specific spec that to tighten the bolts or even possibly if they installed a flange that is undersized. The other isuse I'm having is an intermittent ticking sound you can hear in the cabin but not every loud outside or even with the hook open. Running the a.c. Makes it worse but if I come to a stop, turn the a.c. Off, listen to for the noise and if it's there I blip the throttle it will go away. These things are driving me back shit crazy. I am a novice mechanic and used to do engine build offs in high school and have always done all my own work to ase protocol. I have a couple other problems that need to me worked out but these are the two i need help with the most. I wrote this while listening to your video, if you don't see this I'll send it to your email as well. Thank you so much for everything you do, your the man and keep up your amazing work!!

Hello HumbleMechanic...I have a 2004 Jetta 2.0..runs well..only issue started about a year ago when start there is ratle noise under the Dcap ..the ratle similar to a missing start from a starter that last in about 1 to 2 second right before the engine runs.. any sugestions ..is apreciated..thank you

Way back in the days of the mk1 & mk2 golf/jetta they were considered to be one of the best engines for economy and strength, if well maintained, but nowadays I wouldn't want to own one, all this drive for technology and management of emissions has spoiled a great reputation...

Hey Charles, could you do a similar video of the 2.5L engine? I would appreciate very much :)

what would the likely culprit be for a misfire only when the engine is cold for a 2006 VW Golf GLS?

I have a 2012 jetta s, 2.0l just reached 34,000 miles on it, I'm gonna change the spark plugs this month, do you suggest I change the wires as well ?

My friend I have a golf 99 2.0 my a/c compressor engage just on high rpm and other thing I have my throttle sensor disconnect but when I connect the car doesn't accelerate and turn off

Question: would you happen to know if the 95 2.0 long block is the same as the 99 2.0 long block? the reason Im asking, is because is because i would like to swap it

could you clear up with the avh 2.0l o2 sensor dilemma some show a 6 wire and 4 wire?

Is the mk4 BBW 2.0 a good engine? I bought mine at 140 and it now has 160 2 years later and I haven't replaced anything other then some electrical system stuff.

Hey Charles. I totally agree about the ABA engine being almost indestructible. Awesome but gutless. The issues with 99-05 2.0 was throttle bodies not adapting and I've replaced lots of them when I worked for vw in omaha. I left in 04, so I don't know much of the newer ones. I worked for vw when vag5051 was the cream of the crop for diagnosis on vw. Too bad they can't go back to cable throttle body. Very little problems I've noticed

2003 VW Jetta 2.0 purchased for 500$ from a one owner. Had a misfire at cylinder four that burnt out the flex tube. Replaced all injectors, plugs and the exhaust. No further codes being thrown. No leaks as far as fluid. Sat for about two years before I even messed with it. Seems to be running well after the repairs. Interior is perfect but the clear coat is failing. Any advice on my next mods should be? Was thinking cold air intake. Thx subbed

So i read in pathfinder owner manual that i can get away with lower octane fuel at high altitude. Does that hold true with this car? I bought used wit no owner manual ROWR.

Beard goals. I don't even own a VW but I watched the whole video. Good review.

Hi i wanted to now if you have seen what im seeing on a vw jetta 2012 2.0 non turbo the injector is makin a ticking sound when it get warm what it could be ?

"...even more no power"... What a diplomat! Love his videos. He tells it like it is.

Absolutely Spot on. Have Customer With Same Vehicle 13 Jetta 2.0 standard Transmission and i was shocked with engine looking like one i had im my 1995 Passat with little more twist ,,....

Mr Humble Machanic I need to buy this Jetta 5 2.0 and it has went over 287000km so I need to know what are the advantages?

Can you tell me where the PCV valve assembly can be found on a 2008 VW City Golf (Canadian Market)? I think it was just a simple Mark 4 that VW carried on in Canada from 2007-2010 and kept the price low while it introduced other engines in the US market. I've looked all over and can't find it, so suspect I have to take off the intake manifold to find it. Thanks

is it worth it to customize this engine...like turbocharging it and such?

Hey just bought a 2015 Jetta 2.0.The car has 35k kms on it still under VW warranty.One of my buddy told me to supercharge the car from newspeed.I wonder is it healthy for the engine.I searched a lot bout it but couldn't find any positive reviews.Or is their any other way to increase the power output (turbo:) but really confused.Advice would be greatly appreciated :)

Can bad spark plugs cause an irregular idle, while the engine is running fine otherwise? I mean that in idle, the tachometer is moving up and down slightly around the 850rpm mark, maybe between 830 and 880 or something like that...Or is that normal, and these old ECUs (it's a '99, basically mk3 technology) didn't "smooth out" the signal that's going to the tach yet?

I have a 1999 vw jetta mk4 2.0L. When i try to crank it, it doesn't activate the starter. There's just an electric humming sound by the throttle body. Please tell me what do I do?

I have a volkswagon golf 2005 2.o automatic & it won't go into overdrive from 3rd could u tell me what could b wrong . it goes in reverse & other gears fine no slips or ruff gear shifting . what can it be

In theory, would an o2 sensor spacer make the engine run more safely for its timing and fueling risks? Adding fuel is likely the solution to stopping the risks of excessive efficiency.. likely keep the plugs cooler, coil packs from working so hard.. I feel like an old tech solution is due for this back-in-time contraption..

I was looking at a VW Jettas. I test drove a 2014 with the 1.8 T, a 2012 with the 2.5 L, and a 2013 with the 2.0 L. The 2.0 is one of the most sluggish engines I've ever experienced. I was at a complete stop, and I had to get it to about 4000 RPM before it would start accelerating. I personally hated the feel of it. While im sure its a great engine it has no power whatsoever. As for the 2.5 L and 1.8 T, I loved driving both. The 2.5 is a little heavier and has more horsepower and was louder, which was more similar to my old V8 mustang than the other two. The 1.8 T is my personal favorite. Light, efficient, great torque.

293 on my 1998 aba still runs like a charm

hope this helps me went to do a quick diag and replacement of a coil thinking it would fix a guy issue. but of course it didn't now I'm chasing my tail trying to get it running. it runs horrible misfires travel between all cylinders when i can keep it running ""only after he fueled up"" pulled the plugs there newish ngk ,wires are new, fuel injectors looked ok couldn't find a mvb or uds value for them or a fuel pressure (uds is new to me)

I wish I would've seen this video when it came out. Spot on. 2013 VW S with 64k. Has been fine with exception to spark plugs and spark plug wires. I did change from lower tier gas to 93 octane from she'll or Exxon. Video is spot on. Just saw this video after figuring these issues out myself. Coil pack so far has been good to go but waiting for that to fail and wouldn't be surprised

I have a consistent fast ticking noise especially when idle and when accelerating it seems to pick up and quiet down as soon as I’m off the gas , 62k miles . Am I crazy or do I have a problem?

What should we look for/expect? My family recently got a '03 Jetta GLS with the 2.0 & 4 speed auto, it got about 350k km(about 217.5k mi), previous owner replaced the tranny with a new one last year, it needs/needed struts, exhaust flex pipe(part of the cat) fixed(was leaking), tie rods & front wheel bearings.

Awesome video! What about the 2.5 of a similar year

thx for the video...kindness of yours...lives long...any quick fix video on Audi 2.4-2.0 thx

HELP!!! I have an 04 2.0 jetta wagon. Gave me codes for ignition coil. No symptoms were showing so I ignored it. Few days later it starts to hesitate and at one point it wouldn't even start. Put a new coil pack and replaced the spark plugs and wires while I was at it. It turned on. Yay. Drove it home. Again, started to hesitate. Now it wont turn on at all. Friend came over to check it. He literally hit under the gas tank and it turned on. He said it was the fuel pump. And then left. I just want more opinions before I go drop $200 for a new fuel pump. I've read things about the fuel filter being clogged. Idk. Anyone have some insight??

Hi Charles, there are millions of this engine equipped VW cars in China, I own one from 2007. this engine is infamous for motor oil burning issue. do you know the real reason for that?

I had a 2012 jetta with the 2.slow and it got me 150k pretty much trouble free miles before someone totaled it this summer. It would have gone another 150k I’m sure of it. I ran it religiously on Costco gas and it never gave me issues like that. It did eat coil packs but that’s about it. It definitely was bulletproof

Hello. I have a 00 Jetta 2.0 L, and right now I got a code P0730 but can’t find much info about this, and some said I need a new Tran but I would like to have an extra opinion to see if I can fix it without a new Tran o def need a new Tran.... right now it has a misfire, battery needs to be replaced, it’s blowing some light white smoke (not much) and when you step on the gas it barely goes but after it it goes. I had ask and some say I need a new Tran and some say it just need a new tune up... so idk what should I do here lol (first car)

Great information

Is there any common fix to get the engine running a bit richer for better performance? Not looking to go nuts on tuning, but if the engine is super lean from the factory I'd like to get it closer to a normal a/f mixture.

Any opinions on audi alt ( 2.0 non turbo) engine , 2003.?...thank you.

I have a 2.0l Jetta 1999 MK3 tho I bought it off an old lady engine is strong and transmission only has 67,000 miles on it but for some reason it turns off sometimes it can go weeks without turning off and then do it 2 days in a row turns off I wait 2 to 5 minutes and it turns right back on but it's annoying you have any clue why also if I crank it and it doesn't start I just wait an extra minute then it turns on but sometimes when cranking it smells like rotten eggs as well

Any video like this for the 1.8 8v one?

you should teach at colledge your as cool as my lecturer s were why I got didtictions and gained loads of confidence in the process regargs stephen keep making cool vids

Hey Charles on the spark plugs note What would cause my car to get poor fuel economy and loss of power I know it could be many things but I think that the spark plugs could be the main colprit I'm about to replace them but I'm in a tough spot what kind of tests should I do?

For some reason when I plug in my speedometer the car starts to sputter when I'm driving. It happens when I press the throttle, let off and push again. 1996 golf 2.0 ABA

I have 99 Jetta 2.0 - AEG Engine, 122K Miles - Still running... However, I replaced parts at 115K miles, like: Ignition coil, spark plugs and wires, valve gasket, fuel filter and MAF sensor - cost me total about 250$ parts - It's 2021 now and car is still on the road. The problem I could not fixed: front left ABS light is ON, changed ABS sensor as well as front rotors and hubs, still comes back. Maybe ABS wire itself? any suggestion? Thanks...

What is a good motor for a vw 89 cabriolet

Can you make a video about tuning this engine

can you do the video with the 2.0tsi engine in jettea Passats and such

I have this car and trying to find where the pcv vavle is can u help me thanks

what about the 2.0 mk4 jetta. if I idle for too long then so on the gas it starts to smoke. only when I idle and then accelerate.

My 15 Jetta a just rolled over 78k. I've been looking into doing my timing soon. Love the car and the 2.0na

i have the same year 2.0L4 engine and its having some oil leak around throttle body and intake pipe. i really donot know what could the cause be. A little help would be appreciated. thank you.

After watching this video I’m guessing a 2001 golf would be mostly ok? I’m going to carry a spare set of plug leads and coil and spark plugs just to be safe though. I’m not bothered about power at my age. The car runs pretty sweet at the moment.

Hi Charles, I have Jetta 2013- 2Lt engine, recently my Jetta get stalled when I was driving, VW service try to clean throttle body but it happening again and again, after engine dead, then a few minutes engine can start again, the VW mechanic said intermittent Fault P1579 and need to change throttle body, it really costly.. I found this car even I push the throttle to the flor, but the engine can't run over 4000 RPM. what is likely faulty on my Jetta? please advice and thank you.

Hi sir I'm ask my polo classic 1998 I swap the engine put 2.0l 16v abf cut off when is hot I don't know y help me sir

I'm working on one for the p0343 code. Found the cam sensor bad. Check electric from battery ground and ground to positive. Got my battery voltage when did that. Which what should of saw. Did it with computer safe test light with meter built in. But since them test not had much time to set timing and pull cam sparked. Also my eye sight not the best. Make sure all aligned up

where can I get a tune in can't find anyone around here

Im driving 2000 jetta 2.0 AEG with 294k miles. same engine, same transmission, but pain full sometimes.

HM, you keep saying "turbo". so is this about a turbo engine or the CBPA non-turbo engine? Thanks.

Hi Charles 2000 vw jetta 2.0 stall when cold It stall but fire right up again afterwards

I just ordered a set of bosch spark plugs from ECS because i noticed the genuine vw plugs in my 2.slow are bosch. Are they still the same plug or should I have paid the extra 30$ for genuine?

I have the 2.0l mk6 is it interference or non interference?

248k on my '01 AEG. Runs like a god damn champ. No oil leaks, runs on whatever gas I put in it. Change your tbelt and sparks on time and it keeps on going.

my coworker has one of these jettas with the 2.0, she occasionally has weird issues under acceleration up hill. I'll mention this to her. good info!

i have jetta 2012 2.0l... had it for 5 years since 30k mi. its at 90k now. been running regular gas, anywhere cheap. I honestly have had no issues ever. Just changed my plugs and wires for preventative maintenance. Old ones were looking pretty shot lol

Where would you put an oil catch can on the 2.0?

Hey Charles. Got an MKIV Golf with the 2.0 AEG. It will need an overhaul as it is misfiring like crazy and it sounds awful. Head gasket has been addressed so that is not the root cause of the misfires. Cables, plugs and coil pack have been addressed. Alternatives to overhaul seem appealing. A newer engine with fewer miles will probably be more solid than the very tired engine currently in it. Plus it may be cheaper to buy a used engine than overhaul the current one. Used AEG engines are probably in the 100k mile range, for a 'newer' one since the AEG year models have been around almost 20 years. So.. I am wondering if rather than getting a used AEG I can get a used CBP and swap out a few components. Would it fit? How much does the CBP differ from an AEG? I know my current AEG is drive by cable, so the original intake would have to be swapped. From what I can tell, the coolant ports are exactly the same, and so it the exhaust portion. Do you know of any other possible hurdles we would have to overcome in terms of compatibility? I am guessing the coil pack and most of the electrical and fuel injector specs remained the same (guessing VW didnt spend too much updating this older engine). What about sensors? Thanks Charles!

Humble mechanic ... I own a 1998 golf GTI 2.0L eight valve, is it a big deal to change the head and make it a 16 valve does that include a new wiring harness. Thanx

Yeah mine runs good too, but my plastic intake plenum exploded 2 times, when attempting to start the engine, but only got loose and make some smoke coming from plenum, but after reattaching, everything runs fine again, 1st owner and 140k kilometers.

I'm debating on getting a Mark 4 Jetta VR6. I found a 2000 Jetta VR6 for $900. Timing chains and guides were done 3 years ago, runs and drives well. 160k miles, needs a muffler though. I checked it out and it was pretty rusty on the fenders and had some on the side skirts. There was a bit of oil under the car and I noticed a bit of oil on the left side of the motor (I guess technically the front) so it leaks a bit of oil for sure. I also noticed a power steering boot was leaking a bit as well. Other than that, it was pretty awesome. What do you think, it it cheap enough to pick up as a winter beater? Thanks again for all you do! You the man.

What is your idea of my 1998 vw 2.0 liter automatic? I need to replace sparkplugs and wondering what your reccomend for top tier plugs and cables?

I used Sunoco and it works great on a 2001 Cabrio with no issues that motor is cast iron it is not fast but it is strong and durable and fuel efficient with a 5-speed but it does to have $189,000 MI I would like to put a VR6 in it and give it some life but I would lose a fuel economy thanks great video

Just bought a 00 2.0 beetle with 233k runs great, great gas mi. lotsa room. Yeah a lil slow but it's a bug. I just save a ton on gas compared to my 08 Lexus LS460L premium only 14mpg.

What about , VW cc 2012 2.0 turbo . Is it a problem engine. It is quick . I always use she'll prime. No plugs fuel injtected.

Hello I have the 2015 2.0 do these issues apply to this year also i have 65000 miles is any maintenance required at this age

Planning to pick up an OBD1 ABA soon, gonna run it with an OBD2 harness and a turbo. Gonna have to run some heavier Liqui-Moly oil, and stop being cheap with fuel. 91 octane Shell instead of the ? octane fuel I'm getting from the local independent station now.

Question 2.0l non turdno jetta gl 02 auto .. Misfire cylinder 1.. Oxygen censor issue open current b1s2 fault codes p0036 p0301... Ok replaced the coilpack...replaced the plug.. Replaced the plug wire... Still misfiring.. Sometimes smell heavy fuel from engine bay... Thinking... Injector? Was running great stopped at friends house then idled fine for 2 min then while taking off started to miss badly... Any ideas?

Are the early 2.0 ABA motors more or less troublesome compared to later models? Thinking about a 97-2002 model Cabrio. Open transmission wise. Is the automatic a good one? I heard they were considered one of the best VW engines. I have a 92 GTI 16v, owned since 99, with 187k. Fun car.

My question is can I make it better in terms of fuel economy, I have the 2013 2.Slow manual

Why do they go through spark plugs so fast? Ive def noticed this on mine. Although in my case I'm pretty sure it's just oil fouling from leaky valve stem seals

in reference to the fuel issue pretty sure hotter plug would solve that problem

Great video. Thanks. Buddy of mine has a 2015 2.0L Jetta and I forwarded this to him. I managed to pick up a 2016 1.4L Tsi... Any specifics with that 1.4L Turbo to watch out for? I already give it top grade, higher octane fuel, and top grade oil.

i have jetta 2011 2.0 gas 6speed automatic. It shifts at 3000-3500 in 1st and 2nd gear. No engine light. Have 265000 km on it. Is it normal ?? If any problem please let me know . Thankyou

Is this engine's nickname infamously known as the 2.slow ?

I have a 2014 jetta S with a 2.0L gas nonturbo(115hp). Is it worth the money to turbo charge it. If so what company should I buy the turbo kit from? I called a locale dealership and they said the engine does not have a variant that comes with a turbo. Money is not an issue I can wait.

Should I use 87 octane or 91?

I have 2000 2.0 bettle, issue is gas in oil what do I need to look for.

What do you think about ADY 2.0 ENGINE

I have a ‘04 Jetta wagon lowered American car (love it, also I’m Canadian) it has a 2011 American engine and is slower than a sloth. I mean absolutely friggen gutless! When it stops raining I’m pulling the spark plugs to see what they look like. I figure plugs, wires, air filter should help but... I’m a little concerned about the engine. At least until I shove a 2 stage turbo charged VR6 with a 5 speed in her :)

Hey, could you do one with turbo ?

Thanks for the rant.

Hey Charles, 2013 Jetta 2.0 runs great but manual transmission feels kinda clunky and hard to shift is that normal?