2 issues - coolant leak & electrical problem

[CessPool]

2002 GTI VR6 5 speed Just turned 100K

issue1
so rencently my positive battery termanal clamp has been loose. I go to start the car and I have no power. I wiggle the clamp and then it starts up. I couldnt tighten the clamp anymore and when ever this happened, I would have massive idiot lights. all the doors were open according to the computer, even the right rear and left rear which I obviously dont even have on a GTI. So i replace the clamp and now my headlights, turn signals, wipers and blower dont work. It did this once before then stopped. I assumed it was due to the clamp. now it is tight as can be, so is it the ignition switch? It comes and goes with no rhyme or reason. if it is indeed the switch what kind of job is that?

issue2
so in the last week or so I have used some coolant. and after leaving my car parked for 2 days there is a puddle and a leak. I have noticed some whining when usually at lower speeds in lower gears when turning the wheel. it has gotten worse and now the leak. I dont know if maybe the water pump is going out or if it will whine when it does go bad. or if it is a different problem all together. If the water pump is going out, what kind of job is that? I typically dont enjoy changing them and that bay is packed...

[Miller7204]

Just based off your descriptions:
Issue 1 sounds like an electrical/wiring issue to me.

Issue 2 sounds like you could have a crack in a coolant line(common issue with our cars) or it could be your waterpump. Being that your car just rolled over 100K it is a very good idea to get your waterpump and timing belt replaced. This is crucial before anything goes wrong.

My sister had her waterpump go in her jetta and it cost her $600-$800 for the shop to replace her waterpump and timing belt if I remember correctly. If your waterpump breaks your engine can't be cooled down so your temp gauge will rise very quick in a very short amount of time.

If your timing belt breaks numerous valves can be damaged by pistons and if the damage is bad enough you may have to replace the head or have it re-machined. This will cost you a pretty penny.

Regardless I highly recommend getting your waterpump and timing belt replaced if it hasn't been done already. Numerous vw part sites sell kits for this around $200-$300 if you feel capable of doing it yourself. If you have it done at a shop your want to make sure you get a replacement waterpump with metal impellers. The metal will last a lot longer than the stock plastic blades in your current waterpump.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[CessPool]

is there a specific line that cracks?

But ill change them myself. is it easier to change the timing belt with the pump or is it just cause it hit a 100k

and would that be the casue of the whining i hear by chance?

[CessPool]

do they sell kits for the VR6? im only seeing the 1.8T

[Miller7204]

Best way to do it is put your car on a lift and watch for the drip. Easy way is to look where the drip is when your parked and see if you can find it then.

And I would do both the timing belt and waterpump at the same time. VW recommends doing it around 70K I believe but most do it between 90K-100K. It's just a typical maintenance thing we have to do with these cars.

As far as the noise, it could be from the belt or the pump, I'm not really sure.

[Shameless]

The "crack pipe" breaks on vr6's a lot.

Home Page > Search > Crack Pipe > ES#268966 Coolant Pipe "Crack Pipe" - 021121050E

[CessPool]

I got under the car this weekend and I think I may of found the leak. There is a small, maybe 1" plug next to the upper radiator hose. It looks like it is held in via C type clip. It is flush almost with the block and has a cross in it, like maybe to stick needle nose pliers in to grip it. Has anyone ever seen a leak there? any idea what the plug is? It is above the crack pipe; which looks like a not so fun job to swap out...

and What are the odds my electrical problem is ignition switch related?

thanks