Broken Oil dipstick, trunk hard to open (2004 Jetta)

[rpmahone]

hey guys just bought an 04 Jetta and the top of the dipstick is broken off (see pictures). you can see the shaft of the dipstick still in the tube. the yellow sorround is also around this shaft. you might or might not be able to tell as well that the tube that comes up to the access point where the dipstick sticks out of the engine cover looks like it was kinda riped off. Can anyone tell me where to find that tube so i can replace it? also the dipstick? any help would be appreciated.

and as for the trunk... the button in the car and the key FOB mechanically unlocks the trunk, but it is hard to open/lift., and its very hard to close. if i take both shocks off its still hard to open but it closes very easily. If one shock only is installed it is still hard to open, but will not slam if i let it go like it will with no shocks installed. Is this bad shocks? should it be hard to lift, and close? anyone know of a source where i can get new ones if that is the issue? or if that's not it, can someone tell me how to fix.

thanks guys!

[sdhelzer]

Oil dipstick tube failure on Jettas is a common problem, as well as numereous other plastic part failures. I had to replace the dipstick tube a couple of months ago on my Jetta, The only place that I know of that you can get the tube is through a dealer.

After you get the new tube and install it, gently file down the dipstick top knurled lip and apply a light coat of grease around it. This will reduce the stress on the tube whenever the dipstick is removed and reinserted. The dipstick should slide into the tube with gentle pressure. You should not have to push on it hard.

Be careful while pulling the old tube and installing the new one... don't let any chips from the old tube slide down into the oil pan. Oil pump is screened but... just work slowly and be careful.

Trunk opening / closing problem sounds like to me that you have bind in one or both of the cantelievers. That you will just to experiment with a bit by adjusting and testing. Recommend you remove both shocks and when you are satisfied with the ease of opening and closing the lid you can reinstall the old shocks or get new ones.

The shocks if needed can be purchased at any quality auto parts house in your area.

[rpmahone]

Originally Posted by sdhelzer

Oil dipstick tube failure on Jettas is a common problem, as well as numereous other plastic part failures. I had to replace the dipstick tube a couple of months ago on my Jetta, The only place that I know of that you can get the tube is through a dealer.

After you get the new tube and install it, gently file down the dipstick top knurled lip and apply a light coat of grease around it. This will reduce the stress on the tube whenever the dipstick is removed and reinserted. The dipstick should slide into the tube with gentle pressure. You should not have to push on it hard.

Be careful while pulling the old tube and installing the new one... don't let any chips from the old tube slide down into the oil pan. Oil pump is screened but... just work slowly and be careful.

Trunk opening / closing problem sounds like to me that you have bind in one or both of the cantelievers. That you will just to experiment with a bit by adjusting and testing. Recommend you remove both shocks and when you are satisfied with the ease of opening and closing the lid you can reinstall the old shocks or get new ones.

The shocks if needed can be purchased at any quality auto parts house in your area.

First off, thanks for the reply.. i found this auction on ebay.. is this a replacement for the old rubber tube? can i use this one?

eBay Motors: VW MkIV Golf Jetta Beetle 2.0 Oil DipStick + Funnel NEW (item 360091549431 end time Sep-29-08 18:36:59 PDT)


on the trunk, how do i adjust the catelevers? i put some WD40, not much, but just a little and that didnt seem to help.


thanks for your reply..

[rpmahone]

Originally Posted by rpmahone

First off, thanks for the reply.. i found this auction on ebay.. is this a replacement for the old rubber tube? can i use this one?

eBay Motors: VW MkIV Golf Jetta Beetle 2.0 Oil DipStick + Funnel NEW (item 360091549431 end time Sep-29-08 18:36:59 PDT)


on the trunk, how do i adjust the catelevers? i put some WD40, not much, but just a little and that didnt seem to help.


thanks for your reply..

anyone know how to adjust the cantelevers??

[sdhelzer]

Oil diptick funnel tube is not RUBBER, it is ABS PLASTIC.

Be careful of automotive products advertised on eBay. In my experience they are not always advertised correctly; advertised "new" when and in fact used etc; plus you may have to pay high shipping fees with no guarantee.

In my opinion, I would not buy anyting related automotive item from eBay or for that matter from Craig's List. Just too many crooks on these sites.

With regards to the catelevers hinges:

All the joints (on my 2000 Jetta at least) are pressed fittings; which means that if your Jetta is the same there is no easy way to adjust the hinges. You will have to identify the bind points, bend a little back and forth here and there (on the vehicle or possiblly off the vehicle), reassemble, lube and try again till you get it right.

If you are not mechanically inclined and experienced then I recommend you go to a VW dealer and have it done. They will probably tell you that you need to replace one or both of the hinges, and they might be right.

I personally have never had to try to adjust the trunk lid closing of any Jetta so I really can not be of any further specific help.

[rpmahone]

Originally Posted by sdhelzer

Oil diptick funnel tube is not RUBBER, it is ABS PLASTIC.

Be careful of automotive products advertised on eBay. In my experience they are not always advertised correctly; advertised "new" when and in fact used etc; plus you may have to pay high shipping fees with no guarantee.

In my opinion, I would not buy anyting related automotive item from eBay or for that matter from Craig's List. Just too many crooks on these sites.

With regards to the catelevers hinges:

All the joints (on my 2000 Jetta at least) are pressed fittings; which means that if your Jetta is the same there is no easy way to adjust the hinges. You will have to identify the bind points, bend a little back and forth here and there (on the vehicle or possiblly off the vehicle), reassemble, lube and try again till you get it right.

If you are not mechanically inclined and experienced then I recommend you go to a VW dealer and have it done. They will probably tell you that you need to replace one or both of the hinges, and they might be right.

I personally have never had to try to adjust the trunk lid closing of any Jetta so I really can not be of any further specific help.

thanks for the reply, i will try that, and go by my VW dealer for the dipstick tube. thanks for your reply!