Recent content by cbenjes

Manual transmission fluid is one of those topics, like motor oil, that is subject to multiple opinions, staunch loyalty and frequent word-battles. I can provide my opinion and experience. Many people swear by OEM, AMSOIL, etc. I have used Redline MTL in my Mk6 and Mk7 GTIs, '99 and '98 New...

I have 4 Sport Edition CS 16" Silver painted wheels for Golf, 5x112. These were my winter wheels for my mk6 GTI that do not fit the mk7 PP GTI, so I'll offer them for sale. Wheels are in great shape, could use a good pressure wash, but no rash or rust. They have 205/55-16 Blizzaks mounted on...

Carpeted Uber-Stealth Underfloor Sub Box (MKVI). Just the box, no components. Had it in my Mk6 GTI, took it out when I got the Mk7. Excellent condition, Local pick-up only, Baltimore/Harford County. Too big to ship economically. e-mail me: cbenjes@gmail.com $275 if new, (although...

All: Been here since early 2011. Learned a lot, shared a lot, and this place is a goldmine of information and camaraderie. Bought my first 2011 GTI on January 17, 2011. I loved the 2011, but of late, it needed a clutch, flywheel, shocks, struts, water pump, oil leak repair and a carbon...

I liked the time some woman was leaving my neighborhood and stopped at the stop sign very close to the double yellow at the end of the road, just like all people do when they are turning left at that intersection. This happened in Maryland, so there was no thought to use her turn signal...

Saw and stopped by a NASCAR car parked outside of a local auto parts store on a late Saturday afternoon back in 2005 or so. My two young sons and I were the only ones there, except for the store employee who was sitting near the race car. I'm not a big NASCAR fan, but I like cars, so I showed...

At 126,000 miles, I am starting to get a squeal from the TOB, especially in reverse. At first it was only when cold, but now it happens more and more frequently. How long can I go without a repair? Will it eventually just fail and I won't have a clutch, resulting in a tow and a repair?

Here's a deal on Motul X-Cess that I couldn't pass up: https://www.amazon.com/Motul-007250-X-cess-Synthetic-Gasoline/dp/B004LEYIQ8 Get it while it's still in effect.

Getting ready to do brakes for the first time on this GTI. Do the caliper bolts need to be replaced? Are they torque-to-yield bolts? Front and rear?

Can anyone who has done one whip up a TSI serpentine belt replacement for the MK6 GTI? It's probably straightforward, but would be a good reference to have. Thanks in advance.

I don't think the tail lights on the hatch lid on my '11 GTI are working. When are they supposed to come on? Are they brake lights or do they just come on then you turn on the headlights?

All: I have a message saying Check Right Brake light and the indicator lights up saying I have a light bulb burned out. However, all brake lights light up just fine. Thoughts? Do the brake light bulbs have dual elements in them that could vary the resistance enough for the car to think it's...

Yesterday I let my son drive my car for the first time ever. As we were driving, the seat belt light and chime came on intermittently even though we both were buckled? Is this a faulty seat belt buckle? Suggestions? I has to be the passenger seat, as it doesn't do it without a passenger...

Cook VW did an excellent job replacing the intake manifold and cleaning the valves. Acceleration is much smoother. The car runs like new again! At 89,000 miles, mostly run at highway speeds using primarily BP or Shell V-Power 93 octane, here's what the valves looked like before and after:

Lately, I have noticed a very slight amount of hesitation/surging on acceleration when cold, so I scheduled a valve cleaning for over the holidays, figuring it was due at almost 90K miles. Yesterday, I got my first Check Engine Light, and naturally I suspected intake manifold and/or misfires...