Five problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact stated while driving at night there was a loss of exterior and interior lighting. Also, the windshield wipers were disabled. There was no prior warning. The lights will shut off, but intermittently come back on. The contact inspected the battery, fuses, and the alternator. The vehicle has not been to a dealer , and no repairs have been made due to the expense. Updated 02/07/06.
My 1997 Jetta was purchased new in August 1997 in canada. In 1997, the electric moon roof and the electric window had intermittent fault of not operating and were fixed. However after the warranty period one rear electric window could not be operated locally. In oct 28, 2004 the generator was faulty and was replaced by a re-built unit at owner's cost. In oct 30, the ignition switch was replaced at the extended warranty. From oct 30 to 31, 2004, an intermitent fault occurred 5 times on the panel cluster, all readings in the cluster (tachometer, speedometer, temperaure and fuel gauges) drop to zero for a short period of time and resumed normal. The dealer has not yet located the cause of the intermitent fault. If the panel c;uster were found faluty, it would be a very cost repair. The electrical system on my 1997 Jetta are exceeding unreliable with a high intermittent fault. It is the responsiblity of the vwoa to pay the repair cost for such faulty electrical system.
Bought Jetta GLS new 12/97. Moldings fall off constantly. Three of four power windows have failed, all needing regulators replaced. Slow wiper speed cuts off and sometimes doesn't work at all. Oil leak. Can't lock doors on driver side with my master key, can only lock and set alarm on passenger side. Ts.
This vehicle needed replacement to the alternator twice. The cause of this problem is unknown. In addition the transmission has been repaired once. When this did not work it was then replaced with a rebuilt transmission.
Due to a faulty alternator and battery acid spilling onto engine, power steering blew out. Dealer replaced a tube on the battery so the acid can run through the tube and spill onto the ground. Dealer also mentioned that it was not the orginal battery. But consumer never changed battery and bought the vehicle brand new. Please provide further information.