My new to me 2000 Beetle needs some TLC

2128 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Kaylabug99, Aug 4, 2015

Baby Blue Beetle

Discussion Starter · Jul 25, 2015

Hello Everyone; I just purchased a 2000 New Beetle, gas and manual, 2.0L. I am soooo in love! However, this love of my life needs some help. First, my local mechanic, who I trust immensely, told me that I need a new left rear brake calliper. Second, the car came with only one fob and key. I left work and pulled the fob from my purse and the key dropped to the ground. It was broken off at the shaft. I went to the dealership and bought a new key and fob plus a valet key. They programmed it. There has been chaos ever since. The doors lock when they want to. I have to click open before it will lock. Worst of all, the alarms go off when I insert the key in the ignition. The dealer tells me that I need a new cluster.... really? Third, a friend of mine joined me on a car ride. She went to open the window and found that she had to use the door lock switch to open the windows. Obviously some do-it-yourselfer with little knowledge re-wired the switches wrong. Could this be why the newly programmed fob will not work right? Fourth, the antennae is taped up with black tape above the connection. Could I just buy a new antennae and screw it in? Fifth, sigh, recently when I start it the starter motor whines. The dealer told me that I have limited time on the starter motor and should replace it for a mere $900!!!! YIKES! Sixth, the little panel around the door handle and toggle switch for the side mirrors has a broken clip and is hanging. I want to replace it but do not know the part name. Seventh, the right rear mud flap is ripped and hanging. The dealer said that this part is no longer manufactured. Could this really be? Outside of all of the above, I still love my Baby Blue Beetle. Her name is Jane. She needs your help. btw, Jane only has seen 157, 000 km... yes. we are in Canada, oh, Canada. Given her low k's... someone has not treated her right and I want to correct that. Am I stupid?

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Kaylabug99

· #2 · Jul 25, 2015

No you're not stupid. I don't have any answers for you but when you figure it all out it will be so worth it!!! Put your love into her and you'll be in love with her even more than you already are now. I bought my beetle also from someone who did not show much love to her. But I've got her all fixed up now and I love her so much

she still has a few problems but what beetle doesn't?!? Haha!! ?

Xoxo -Kaylabug99

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Pairj2822

· #3 · Jul 25, 2015

I don't know about the mechanics of cars, but as far as the key fob goes, if you open the drivers side door, unlock the trunk so that you hear it unlock, it disengages the alarm system, so you can start your car without the alarm going off.
I had my 2000 beetle for 9 years. Maybe 2 or 3 years in, I washed my only key with my laundry. Never got it replaced. Just did the trunk trick and lived with it. Of course I never got to use the alarm, but I live in a safe area and was never worried.

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fred3rd

· #4 · Jul 25, 2015 (Edited)

One thing at a time

Don't get overwhelmed and stick with us.

Baby Blue Beetle said:
Third, a friend of mine joined me on a car ride. She went to open the window and found that she had to use the door lock switch to open the windows. Obviously some do-it-yourselfer with little knowledge re-wired the switches wrong. Could this be why the newly programmed fob will not work right?

I don't think anything was rewired, I thing some one had the right door panel off and switched at least two plugs around. Easy fix, There are only 5 screws holding the door panel on,two Philips and three torx on the bottom. Correcting this may solve multiple issues.
Each problem you solve widens the grin on your face each time you drive her. I have this relationship with my Rosie.

P.S. Pictures please