Hi I'm having numerous problems with my MK4 Golf. It started loosing water out of the bottom of the radiator due to corrosion so I replaced it but it is still loosing water. I've had a look and it seems to be coming out of the coolant overflow pipe. I think this will be down to the fans not working but i'm unsure why they are not working. It also has problems starting when it has cooled. It takes 2-3 attempts to start and the engine electric light appears. This light somtimes flashes and when driven for a period of time and the car is stationary the engine begins to rock the car. It also seems to not have the power it used to anymore. Any advice to these problems would be much appreciated. Thanks

you need a special tool or take the car to a shop

If your radiator coolant is boiling then do not drive as your car could/will overheat and cause some serious damage

The temperature gauge in the Mk4 Golf is'nt that accurate, it will usually stay in the middle until you've got a major problem, where the coolant is boiling and expanding so if it's just slightly overheating, the gauge could show as normal.

The problem could be caused by numerous things such as a leak/crack in the coolant system and isn't pressurized such as a faulty coolant bottle cap not sealing properly, could be a problem with the fans, or and issue with the temp sensor /thermostat can cause confusion. It's hard to diagnose without seeing. I would take it into a garage for further inspection.

Low coolant level, failed thermostat, blocked radiator core or failed pump are all possible causes. Check them in the order given in the list as they become more complex and expensive to fix. Coolant level is easy enough to check, if low just top up at the reservoir. Whilst doing this check that the relief valve in the cap is OK and that the filler cap sits tightly when screwed down. For the thermostat drain the coolant (should be a bled valve for this purpose towards bottom of radiator) into a bucket and remove the 'stat housing and put the 'stat in a pan of simmering water. The 'stat plate should open up about 5mm. Take the pan from the heat and add cold water and the 'stat should close after about a quarter volume of cold water has been added. If the 'stat fails to open or close then replace it. Whilst the system is drained of coolant remove the top and bottom rubber hoses from the radiator. With a hose flush water into the top radiator opening and check if water exits freely from the bottom of the radiator. If there is a sign of blockage put the hose in the bottom opening and put the water on full pressure to back flush the radiator. Keep doing this until the water is clear. If everything up until now has been fine the last thing to look at is the water pump, either the pump has seized or there is a fault with impeller. When refilling the coolant system after any repair make sure that the interior heater is on maximum. When warming the engine up keep the heat on maximum and this will help displace air trapped in the system. Whilst warming up squeeze the radiator hoses regularly again to keep bubbles moving towards the reservoir filler. Keep the reservoir topped up as air bubbles work their way out. Only when the engine is nearly at running temperature tighten the filler cap. After having driven the car, let it cool off and check the coolant level, again top up as necessary.

• Drain coolant from bottom hose through a valve
• Disconnect coolant hoses from radiator
• Remove front body section and move lock carrier to service position
• Remove retaining clamps from A/C hoses near condenser
  
• Unbolt A/C condenser from radiator and support condenser with wire or heavy duty tie wraps Note: Do not discharge the A/C refrigerant. Support the A/C condenser with wire and avoid stretching or kinking the hoses.
• Remove radiator mounting bolts from both sides and slide radiator slightly to the rear
• Remove radiator and fans together from below
• Installation is the reverse of removal
  

What colour is this light.
The Golf mk4 sdi certainly should have brake pad wear sensors front and rear and the light on dash for this is orange with a similar symbol to what you describe.
The ABS light is orange with ABS printed on it
John

I had a VW rabbit that developed mad electrical problems. It started when one day the headlights remained on and would not shut off. It turned out that a $2.00 gasket for the antenna wire had failed. This allowed road water from the wheel well to leak onto the fuse box. In time the fuse panel corroded and shorted out. I had to replace the fuse box twice and use rubber epoxy to seal the leak.
Check all fuses and electrical wiring for signs of shorts or corrosion.

There is a part between the air intake manifold and the air box on your engine, it's usually black on a golf, will look like a 15cm tube around 80-90mm in diameter with a plugged wire leading into it, this is your MAF sensor or MASS AIR FLOW sensor and if dirty / faulty can cause an incorrect temp reading from the air intake and cause rough engine starting, this is a very common problem on mk4 golfs... the part is apparently cleanable, with isoprop alcohol, or I assume white spirit. the actual sensor needs to be removed from its housing for cleaning, and as always treat carefully... the part replacement, depending on where you go can be around $50 - $100 used or even new.... part number off the existing one on your car, try ebay as you can do well for price :) could be fouled spark plugs from rich fuel mix on bad airtemp sensor, could be a million things but the MAF sensor is one of the golden oldies I'd be checking first :) Goodluck, Chas

You need to get your key reprogrammed at your dealer... Did u drop the key as this can sometimes cause the key to loose the code, i dont know hoe all i no is i had to get it done a few times.

If you want to solve your problem, click on the link I attached 1998 Volkswagen Golf Workshop Repair Service Manual PDF Download

Need to check your radiator flow, and thermostat, start the engine cold, with radiator cap off, watch for the water in the radiator, when it starts to bubble over let it, keep water hose close, radiator should blow back till the thermostat opens, the water will go down, and add more water if needed, and put the cap back on,,,, if your thermostat is stick closed it will cause over heating......and you may have to have it replaced.