2003 Volkswagen Golf Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf applies to a four-door or two-door hatchback in ten trims, a mix that includes Comfortline, Trendline, Europa and GTI 20th Anniversary. The V6 is now the 2.8L with double overhead camshafts. Joining it are a turbocharged 1.8L gasoline four, also twin-cam, a single-cam 2.0L four without a turbo and a turbocharged 1.9L diesel four. The manual lays out procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams and diagnostics for the engine, fuel, cooling, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering and electrical system.

Engines covered

• 1.8L inline-four — DOHC, turbocharged, gasoline
• 1.9L inline-four (116 cu in) — SOHC, turbocharged, diesel
• 2.0L inline-four (121 cu in) — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 2.8L V6 — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door hatchback
• 2-door hatchback

Trims covered

• Comfortline
• Europa
• GL
• GLS
• GTI
• GTI 1.8T
• GTI 20th Anniversary
• GTI Turbo
• GTI VR6
• Trendline

Known issues on the 2003 Golf. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Golf, and one concerns the driver's frontal air bag. On certain 2003 Golf vehicles, pressure inside the inflator could build too high during deployment and cause it to burst, throwing metal fragments at occupants; dealers replaced the inflator. The other recall covered certain 2003 Golf vehicles whose brake light switch, if installed incorrectly, could leave the brake lamps inoperative or permanently lit. Air bags top the 27 owner complaints with 11, followed by the electrical system and seats at 4 apiece and suspension at 3; 7 complaints reported a fire and 3 an injury. Air bag, brake and electrical procedures, wiring diagrams and diagnostics are included.