🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volkswagen

Model:

Golf / Jetta

Generation Code:

MK2 / A2

Chassis Codes:

Type 19 / Type 165

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Volkswagen Golf/Jetta MK2 (A2) was a highly popular and enduring compact car, known for its solid build quality, practical design, and engaging driving dynamics. This era represented a significant evolution for the Golf/Jetta line.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier, and Peugeot 309 during its production run.

Features:

Front-wheel drive platform, robust chassis, spacious interior for its class, wide range of engine options from economical diesel to sporty GTI variants.

Body Styles:

Available as a 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback (Golf), and a 4-door sedan (Jetta).

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Count:

Typically over 500 pages for a comprehensive workshop manual covering this range of models and engines. Exact count may vary by specific publication.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, fuel injection, carburetor systems (if applicable), ignition systems, cooling, lubrication, exhaust.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission repair, removal, installation, clutch service, gearbox overhaul, differential.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive systems, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, steering knuckles, alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake systems, front and rear disc/drum brakes, ABS (if equipped on later models within range), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.

Steering:

Mechanical and power steering systems, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams for all systems, lighting, ignition, starting, charging system (alternator, battery), fuses, relays, instrumentation, power windows/locks (if equipped).

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, chassis lubrication, rust repair, welding procedures (potentially).

Heating And Ac:

HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant, diagnostics.

Fuel System:

Carburetor overhaul and adjustment, fuel injection system diagnostics and repair (CIS-Jetronic, Digifant), fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank and lines.

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, timing belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement.

Diagnostics:

Fault code interpretation (if applicable), sensor testing, component testing procedures.

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft bearing replacement, valve timing adjustment, oil pump service, engine block machining (specifications).

Fuel System Diagnosis:

Testing fuel pressure, injector resistance checks, carburetor adjustments and rebuilds, fuel pump testing.

Brake System Overhaul:

Brake caliper rebuild, wheel cylinder replacement, master cylinder bleeding, brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement.

Cooling System Service:

Radiator removal/replacement, thermostat replacement, water pump service, heater core replacement, coolant leak detection.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Schematic interpretation, continuity testing, voltage drop testing, fuse and relay diagnosis, starter motor and alternator testing.

Wheel Alignment:

Detailed specifications for front and rear wheel alignment (camber, caster, toe), along with procedures for adjustment.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Diagnostics Level:

Advanced diagnostics for engine performance, ignition timing, fuel delivery, and electrical faults. Includes procedures for checking sensor outputs and actuator functions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

PDF format typically allows for keyword searching, greatly enhancing the usability for finding specific information quickly.

Quality:

High-resolution scans, often from original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Type:

Not applicable for digital format, but original manuals were typically bound.

Type:

Not applicable for digital format.

Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop manual, designed for in-depth repair and maintenance. Likely includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic charts.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Covered various gasoline and diesel engines, including: 1.3L, 1.6L (8V and 16V), 1.8L (8V and 16V), and 1.6L Diesel. Specific engines like the 1.8L GTI (DX, PL, KR codes) were performance highlights.

Power Output:

Varies by engine: 55-112 hp for gasoline, 50-70 hp for diesel. GTI models offered higher performance outputs.

System Type:

Carburetor (e.g., Pierburg 2E2, Solex) for base models, Bosch CIS-Jetronic and later Digifant fuel injection for higher performance and later models.

Examples:

Common gasoline engine codes: GU (1.8L), RP (1.8L), PF (1.8L 16V), PL (1.8L 16V GTI), KR (1.8L 16V GTI). Diesel: JK (1.6L D), RA (1.6L TD).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions were common.

Type:

3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions were optional on many models.

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated clutch for manual transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 3985 mm (Golf) / 4250 mm (Jetta).

Width:

Approximately 1665 mm.

Height:

Approximately 1415 mm (Golf) / 1400 mm (Jetta).

Wheelbase:

2470 mm (97.2 inches) for both Golf and Jetta.

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1402 mm (Golf) / 1405 mm (Jetta).

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1390 mm (Golf) / 1380 mm (Jetta).

Ground Clearance:

Varies by suspension, typically around 120-150 mm.

Curb Weight:

Typically ranging from 950 kg to 1150 kg depending on engine and trim.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2470 mm.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Tests:

Modern safety standards were developing. Early models had less advanced safety features than later generations. Manual would detail passive restraints and chassis integrity.

Features:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was an option on some later models in the range.

Features:

Seat belts (front and often rear), reinforced safety cage construction, padded dashboard, energy-absorbing steering column.

Child Safety:

The manual will likely detail how to properly install child seats and the function of any child locks on rear doors or windows if equipped.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems. Manual covers head unit removal/installation and speaker wiring.

Features:

Limited to available ABS on some models. No modern driver-assistance systems like cruise control, lane keeping assist, etc.

Features:

No integrated smartphone connectivity or Bluetooth. Manual may cover antenna replacement or basic wiring for accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Timing Belt:

Critical: Replacement recommended every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 5 years to prevent catastrophic engine damage on interference engines.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-50 depending on climate and engine) and API service classification. VW 500.00 or similar for gasoline.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water. Manual specifies correct mixture ratio and type (e.g., G11). Capacity approx. 6-7 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Capacity approx. 0.75 - 1 liter.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 liters.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) like Dexron II or equivalent. Manual specifies exact type. Capacity approx. 3-4 liters for drain and refill.

Power Steering Fluid:

If equipped with power steering, it typically uses ATF or a dedicated power steering fluid. Manual will specify.

Common Problems:

Rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, around windows), cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator, water pump), fuel injection issues (early systems), electrical gremlins, worn suspension components, clutch wear, distributor o-ring leaks.

Gti Specific:

More prone to head gasket issues if overheated, more complex fuel injection tuning.

Oil Filter Example:

Example: Mann-Filter W 920/1 or equivalent Bosch 0 451 103 252. Specific part number needed based on engine.

Air Filter Example:

Example: Mann-Filter C 24 132/1 or equivalent Bosch 1 457 433 028. Specific part number needed based on engine.

Spark Plug Example:

Example: NGK BPR6ES or equivalent Bosch W8AC. Specific plug depends on engine variant and ignition system.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Volkswagen has a long history of producing reliable and practical small cars, dating back to the Beetle. The Golf/Jetta (A2) continued this tradition.

Evolution:

The MK2 Golf/Jetta (A2) was introduced in 1983 (as a 1984 model) and represented a significant redesign from the MK1, featuring larger dimensions, improved aerodynamics, and updated styling. It was produced until 1991/1992 with various facelifts.

Key Changes Mk1 To Mk2:

Larger, more aerodynamic body; improved suspension geometry for better ride and handling; updated interior ergonomics; wider engine options, including 16-valve performance variants.

Locations:

Primarily produced in Wolfsburg, Germany, and also manufactured in various other plants worldwide, including North America.

Facelifts:

The MK2 Golf/Jetta received a significant facelift around 1987/1988, which included updated dashboard styling, new exterior trim options, and often revised engine management systems.