UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi everyone, I've bought a 6N and there's a few things I need to clarify about the spec. It's a 1996 1.6 8v GL. That would be 74 BHP? Does the GL come with central locking and ABS? I bought it with a gearbox problem. Slipping out of 5th, classic synco wear. But also when the clutch is up and the car isn't in gear I get a horrid rattling noise. I can't tell if it's the clutch release bearing or the input shaft? Add to this 3rd gear is whiny. Is there a classic problem with these boxes?

to be honest mate get ya gearbox fixed soon as, if it gets worse then its gonna cost ya more, ive got a 1.6 GL, it does have abs n c/l bt dunno bout the brake am putting a bigger engine soon

Hey mate, I've got a 98 GL. It is 75 bhp (according to the instruction manuals anyway). ABS was an option on them but not fitted as standard. I think central locking was standard on them though. Get that box out and dealt with ASAP. It sounds like it's been well mashed. Boxes are always the weak point on these cars, especially the 16v models! What's the mileage on it? How much you pay for it with the gearbox problems?

Sourcing a new gearbox Monday, clutch kit ordered. Is there anyway to confirm if I have ABS or central locking. Basically I've seen what looks to be an ABS pump in the engine bay but obviously the wheels lock up under hard braking. Anyway to tell if I have central locking without taking the door cards off?

With the gearboxes can I find the gearbox in any other car? I've noticed other mark IV polo's have different transmission codes. I'm guessing different ratios?

I paid £350 with 85,000 on the clock, it immaculate! Needs a good detail though. I've run classic cars since I've passed my test but I needed something modern for commuting, I only bought it as a daily but I'm totally smitten by it. It feels so solid.

350? Considering the only problem is gearbox related that's a steal!

The pump at the front of the engine bay with a green cap on is the power steering. WHen you turn on the ignition there should be a light on the dash for ABS that stays on for a little while.

Different transmission codes simply mean different ratios. The 1.0 is geared much lower due to it being such a small engine, and so on.

Central locking is an easy one. just lock the drivers door and listen for the sound of a vacuum pump. It will be quite quiet. Alternatively in the boot on the right hand side is a foam piece, that houses the pump if it's installed.

The GL is my second polo, first one got written off by some bint in a people carrier. They're built like rocks, and drive beautifully!

ABS was standard fit on the Polo GL until 1997, after which it became optional.

The rest of the GL trim was same as the CL (i.e. central locking, front electric windows, height adjustable front seats, rear head rests etc..) but with the addition of a manual sunroof and alloy wheels.

As for the engine power, the standard 1.6 was 75bhp.

£350 is defo a steal, get some pics up

Best way to find out if your motor has ABS is simply to do an emergency brake test. Make sure your surroundings are clear though!

Yank the brakes on and DON'T pump it. If you skid forward then you don't have ABS, its as simple as that.

As for the gearbox the best one to get for a 1.6 other then your own wound be a 1.4(C)L box. If you have the cash you may want to recondition yours for peace of mind knowing all the internals are good. However, that costs around £250-£450 depending on the damage. If its critical then don't bother reconditioning your box.

If the whinning noise doesn't happen when the clutch is pressed then its defo the bearings, which happens because the box doesn't have enough oil flowing through it. It's the main reason for polo boxes being catastrophically poop

Ta for the info chaps. I'm having a tough time finding a 1.6 gearbox locally in Cardiff. The ones from online breakers are more expensive than expected. Almost £300! That's all in but they're from cars with almost 80,000 miles on them and a 30 day warranty. I'll keep looking haven't exhausted all of my options yet. I'm tempted to put a 1.4 box, how different would the car feel?

ur car will accerlate a bit quicker but it wont be that quick top end unlike whatt the 1.6 wud be

Sorry should have said the 1.4 16v. Basically do you think the car would be noticeably different?

With a 1.4CL it wouldn't be too noticeable. Top end wouldn't be as high but then again how often do you do that? It'll shift slightly quicker though You'll hardly ever use the top end but end of the day which would you prefer?

As for the 16v box, the ratio will be much longer. I wouldn't recommend it as a slow car would shift even slower with a 16v box inside it

£300 for a box isn't a bad quote if its been reconditioned already but you'll never know its past history. Regardless i'd ask for a much higher warranty on it.