1998 model safety features

[kcfoxie]

Ok. So, here is the deal: my 1998 model NB locked up its wheels the other day and scared me. I then noticed that the ABS fuse was missing, so I got a 5A fuse and it just sits there and when driving falls out. It seems as if there is nothing in the slot to connect a fuse to -- ie, I have no ABS system. This cannot be true, can it?! All new Beetles have ABS, correct? Or was this one of those "first year" things? Reallllllly confused.... I know I have a malfunctioning caliper, but I thought I had an ABS problem... thinking that now I don't have ABS at all? Also, did they all come with 4 airbags, I thought 98s didn't have side airbags?

Thanks!!!!

[Jian]

My 98 does not have ABS it was optional, and the 98's have front and side airbags, the side airbags are in the window side of the front seats.

[kcfoxie]

yeah VW confirmed that ABS was option. Do you have Cruise and no ABS? That is my setup. Say, was there a year that lacked the side airbags? IT seems like I remember someone asking about wether or not the seat being sold had side impact bags b/c they needed one that didn't? I may be rusty on the memory (likely). At least I'm not the only one who lacks ABS! PHEW! I was geared up for an expensive repair!

[manoverboard987]

My 98 does, but it's a GLS so i can't tell you for sure if it was an option. And Jian's right about the airbags - 4 total, 2 in the sides of the front seats. As far as i know, all NBs have side airbags.

[kcfoxie]

1998 models didn't come in trim levels. They're all classified as "new Beetles" -- check your trunk tag. If it has a GL/GLS listing it's a 1999. There were packages sold for the 98s, but they were one trim level all the way around. IIRC sunroof models started in 1999 which is what started the GL (no sunroof) and GLS (sunroof) and GLX (Sunroof w/ all the extra options).

[Growler]

aah, but Eeyore was a 1999 GLS with NO sunroof and no Armrest.

had alloys, PW & PL, foglights and ABS too.

iirc the sunroof was an option only on the late 1999s..if not till 2000.


shoot, even Growler was a 2000 GLS TDI with fogs, heated seats, Armrest power windows & locks and NO sunroof.

maybe the roof was first an option in the later 2000 bugs.

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by kcfoxie

1998 models didn't come in trim levels. They're all classified as "new Beetles" -- check your trunk tag. If it has a GL/GLS listing it's a 1999. There were packages sold for the 98s, but they were one trim level all the way around.....

True. I bought a '98 NB new. It had the "Sport package/group" which was alloy wheels and foglights and it had the "Convenience package/group" which was power windows and cruise control. ABS was optional, sunroofs weren't available yet. I still have my window sticker somewhere.

[manoverboard987]

Originally Posted by wawalker

True. I bought a '98 NB new. It had the "Sport package/group" which was alloy wheels and foglights and it had the "Convenience package/group" which was power windows and cruise control. ABS was optional, sunroofs weren't available yet. I still have my window sticker somewhere.

ok then. that's what i have. sport package + convenience package + ABS. No sunroof.

[Smileybug]

But all the models '99 and up have ABS right?

I thought they all did...learn something new everyday.

[Breez]

I know the side airbags on VW were still optional in 1998 (front standard). That was prob. the only option I didnt get on my jetta, and it just was because of availability.

My aunts 1998 New Beetle didnt have ABS. I remember her being mad at herself for not getting the option.

[LadybugEwa]

I'm so glad kcfoxie's brought this up!
I too have a '98 with no ABS - found that out one of the first times it rained. Nothing serious, but the wheels locked up with assertive braking.
Good to know I'm not alone in this
I have power windows, manual trans, 4 air bags, no sunroof (thank goodness ) I'm not much of a sunroof person, and knowing the ammt of woe one can cause, I'm glad for that omission.
Is it possible to install ABS into my 98' NB? How much would it cost?

[kcfoxie]

I am sure it is installable, but it'd require (it seems):

ABS ECU
NEw Fuse Panel
ABS modules on the brakes
New Calipers??

Just a rough estimate of what you'd have to install... i'm by NO means a certified tech

OK, so 99.5+ NBs had sunroofs. Interesting. I am also glad I am not the only person who lacks ABS on the 98. And Thank you wawalker for pointing out the package options! I know a girl at work with a auto 98 that has fogs....

We do learn something new everyday! After new plugs/wires and swapping in my 2002's fuel pump relay, my 98 died again. So... it's either the speed sensor (code always thrown when it does this, could be thrown in error), Fuel pressure (line clog) or the pump itself is going out. LOVELY!!!!!

[Breez]

Remember, Aura has a 2006 with no sunroof

There are some "odd balls" on org lol.

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by Breez

I know the side airbags on VW were still optional in 1998 (front standard). That was prob. the only option I didnt get on my jetta, and it just was because of availability.....

I am certain that side airbags were standard on the NB in '98. Remember that the NB actually came out 1/2 way through the model year (dealers got them first in March '98 instead of Aug/Sept '97 the standard time) and it was a Mk. IV chassis. The '98 Jetta was still a Mk. III chassis. I believe all Mk. IV VWs whether they be NB, Jetta or Golfs had front and side bags standard in the USA. It is listed as standard equipment on the window sticker from my old '98 NB.

[Breez]

Originally Posted by wawalker

I am certain that side airbags were standard on the NB in '98. Remember that the NB actually came out 1/2 way through the model year (dealers got them first in March '98 instead of Aug/Sept '97 the standard time) and it was a Mk. IV chassis. The '98 Jetta was still a Mk. III chassis. I believe all Mk. IV VWs whether they be NB, Jetta or Golfs had front and side bags standard in the USA. It is listed as standard equipment on the window sticker from my old '98 NB.

I remember that spring of 1998 I felt like the only one at the dealership not getting a beetle. I felt left out. I had to order my GLX VR6 and it wasnt available until march of 1998... but the side airbags were the only option I didnt get. (so they were available for the 1998 mkIII, but it was aditional money and time) I dont remember my aunts 1998 beetle having side airbags, but I do know she did not have ABS.