Re: Getting into the air filter... (and a tidbit re: seatbelt chime)

[Christopher Cooley <chriscooley@worldnet.att.net>]

I had the same issue removing mine as well and the list helped me before, so
now I help you.

Disconnect the snorkel (front) and "air exit" hoses (rear) from the top
section.  Remove the 2 spring loaded clips that hold down the hood.  Now, slide
the hood sideways towards the engine about 2 inches and lift the hood up and
out.  This actual removal of the hood can be tricky given the cramped quarters,
so have patience in this small lesson in spacial geometry.  Whatch those
knuckles and try to do this when the engine is cool.

Cheers,
Chris

Khan Klatt wrote:

> Hey there-
>
> About six months ago, I got my K&N Filter installed, but it's been a few
> months since my dealer has done a lube/air/oil change on my car, so I'm
> kind of curious what I've accumulated in my snow filter and air filter, and
> was interested in figuring out how to do this maintenance myself.
>
> But, after popping the hood, I couldn't quite figure out how to get into
> the air filter, and being a little green under the hood, I didn't want to
> push anything.
>
> Does anyone have any simple instructions that I can refer to? What about
> instructions on the best way to clean out my K&N? I suppose it might soon
> be time to get a Bentley manual that I hadn't been interested in until now!
>
> Thanks,
>
> -Khan
>
> P.S. If the "La Cucaracha" three tone "buckle your seatbelt, bonehead" tone
> gets on your nerves, it's quite easy to mute the tone so it's not quite as
> offensive. The way to do this is the following:
> 1. Try to get under the steering wheel so you're looking up towards the top
> of your car, but under the footwell of the drivers seat.
> 2. In this area, is a little trap door, that gets you into the electrical
> relay location. Along the bottom are a couple dozen fuses. Leave them
> alone. Above them, there are relays, that are a little smaller than 1 inch
> square wide, and vary in depth between an inch and an inch and a half. Find
> the longest one, and verify with your finger, that on the end of it, that
> there is a grate. This is the speaker grate.
> 3. With a flashlight, inspect the relay, and make sure you have a good
> understanding of how the relay goes back in. (I noticed a number, like "68"
> on the bottom of the relay, and made a note about how the relay was
> oriented by this number to make it easy to get the relay back in) It's a
> tight fit, and it helps to understand exactly how the relay goes back in
> its slot when you're done.
> 4. Gradually and gently ease out the relay, until it is free, and work it
> out of the trap door. Yes, it's pretty cramped quarters in there, so be
> patient.
> 5. Now, find some electrical tape, and tape over the end of the grate so
> that you significantly reduce the ability for air (and the sound) to escape
> from the grate.
> 6. Now put the relay gently back into place, being careful not to dislodge
> any of the other relays, and making sure that this one is firmly seated.
> Close the trap door, and start her up! You will notice a very significant
> muting of the chimes, and will have the satisfaction of being reminded,
> every time you get in the car, that you have done a simple and functional
> modification on your baby Jetta. If you want some SEVERE muting, you might
> try two layers of tape. Oh yeah, ALWAYS buckle up. We wouldn't want to
> injure your Jetta with our thick skulls!  :)