914

1969-1976 / Targa / Germany

All 914 problems All workshop issues

Minor Electrical

Headlight Pod Failure

Symptoms

The pop-up headlights fail to raise, lower, or operate unevenly.

Cause

The 914's pop-up headlights are operated by vacuum actuators connected to the engine's intake manifold. Vacuum leaks in the hoses, failed check valves, or worn actuator diaphragms cause the system to malfunction.

Fix

Check all vacuum hoses for cracks and replace as needed.

Replace the check valve.

Rebuild or replace the vacuum actuators.

Complete headlight vacuum rebuild kits are available.

Cost: $100-$400.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $100-$400

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Other known issues

Critical Electrical

Generator/Alternator Failure

Battery goes flat, lights dim, engine dies.

Minor Rust

Battery Box and Front Boot Corrosion

The front boot floor, particularly the battery box area on the passenger side, develops severe corrosion. The metal becomes soft, perforated, and eventually structurally unsound.

Minor Rust

Rocker Panel (Sill) Corrosion

The sills that run beneath the doors become perforated from the inside out. By the time external rust is visible, the inner structure is often severely compromised.

Minor Rust

Longitudinal (Chassis Rail) Corrosion

The longitudinal chassis rails that run under the floor develop rust, perforation, and eventual structural failure.

Common Rust

Rear Boot Floor Corrosion

The rear boot (behind the engine bay) floor rusts through from standing water.

Common Engine (VW Type 4 Flat-Four)

D-Jetronic Fuel Injection Issues (1970-1973)

Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, hard cold starting, surging at steady throttle, and inconsistent fuel mixture.

View all 14 914 problems