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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: dan@bar on 03 March 2009, 18:06
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Hi all.
I'm new to the Golf GTi forum, having recently being lent a Mk3 16v by a friend. Although I've driven various other VW's in my time I'm finding this car a little odd in a few ways (probably made worse by the fact that, dare I say it, I normally drive a 205 GTi) as it doesn't quite respond and perform as I'd expect.
Firstly, it seems a little sluggish on the throttle. It's not slow, and certainly gets going from 4000rpm onwards, but the initial pull away in low gears seems a bit lackluster! The first part of the throttle pedal travel doesn't seem very responsive and the rev's don't seem to rise or drop very quickly. Does this sound normal? or have other people have the same problem and improved/resolved it? Could it be a sticky throttle cable or throttle body?
Secondly, although I don't might it much, my mate thinks the gear change is very sloppy. The car had 140k on the clock although the engine is more like 100k. Is it possible to refresh the gear linkage to improve the gear change without spending a fortune? Any tips please?
Finally, the car has an intermittent case of the stutters. I've read various threads and think it might be the fuel pump relay. I just wanted a second opinion or two before ordering a relay and fitting it. The car only seems to start juddering/stuttering for a few seconds, once it's been restarted. It doesn't do it when it's been left to go fully cold. When it does judder/stutter no ignition lights come on (which some people have described in other threads where the ECU relay was recommended), but there is a clicking and wurring noise like the one you get when the battery is too flat to turn a starter motor over. Does this sound like a fuel pump relay to anyone? If not what else might it be? Also, if it is, where is it in the car and how do I change it?
Having driven this car for the last few weeks and despite the problems, I'm very impressed with it on the whole. After hearing for years how slow and heavy the Mk3 was compared to the Mk1 & 2 predecessors, I'm finding it to be a very nice all rounder. Sure, it's probably not as nippy as the Mk1 & 2's or my 205 (please don't hate me! :embarassed:) but it's more refined and a great mile muncher with good pace. It'll certainly do me whilst I fix my Pug (again :smiley:).
Anyhow, I hope a few of you can help my out with some advice.
Cheers
Dan
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I would suggest you give the throttle body a good clean out, and check the throttle cable is adjusted properly and doesn't have any slack. Revs should rise quickly, but all the ones i've driven seem to come back down slowly. Mine goes like a scalded cat in first and second and is very easy to wheelspin in first.
See how that goes before you start changing relays.
A good service always seems to improve poor performance.
Common problems with stuttering and cutting out seem to be attributed to either fuel and ecu relays, ecu temp sensor, or crank sensor. Best to have it diagnosed on vagcom or similar and see if that shows up any problems, otherwise it'll be trial and error.
Good luck
Paul
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Secondly, although I don't might it much, my mate thinks the gear change is very sloppy. The car had 140k on the clock although the engine is more like 100k. Is it possible to refresh the gear linkage to improve the gear change without spending a fortune? Any tips please?
Do you mean as in hard to get into some gears. . a little stiff?
gearbox oil change could sort this. :smiley:
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I have the 8v, but exactly the same problem with low gear torque. I'm looking to get hold of VAGCOM once I find out wahts needed... But will watch your thread to see if it helps :smiley:. Of course it could just be the lack of torque compared to my recent cars!