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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: JacksonBrown on 22 July 2023, 09:54

Title: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: JacksonBrown on 22 July 2023, 09:54
There’s a bit of a long backstory here so I’ll bullet point it to keep it short and understandable.


The car feels low on power, like I’m lacking throttle response and there is still a very intense smell of fuel. My brothers 2.0 Mk6 is quicker. The only recommendation I’ve had since arriving at this part is to take off downpipe and check for blockage or dirt. My instinct tells me it’s throttle related but I’m no mechanic, and I still have this idea in the back of my mind that there may be a vacuum leak.

Anybody have any similar experiences and may have some suggestions? I’d rather not be changing stuff and spending money just to see if it works. Had a bloody GTI for over 6 months and haven’t been able to drive it properly yet  :cry:
Title: Re: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: willni on 22 July 2023, 12:07
  • Had tune removed to see if it was messing with my timing.
  • Found sticky solenoid on intake, replaced and misfire fixed.
  • Only fault code showing now is 14916 and P0420, both relating to cat efficiently below threshold.

Did you replace the factory cat with an aftermarket one then remove the map and leave the aftermarket exhaust on?
Title: Re: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: JacksonBrown on 22 July 2023, 12:30
All parts are factory.
Title: Re: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: madstaff on 22 July 2023, 12:48
Smell of fuel obviously points to a fuelling issue which has potentially damaged the cat, hence the efficiency below threshold.

I would read current fault codes and save a copy of them, clear them all, then go for a drive, rescan for codes and see what you've got then.

Title: Re: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: JacksonBrown on 22 July 2023, 16:05
Smell of fuel obviously points to a fuelling issue which has potentially damaged the cat, hence the efficiency below threshold.

I would read current fault codes and save a copy of them, clear them all, then go for a drive, rescan for codes and see what you've got then.

Have cleared and driven a few times and these two keep reoccurring. I’m more than happy to slap a new cat on if that’s likely the issue. Could a damaged cat lead to low power? Or I suppose I have a fueling issue alongside a now damaged cat! Wooo!
Title: Re: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: madstaff on 22 July 2023, 16:14
Has anyone looked at the live data to see if the lambda sensors are functioning correctly??
Title: Re: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: willni on 22 July 2023, 17:00
I was also going to say I'd test the lambda sensors before jumping straight to a new cat.
Title: Re: Help with troubleshooting low power
Post by: JacksonBrown on 23 July 2023, 10:39
I’ll see if somebody can check for that. Thanks for the suggestion!