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
).
Anyhow, I hope a few of you can help my out with some advice.
Cheers
Dan
