8V GTI cutting out problem...

[harky3]

New here, no idea about cars, but this is what is happening... seen this exact problem on here, but doesn't seem to be a solution anywhere...

I’ve a 8v Golf GTI Mark 3 P Reg, and it’s got an intermittent cutting out problem. Great car, everything else perfect with it. Had it for almost a year. Problem has got worse and worse.

I’ve had a VW mechanic look at it on the computer diagnostic thing (which shows up no faults) and try various genuine new parts (new distributor/hall sensor thing, crank sensor, coil pack, ignition switch amongst other things) but its still doing it. Generally when I come to a junction/roundabout and slow down, it cuts out and it loses spark. Sometimes it will start up straight away (while I am still going sometimes) other times it will not start for 5/10 mins or so. Also seems to happen more now it’s getting colder/wetter.

Only other thing to note is, it breaks down in the same places (location wise) and I've also got an ABS warning light on sometimes, but not others. I love my Golf, but am seriously considering binning it off as no one seems to be able to get to the bottom of it.

Trouble I haven’t really got the money to pay for a load more stuff on it, hence why I'm here...!

HELP!

[Deano2711]

Sounds to me to be a dodgy coilpack especially due to the wet weather bit. Also another member on here had a similar problem recently where his was cutting out now and then and eventually stopped altogether. He changed everything including the crank sensor (have you tried this ??). In the end it turned out to be a dodgy earth to the ECU for him.  Hope this helps. 

[harky3]

Yep tried a new coil pack, think the mechanic has said ECU is the next thing to try - sounds expensive tho! Worth it to get it fixed... Thanks for the reply.

[sharki786]

try the ecu relay as that is the cheapest to start, also see if you need to replace the power relay aswel.

[Deano2711]

Yep tried a new coil pack, think the mechanic has said ECU is the next thing to try - sounds expensive tho! Worth it to get it fixed... Thanks for the reply.

ECU always sounds expensive but don't worry. Get him to check the earth and relay first but if it is the ECU then buy a second hand one from a breakers and have it re programmed to your car. Miles cheaper than a new ECU which would cost more than the car is worth.

[Khare]

I've got an 8v ECU for sale if you do need one as a last resort, but don't go spending money on one just yet as ECU's are not really known for failing, there is the odd case or two, but very uncommon. As said already, try ECU relay as it is a very common fault with the Golf and the symptoms are just as you describe, cutting out at junctions/roundabouts when you slow down. Get it from VW themselves, they are about £14 and will guarantee quality as the cheap ones are known for being dodgy even from factory.

[dodge_vdub]

Had the same cutting out problem on my 8v, simple fix just cleaned out the throttle body with some carb cleaner been perfect ever since.

[mk2_abf]

Had a similar problem like this turned out the timing was out a couple of teeth and iignition timing was a mile out, reset the timing been fine since

[harky3]

Thanks everyone, turned out it was the relay plate. Hopefully getting the car back later on, all fixed!