2.0 GTi 16v 115BHP (Mark 4) Problems!

[Ricey31]

I purchased a 1999 model 3 months back, and a misfire problem started fairly soon after, together with it cutting out every now and then with the message "Emissions Workshop!" on the dashboard.  The air mass meter, HT Leads and Sparkplugs have all been replaced, but the problem is getting worse and now starting to lose all power for a few seconds before it kicks back in!

I have taken it to a dealer 3 times and nothing comes up on the diagnostic report... Any suggestions would be gratefully received?

[topher]

have they tested the lambda sensor ?

[Ricey31]

Thanks, I don't know!  What does it do? I will mention it to them the next time I take it back....  The problem is intermitent, but doesn't seem to matter whether the engine is hot or cold, it can happen at any time!

[vaughn]

mmm i`ve got a mk4 2ltr gti and had the same problem changed the plugs and leads and my mate got rid of the fault code on vagcom and have had no problems since. what plugs did you put in?  i changed mine for iridium ones i think, i`ll check and tell you what they were tomorrow

[Ricey31]

Cheers bud,  any help is appreciated!  I don't know what sort of plugs they are, the dealer fitted them, didn't think to ask!

[Ricey31]

Found out what a Lambda sensor is! Sounds a likely culprit, will get it checked out!

[Organisys]

Coil Pack?

[Ricey31]

Car has been back to the garage (again!) they are unable to find any electrical faults.  They have carried out a compression test and said there is a significant drop on cylinder 3 and could be a valve burning out.  Would this cause the engine to misfire and cut out on a regular basis?  And are valve replaccements expensive?

[Organisys]

Hmm, cutting out is more likely to be either a fueling problem or a electrical problem.

Forget the VW Dealer. Let me tell you why.

I have a Passat V6 Syncro, it had a misfire and a bad flat spot at 2000 rpm. I took it to the dealership, and they put it on the diagnostic computer. "We cant find the fault" they said, and wanted to replace the HT leads. NO THANKS I said.

I took the car to a local VW specialist, I described the fault and he said "Ah yes, the V6, you'll be wanting me to clean the fuel injectors"
He hadn't seen the car, heard the car running, put it on a computer or driven it.

He cleaned the injectors in an ultrasound bath (note he didn't even try to charge me for new ones). Result? Car fixed..and goes like stink.

Unfortunately, and I think many people here will agree, a VW dealer will extract money from you as a number one priority, fixing the car is a lot lower down the list!

Find a local specialist who will use his experience to actually find the fault, rather than just plugging it into a computer. A diagnostic computer is only good for certain things.

Just my 2pence worth ! 

[Ricey31]

Thanks for that!  Funnily enough I took the car to a VW specialist last week who said they found three faults as soon as they plugged their diagnostic machine in  to the car!  Intermittant injectors on two cylinders and Air Mass meter intermittant.  They cleared the codes and re-calibrated something, and now, it seems to be solved!  All they charged me was 1/2 hour labour at £23!  I am amazed that the main dealer could not find this and I won't be going back to them in a hurry, I can tell you! 

Makes me wonder if the dealer was using the right diagnostic machine?  Could their equipment now be more specific to the mark 5?  Whatever, it reflects pretty poorly on them.

Anyway, fingers crossed the fault is solved and I can now start to enjoy driving again!