Slow acceleration and rev jump after service

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Hi All

Just had my Golf GTI 1.8 serviced where the following parts were replaced:
front shocks
rear shocks
Sparks
oil
pollen filter
oil filter

the only thing the mechanic missed was the air filter but that isn't a huge problem.

The problem I'm having is that after the service, the car feels sluggish at any speed and the acceleration from stop seems slower. Also when I take the car into 3rd gear, when the revs hit 3.5K, they jump back down to 3k even though I've got my foot down and should still be acceleration. After the revs jump back down, I get the power back and the car starts picking up speed.

I'm wondering what the problem could be, I know before the service, the engine used to "hunt" at idle but it doesn't seem to do that anymore.

Any help would be appreciated.

[jake]

The only thing that i can think of is that the sparks could not be right! If the car was running right before it went in, (well... reasonably right), none of the other aspects of what you have changed could have effected this!

do a spark plug test!

Jake

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Hi

Thanks for the prompt help

I performed a spark test and here's the things I did:
1 - remove each spark plug wire 1 by 1 and test if the revs drop or if the engine noise becomes rough. CHECK
2 - remove each spark plug wire and hold it near a peice of metal to test for sparks. CHECK

Having test it this morning I can cnfirm the following symptoms.
1st gear acceleration seems slower
2nd gear acceleration over revs, then revs back down, have to take my foot off and floor it again to gain any power
3rd gear over revs and again I have to take my foot off and the on again before I get my power back.
4th gear same as 3rd gear.

if it helps, my car now feels like an automatic instead of a manual

Thanks for any further help.

[gtigolfthree]

You need a turbo dude 

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I have a GTI if that helps

[topher]

that sounds an awful lot like clutch slip to me

pull the hand brake on tight and try to drive away in first gear... you'll have to give it some revs

if the revs build up your clutch will be slipping and needs replacing

if your car moves forwards your clutch is fine (but your handbrake is rubbish )  and also if it stalls.

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It's only done 70K

I read somewhere that the MAF could be busted so I will give that a go. Also I wasn't exactly accurate with my symptoms earlier. The mechanic HAS replaced the air filter with one of but didn't replace the pollen filter. I'm really hoping - no wishing - that the maf is busted instead.

Oh also another thing - the service required display has popped up on the mileometer. I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

Thanks

[tg1]

try unplugging the maf and see how that goes?

the service light probably came on as the dude didn't have the right tools (vagcom possibly?) to reset the service light?

[topher]

from what you describe i very much doubt its the maf - replacing it will just be eating money that you could've put towards a clutch Did you try the test i suggested?

[mac456]

definately sounds like clutch slip, "revs no power, then the power catches up with it again"