GTI engine problem?

[kusty]

Hello everyone,

Recently, I feel that my 2008 GTI has lost some power. I don't know if it's me getting accustomed to its performance or not, so here are the symptoms:

1. Whereas I used to be extra careful with the accelerator pedal in second gear in order to be able to steer the car, nowadays I can just plant the right foot and I rarely experience wheel spin. Now this could be due to the fact that I've been using PS2's since last autumn rather than the OEM Exalto's but I don't suppose that because I am not much impressed about the PS2's otherwise.

2. When I'm accelerating with WOT in the higher gears and decide to ease on the throttle due to approaching the desired speed, the car comes alive like something was holding it back and just let it go. This makes me wonder if the AFR is messed up at WOT.

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms? Any ideas? Thanks.

[jaydubveedub]

Not sure about the lack of wheelspin, could be the tyres. I found the PS2's to be very good at keeping traction. I've also noticed that when you are trying to accelerate and have some steering lock on, the car seems to restrict the torque slightly until you straighten the steering wheel at which point it gives you the full beans. It must be doing something clever with the steering angle sensor and ESP/TC system to reduce torque steer and wheelspin. Try driving with the ESP off and see if there is any difference.

With regards to the car seeming to pick up when you ease off the throttle, I experience the exact same thing in my car. There seems to be a 'sweet spot' in the travel of the accelerator pedal where you get the best performance from the engine and pressing the pedal beyond that point doesn't give you anything extra. All the other VAG cars that I've had have been the same, think it's something to do with the fly-by-wire throttle pedal.

Perhaps someone with more in-depth technical knowledge can shed some light on this???

[nr123]

The sweet spot you talk about is indeed the fly by wire. The car's computer dictates when the throttle is open fully not you. For example you can press the pedal down 80% but if the car feels the need it will fully open the throttle, and you pressing it further will now do nothing. It constantly adapts the throttle depending on road situations/your driving style etc.

[kusty]

Thanks for the input. The thing is, there is better performance before 100% pedal position than there is at 100%. I can understand that pressing the pedal past some point not doing anything but the problem is when I ease on the pedal the car pulls harder.

[Ed30DSG]

Have you checked the usual suspect - split DV??

[kusty]

Not yet, but I assume a split DV would cause a more dramatic power loss. I'll check it anyway. I have to jack the car up, right?

[smiffy555]

are you using a lower octane fuel?

[kusty]

I always use Shell V-Power which is claimed to be 97 octane.

[bacillus]

I always use Shell V-Power which is claimed to be 97 octane.

It's 99 RON...   

[kusty]

It is sold as 97 here in Turkey.