Golf MK3 8V GTI Won't rev over 5k???

[saintmarys]

Hi everyone,
My wifes GTI won't rev over 5k....it's like it's hitting the rev limliter? I've cahnged the coil pack, distributor cap and rotor arm. The exhaust is ok as it had e new system from VW 2 years ago! It has also just been MOT'd and all was ok!
I have been told that it may need a new distributor? Any ideas??
Cheers,
Mark

[Wayne]

Yep cam timing is out and it is safe mode.

[avengedslayer]

I had this issue, turned out to be rotor arm, hope this helps 

[saintmarys]

I've changed the rotor arm, no good!
Hey Wayne, I've checked the timing and it's spot on, are you saying the cam timing is out? Surely that can only happen when the belt is changed? If that's the case I amy need to have a word with the main dealer!!
Cheers
Mark

[al_bey]

the top should look like this when at tdc (top dead centre)


when you have your intermediate shaft lined up with the lower crank pulley if you pull off your dizzy cap it should look like this.



the little groove in the rotor arm should line up with the cutout on the edge of the body of the dizzy

bored welsh lad explained this to me ages ago and it sorted my problem out, hope it helps you as well!

[/quote]

[A8vgti]

Ive had it a few times. If you scan the ECU it will come back with a hall sensor fault (on the dizzy) which is a replaceable part. But if your car has covered a fair amount of miles it could be the actual distributor. Pull the cap off and check the rotor arm shaft for play. If it has a fair amount of play replace the whole distributor (i think about £50). If not just the sensor itself. Occasionally even if the timing looks spot on a 1mm here or there makes all the difference. Also I think you will need to clear the fault from the ECU before it will rev properlly again. If you dont have access to a scanner disconnect the battery over night. I think it sorts it out, not 100% on this though as I only ever use the scanner.

[harlemex]

I cant get mine to rev over 8000, is my timing out?   

[zippy]

I cant get mine to rev over 8000, is my timing out?   

Nah, your seats too far back and you can't push the throtle pedal far enough

[dom]

As said above, a new hall sensor fixed it when I had the problem. I got a reconditioned dizzy with new hall sensor for £40 from eBay 

[vwads-gti]

hi im new to this forum. could ne1 help i have a mk3 golf gti 8v iv just had the head gasket done and now it wont rev over 5000