GTI cutting out, oil light flashes

[big mat]

FIXED IT!!!!  

I have replaced these so far: (standard Gti 8V)

1. ECU relay (30)
2. Fuel pump relay (167)
3. Another of the obvious relays (58???)
4. New throttle body and vacuum hose
5. Engine speed sensor/crank angle sensor (its the same thing)
6. Fuel pump which includes lift pump/swirl pot (vw mechanic with 30 yrs experience said this could be it)
7. Dizzy cap
8. New cambelt (not really relevant but it was due for it but timing is fine so its not the belt/tooth problem)

...but none of it worked so I tried running it on Super Unleaded and its PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope someone's not gonna tell me it should be run on Super - I could have saved over a £1000 on all the the above. But its had 4 tanks now and t hasn;t cut out once. Makes no sense at all but its fixed so I don't really care!

[jason-lee]

Hi there

I'd just like to add my name to those with the same effing problem - engine cuts out and oil light comes on - this is with a 97 p reg GTI.

I've taken it to three garages and they haven't had a clue. This thread has given me a few ideas to try out. Dunno how I missed this site.

Last Tuesday, fast lane of the M1 with lorries weaving about in the wind and rain and it cut out, got it started again but it was a bit like a bucking bronco. Done my nerves in completely. It's been this way for a while and I've just about given up.

[firstgolfgti]

Well I took most peoples advice and replaced the crank sensor, I'd already done the relays and all the other obvious things.

It had been at the garage for well over a month, they're auto-electrician was dead against it but agreed if I bought the part (cheaper off ebay). They fitted the part then said that there was a dodgy connection in the wiring loom??? .

Well I got it back looked under the bonnet yes they had fitted the crank sensor, but there was a boot connector hanging off a shiny new crimp connection on the RHD side of the engine just below the camshaft it looked like some sort of sensor can't find any reference of it anywhere and it has only got one wire going to it...........anybody out there know what this is??

The only thing it still does occassionally which it had done long before the cutting out problem is hesitates on acceleration in 2nd - 3rd gear and most times when engine is cold.

I might have a look at the throttle housing today see how unclean it is or unless anybody out there has any other suggestions?


Cheers

[Overseer]

FIXED IT!!!!  

I have replaced these so far: (standard Gti 8V)

1. ECU relay (30)
2. Fuel pump relay (167)
3. Another of the obvious relays (58???)
4. New throttle body and vacuum hose
5. Engine speed sensor/crank angle sensor (its the same thing)
6. Fuel pump which includes lift pump/swirl pot (vw mechanic with 30 yrs experience said this could be it)
7. Dizzy cap
8. New cambelt (not really relevant but it was due for it but timing is fine so its not the belt/tooth problem)

...but none of it worked so I tried running it on Super Unleaded and its PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope someone's not gonna tell me it should be run on Super - I could have saved over a £1000 on all the the above. But its had 4 tanks now and t hasn;t cut out once. Makes no sense at all but its fixed so I don't really care!

must be a faulty "knock sensor" if fuel is fixing it?

[jason-lee]

well i bought the ecu 30 relay for about 11 quid from the local vw dealer - on the way to the dealer the car had been cutting out whilst idling and had been a pain the previous weekend BUT since putting the new fuse in I've had no problems at all..so fingers crossed. I'll be waiting for the next thing to go wrong now  the joys of motoring etc etc thanks very much for the advice here.

[big mat]

Hiya -

You reckon it could be the Knock sensor? Can you tell me a bit more? You might be right!!!

Cheers

[Overseer]

as i understand it the knock sensor detects the octane of the fuel you're using to eliminate pinking

some info here..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking

Correct ignition timing is essential for optimum engine performance and fuel efficiency. Modern automotive and small-boat engines have sensors that can detect knock and retard (delay) the ignition (spark plug firing) to prevent it, allowing engines to safely use petrol of below-design octane rating, with the consequence of reduced power and efficiency.

[alcamistdvd]

right.

just got back from a drive to bristol. on the way there gave it some weelie on the m49 car just died, pulled over to the hard shoulder with all the same symptoms (oil light flashing rev counter dropped) leave it 2 mins starts and off we go

so stick the mfa on oil temp, reading 92.... boot it til been on 94 for a couple of secs same again.

keep her going wait til temp hits 92 rolling start no problem.

was picking the cat up from langford house kept a close eye on the temp all the way there stayed at 90-92 drove fine all the rest of the journey.

after getting the cat drove as normal, quite grandadish til i got on the m5 built up to just before the m49, dropped it to 4 and booted hit 94 agian for couple of secs same again, foot of the accelerator watch the temp drop to 92 started fine???

now what made me think to try this was i was stuck in traffic the other day about 15 mins and this happend on pulling off waited 5 mins started fine drove since with clear runs all the time hadn't cut out til today.

i have already fitted a new relay no 30 so i'm pretty sure it's not that, and am being led more to do with temp wise.

any ideas any one.

also my car is mk3 2.0 16v abf 1997 mfa read 33mpg using £20 for 112 miles for the journey? does this sound high?

alcamist

[jason-lee]

hullo there - it's me again. I typed too soon! after a week of OK motoring i had the same symptoms that have bugged people on this thread. I've now replaced (30) and (167). I think anything else would be beyond me tho' i will try the other key tomorrow. After that? I could take it to a local garage (for the fourth time)  or I could take it to a VW dealer. The thought of the latter makes me weak at the knees. Jeez this car is hacking me off!!!

[mart16v]

hi to all,
my gti 16v cut out on me a week ago, it turned over but didnt fire up and the oil light flashed, and after reading this thread i started with the coil and got hold of a second hand one and bingo my car is running fine