GTI cutting out, oil light flashes

[robd999]

Well, reading all 31 pages  it seems pretty obvious that there are a number of different causes for this problem, It is not always helpful when posters jump in telling everyone that (whatever fixed it for them) IS  - in fact - MUST be the solution!

Here's my bit to add to the confusion:

Had problem similar to original post (note now that some are complaining of different problems to the thread title and there are at least 2 completely differing faults being reported in this thread - probably more).
Just to clarify my fault - 8 months ago car (8v GTI '97) cut out after thrashing it a bit, approx 10 mins into journey after starting from cold. Tried relay 30 (as I already had one in car being aware of the issue) - no good - stuck on motorway, got towed in to VW dealers - changed coil - fixed problem and worked fine until 2 weeks ago. Began cutting out under similar circumstances -10 mins into journey after hard driving - (I'm straight onto Motorway). Did this on 3 or 4 different occasions - just died but all electrics OK and car cranked over fine but appeared to have no spark. Left for a few hours and all but the last time started fine afterwards - BUT the last time wouldn't start so had to leave it in a carpark - breakdown driver sent for it next day he said it started fine. Told him to take to dealers anyway for check. They said runs for 10 mins then cuts and it IS the main ECU (not the relay). Over €1000! I told them to first rectify leaking coolant from where top hose meets engine (by temp sensor) and also leak from joint of newly fitted exhaust system. Also to confirm with VAG computer that it is definitely the ECU.
They said yes yes etc etc. Just got it back - they HAVEN'T fixed any of the above so told them to stuff it and I'll be claiming for a refund of the 3 hours labour they charged me - as well as passing this on to VW Spain. They gave me a discount but also flattened my brand new battery! I am going to fix coolant leak (it seems obvious to me that as this sensor feeds back to the ECU that this could then send a STOP signal to protect engine from oveheating). I will also check the fans - which I haven't heard come on for some weeks even though outside temp is over 40 degrees and the engine is always really hot when it cuts. This is something else I asked them to do but they "knew better".
If it's still not working after this will look at getting a used ECU for €65 and put it on myself.

Will post back.

[robd999]

Maybe I should clarify why I am less than impressed with the dealer:

First item on bill "checking and verifying battery" - told them when it was taken in (cuz at first they reported no fault found and car was working fine) - it could NOT be battery as all electrics are fine and turns over really well!

Second item on bill "Checking alternator & circuitry" - see above!

At bottom of bill "customer is advised that coolant is leaking from (where top hose meets engine)" - no **** sherlock!

Followed by "exhaust is making a noise" - well I never (actually I DID like the above repor this when car went in.......

Good news - all this hassle has sped up my getting my new Audi A3 2.0TDI 170CV - should have some fun with that while getting the Golf sorted...... 

[barbara]

Good news - all this hassle has sped up my getting my new Audi A3 2.0TDI 170CV - should have some fun with that while getting the Golf sorted...... 

 

cheers for all the info....
I'm now praying that the ecu relay will work (even though it hadnt for a fair number of people). I had no idea that there was an actual ecu rather than just a relay!! (i must admit that until I read the thread I didn't even know that relays existed!)....  Anyway what I really want to know is why VW aren't doing anything about this problem as it must be spread throughout all 96/97 VW golf fuel injected vehicles (I've seen other forums where people are saying similar things)......  will they not do anything about it???

[barbara]

latest...

after replacing the 167 I noticed that my car cut out more.
I then replaced the 30 (ecu) and it stalled a couple of times...
I took out the new 167 and put the old one back - it has not stalled since, but poss a little early to celebrate (only did about 15 miles, but with quite a lot of stops.)...

fingers crossed......

[justman]

hi justaman here,i think ive found the my cutting out problem. {i hope}

afrter reading this thread i located my crank shaft sensor in between the oil filter and the engine mount, [using a light} squeezed my hand through the gap and felt a sensor, it came up beside the dip stick over some pipes and clipped in to a next plug which then lead in to wires near the starter motor . the wire is split near the dip stick.
it was really wet over the weekend and the car wouldnt start at all with oil light flashing.     today it started and cut out for a few times  and then ticked over .

i bent the wire and it cut out , i repeated it  again same thing . dont no if this is any help ,but you never no...
also my p reg and k reg gti 2l 8v engines have a few differences is that right ??

[justman]

the k reg 4 door has a longer throttle body and i cant find the sensor i found on the 2 door p reg {previous  post}also the p reg engine seems to sit lower than the k . is that normal ,or is it a smaller engine ...1.8 ??

hope some one can help ,cheers

justaman trying to fix his gti 

[HasH]

Cheers Rob,
I'll try the relay number 30 and if that doesn't work I'll do like you said - cheaper than changing the throttle body which is what my mechanic said (I don't think he really knew what was going on at all)....
I'll keep you posted (I would have written earlier but I lost the web page!!! - it was only when someone posted again that I got the address back - an easy web page to remember as well!).....
Mine just 'randomly' stalls when I come up to a stop... - but I don't have any other probs with the revs....  It idles at just under 1000 - but, drops to zero in a split second when stopping.

i had this on my 2.0 8v when i first got it. i cleaned the throttle body with carb cleaner & disconnect the breather pipe. the breather pipe was seemed clean, not blocked, no problem until i went to put it back on. as i was putting it back i notice that part of the tube didnt seem as stiff as the rest of it when i sqeezed it between mine fingers. so when the engine was running and making a vacuum in the tube the walls of the tube would collapse with the pressure restricting flow. i chopped the bad bit off with some cutters and connected all back up. no more idleing at just under 1000 revs, no more dropping to zero in a split second when stopping! all good.

check the breather. you might be pleasently suprised

[HasH]

this is the breather i mean.



remove it, make sure it isnt bloked. checked it for damaged/soft areas. chop or replace it. re-fit & fingers crossed it will sort out the stalling and rev dropping problem.

 

[HasH]

Today i fitted a new ignition switch to HOPEFULLY stop my battery from draining every time i dont use it for 4 - 5 days. drives me mad. also the switch now allows me to have the stereo working on the key. woop

now to try and stop the cutting out when driving along. mostly this happens during motorway driving. it'll die, oil light flashes, then i have to knock it out of gear and put it back in while coasting. basically a 70mph bump lol

so time to fit this & see what happens. or preferably see what stops happening!

[perfectbore]

the k reg 4 door has a longer throttle body and i cant find the sensor i found on the 2 door p reg {previous  post}also the p reg engine seems to sit lower than the k . is that normal ,or is it a smaller engine ...1.8 ??

hope some one can help ,cheers

justaman trying to fix his gti 

Hi,had loads of problems with cutting out & oil light flashing.Replaced relay No,30,full distributor,ect,ect!Got some sound advice in the end from a small independant VW guy,who suggested replacing the crankshaft sensor,which plugs in one end & the flanged sensor screws in underneth the oil filter into the crankcase.This item i brought from Euro car parts for about £55,not main dealer type at £165!The car drives like new!No issues at all,even considering its a 1997 R reg GTI with 115k on the clock.I hope my experiances help you guys solve your problems,i know too well how expensive & frustrating it can be!Best of luck,Regards,Mark