***Not a*** Faulty MAF?

[Dan n Nic]

Right, the golf started to play up on the way home from work the other night and after a searching, the only thing I can come up with is the above.

When stationary it is idling between 500-1000 revs, and the needle is bouncing around a bit. It is rough as hell, chugging really bad when stionary and / or moving. There is a huge loss of power, when you put your foot down it hesitates and then chuggs into life, but feels more like im in a tractor it is that bad, and there is a strange smell coming from the exhaust.

Any ideas please?

[boyob32]

Just suffered this! Unplug the maf and see if the car runs better. If it is the maf you'll soon know!

[Dan n Nic]

will do. 

[boyob32]

Strange smell could be due to the car running too rich which again is probably because the maf is wrong air readings.

[Dan n Nic]

It's a really odd smell that is hard to describe as it is not a fuel type smell, more of a burn / scorch smell, but not.

[richw911]

Any fault codes?

[jamie1989]

If it chuggs and comes back, it sounds like its missing.
What car is it?
1.8t? Engine code AGU?
If so check the ignition amp which should be on the airbox if you still have one. (Makesure the connections are connected and clean from rust/dirt)

If its any other engine code ie AUM then its more than likely a coil pack....
 
I would check all spark plugs before changing/checking other parts are these can cause a car to miss.

If you find out what engine plus engine code it is first, it will be alot easier to rectify the issue.

[Wazzzer]

Could also be a split PCV hose...

[Dan n Nic]

it's an 1.8T AGU, I've just had it running and unplugged and plugged in the maf and although it made a very "slight" difference it was nothing major.

I've got an old OBDii I got off ebay years ago and can't seem to get it to work so unfortunately can't supply any fault codes.

[jamie1989]

Could be many things mate,
When I had a split PCV hose mine felt boggy tbh.

My guess would be the ignition amp, Unplug it give it a blow and makesure the terminals are rust free and plug back together. If the chuggin goes then youv solved it. This takes 10mins and a test drive. 

Have a visual check of all the PCV hoses for any engine oil, This would indicate a split and therefore would also need replacing.

Take the plugs out and change them anyway, When did you change them last?
Finally I dont think any of your coil packs would cause an issue as they are pretty much bulletproof on the AGU.

I hate finding faults but unless it brings up a fault code or you dont have a fault code reader to hand then its easier to check the obvious things first.