mk3 2000 running badly

[chrisk]

Hi, I've got a 1997 2000 8v GTI that has developed a bit of fluffiness about 3000rpm, it just seems to have lost it's umphhh. I've changed the plugs, leads, airfilter, dist cap and rotor arm. It's a bit better but not great. I don't really want to put it into VW for them plug in their diagnostic box thing into the plug by the cigarette lighter, is there another way of checking it out or any ideas what to check ?

Ps - it's done 130k and is a little tired.

[surreylad1980]

hi mate you could put it into a vw dealer as something may show up on the computer which is the problem you could ask them just to spend only 1 hour diag time  and see wat they come up with where bouts do you live

[chrisk]

i'm in andover, i think i'll have to try the dealer

[Len]

When you say "fluffyness" can you be a bit more specific?

Could be one of our most common faults - Try the ECU relay.  To check it run the car a while, good and hot. Then stop and take out that particular relay. If its warm then its fine - if its cold then replace it. (or cool on one side)
These only cost about £8 plus VAT

The other relay to try is the fuel injection one ditto as above.

If its neither of them go to the stealer and pay for an hours labour for diagnostic check!
(But they dont find relay faults!)

[DUNNY]

HI HOW DO I FIND WHICH IS THE ECU RELAY AND THE INJECTOR RELAY ARE THEY NUMBERD IF SO WHICH ARE THEY THANKS

[Len]

Sorry - dont know them off hand.   Consult a Haynes manual.

Anyone know this answer?

[chrisk]

I paid for a VW diagnostic, the problem was the ' Air mass meter', part cost £75, part number 037906461bx.

It probably runs better now than it has for a few years! it had been pinking at low revs, which I know is not possible because it has a knock sensor, but apparently they do for a bit until the sensor kicks in and retards/advances the timing.

[cohead]

Hi did you get this problem sorted? mine is doing the exact same thing, I have had it hooked up to a diagnostics machine but they cant find anything wrong.

[Len]

cohead - if they cant find anything on a diagnostics check then I would suggest your problem is the relays.

See my post above.

[Len]

cohead -seen your email mate.

The relays are under the dash along with the fuses. Take off the fuse box panel and they are above the fuses.
Bit difficult to get at ya have to get down on hands/knees outside the car (with door open!) to see them.
Little square blocks.

They are numbered - not sure which exactly, need to look in the Haynes manual. I check it later.