Cutting out - MAF problem perhaps?

[Deluxor]

Hi, hopefully someone can point me in the right direction with this.

My car (91 8V Digifant) has started cutting out with no warning whilst driving. The problem seems to be totally random, it's happened whilst driving slowly, sitting at traffic lights and on the motorway. Engine temperature doesn't seem to affect this, it's happened both when cold and after driving for a while. I'm experiencing a total loss of power, as if the ignition has been switched off. I have to turn the key to the off position and restart the engine (not fun when doing 70 on the M25  ). I've had a full VW service recently and the HT leads were also replaced at the same time.

I'm thinking this might be to do with a failing MAF sensor, the car is fitted with a K&N induction kit that has recently been cleaned. Looking at the filter I think it has been over-oiled, there's some residue under the cone that looks like the cleaning oil. I've searched the forum and found a few similar posts that suggest the MAF might be what's causing the problem.

Thanks in advance for any ideas as to what might be causing this!

[reubenwilliams]

Hm, im having this exact same problem!  shame no one has replied to this.  I also have a Piece of S**t induction kit fitted, Im going to change it soon and put the original box back on.  could  possible be to do with the intake temperature getting too cold as the original box has a feed for warm air?

or maybe just the dash?

[Mr Blue]

my bets on the ignition relay or ignition switch

[rubjonny]

I had this, 3 different problems for me:
1. idle switch wiring snapped, stalls when dipping the clutch when pulling to a stop, plus hunting at idle
2. wiring to injector rail damaged, random drops in power then cut out completly when wire snapped
3. cut out when cold when dipping the clutch when pulling to a stop, cause unknown.  Believed to be caused by water in the fusebox, cleared up when car dried out!

[Organisys]

As above, check wiring including earth straps.

[reubenwilliams]

I dont think mine can be any snapped wires because it has been so intermittent!  its never happened on my journeys from leamingotn to Milton keynes, and only happened twice, although I dont drive very often.

But it does always hunt for idle.  I'll check the wiring soon and get back to you.

cheers all

[rubjonny]

could be a damabged  wire or loose connection being intermittant, when my fuel rail wire snapped it jerked several times when i was bombing it down the motorway before cutting out on me just after I got off (thankfully)