Author Topic: engine wont idle cuts out  (Read 1108 times)

Offline marrittm

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engine wont idle cuts out
« on: 20 April 2008, 22:16 »
hello im having a problem with my mk3 golf the car starts ok and while there is presure on throttle pedal it runs ok to but as soon as the throttle pedal is let go it cuts straight out, i have removed throttle body and cleaned out, i have replaced all breather pipes i can see except one which disapears into bulk head, (please note that one of the pipes was blocked solid). the person i bought it of had a induction kit on which i took of, also not sure if this is connected but a blue plastic peg has risen out of lid of brake fluid resiviour.

is there anything else i should check i thought it might be the ISV but after discovering price i really need to be sure. also car has been on my drive and has only been started 3 times in 7 months as i have been out of country.

Offline tim145tim

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  • 1997 GOLF GTi 16v ANNIVERSARY Mystic Blue Pearl
Re: engine wont idle cuts out
« Reply #1 on: 21 April 2008, 09:54 »
ECU and FUEL PUMP relays... (number 30 and 167 on a mk3 16v inder the steering wheel where the fuses are).

changing them helped my car stop cutting out.

But a new coolant temp sensor fixed it indefinately.

Offline mark3valver

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Re: engine wont idle cuts out
« Reply #2 on: 21 April 2008, 10:08 »
I have exactly the same problem as you. Where my car wasn't in use for a year and have exactly the same symptoms as you.

been to busy sorting other stuff lately but have this to fix soon.

As said above I have been told these are things to look at:

ISV - turn the ignition on but not the engine and listen to hear if the ISV buzzes (it will only be faint)

VAC hoses - sounds like you have done two but the important one is the one that goes into the bulkhead and upto the ECU.... take out the ECU side scuttle cover and you will see it go up to the side of the ECU you can't see (helpful!!!) so just take the ECU off its cradle and change it... been told this is important

Relays as said above

Micro switch on the bulkhead side of the throttle body - check with a mutli meter that it is working you can also hear it come in contact when the switch closes there is a click...

Clean the ISV (can't remember if you said you had done this) use carb cleaner and soak it.....

I have yet to do the relays or the ECU vac hose.... think my micro switch is working though.....

let me know how you get on as think its the same thing broken on both of our cars    :smiley:




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Offline Pete Taylor

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Re: engine wont idle cuts out
« Reply #3 on: 21 April 2008, 12:51 »
Most likely would be to suggest there is a vac hose problem, but they usually cause high idling due to unmeterd air rather than cutting out. Id say when idling it's to do with the ISV, first place to check... where the throttle cable stops against on the throttle body is a really small switch. If that isn't closing when the throttle cable stops back on it it will fail to idle. I believe this switch may control power to the ISV

Offline Pete Taylor

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Re: engine wont idle cuts out
« Reply #4 on: 21 April 2008, 12:56 »
Also, there's a hose about an inch and a half in diameter that comes from the ISV to the airbox, make sure that hasn't been blocked off and air can flow through it as the ISV uses this to supply the engine with enough air to idle

Offline marrittm

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Re: engine wont idle cuts out
« Reply #5 on: 21 April 2008, 20:28 »
hello guys thought i would let you know that i got a isv today from scrap yard of a audi same part number everything anyway put it on started engine and great news it didn't cut out idles great, so hope this may help mark3valver but i did remove throttle body and replaced all breather and air pipes first good luck, and thanx for all info guys great help.

Offline mark3valver

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Re: engine wont idle cuts out
« Reply #6 on: 21 April 2008, 22:43 »
what audi was it off? am trying to source another second hand one now as Im not convinced the one I bought is working....

cheers for the heads up though....


want a pair of raceland buckets with model specific subframes for £150 delivered? go here


http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=83910.0