(but looking for locost solution)

A friend's got a Mk 4 golf which is playing up.

When cold, it simply won't pull under load but is better (but not cured) when the engine has had a while to warm up.

When you put your foot down, it judders (much like if you try and make a car pull from less than 500rpm)

Her garage reckons it's the leads / coil but could it also be a bunged up fuel system? (I changed the leads last night and it improved slightly but has been juddering again today)

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

Stephen

PS Her garage wanted in excess of £300 to change the coil and leads - £100 worth of parts from German & Swedish....

If it's carbed -clean them.

I injection then add redex or smilar

Then change plug gaps before anything else. May fix it may not if not, you can always pay out then!!

Put injector cleaner in on Monday. Slight improvement

Plugs are new (3 weeks old - fitted by VW)

quote:

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Originally posted by chunkielad
If it's carbed -clean them.

I injection then add redex or smilar

Then change plug gaps before anything else. May fix it may not if not, you can always pay out then!!

---

A reasonably equipped garage (doesn't have to be VW) should be able to plug in a diagnostic machine and read any fault codes in the ECU. This would be my first port of call as it can identify problems quickly.

Just a thought - there's no diesel inthe tank is there

I've had to sort out my wife's diesel car which had "mysteriously" aquired some petro, from somewhere

Good luck and don't give VW any more money than you have to

Nick

If the plugs were fitted as part of the service, say theat the car has progressively go worse since the service. Customer service might do it for nothing.

quote:

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Originally posted by nick205
Just a thought - there's no diesel inthe tank is there

I've had to sort out my wife's diesel car which had "mysteriously" aquired some petro, from somewhere

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A twisted tank of fuel once in a while is no bad thing. I have a 20 ltr drum with a petrol deisel mix from the last time my mother picked up the wrong hose.

Its very useful for when you need some degreser, and don't want to use up all the lawn mower fuel.

is likely injection..soow diagnosis..

i think that the filters should have a look and the conections to the sensors....

in injection cars thats many times the problem..

simple wires that burn a bit and short signals to ground etc..

some times, some times its the fuel pump..
(it cant deliver the amount needed, when cold there is more needed etc..)

check the pressure in the injection system for that..

Regards

TKS

Does car start o.k. ? what size engine?, try checking under bonnet when dark, look for small sparks around H.T. lead, coil etc . worth changing distributor cap and rotor? May possibly be a coolant sensor fault. change fuel filter if not done, check for air leaks/ vacuum pipes off . has timing belt been changed ? cam timing could be out. Did problem develope suddenly or was it gradual? may suggest incorrect maintenance.

All,

Thanks for your replies. Carbs and Dizzy won't be the problem - engine is a 1.8 20v, injection with EDIS

Checked with the owner tonight and apparently wasn't serviced at VW - she got a small garage to do it.

Think I'll try the fuel filter (only a fiver) tomorrow, and see if I can see the state of the plugs.

If that doesn't cure it then I'll try and find a garage with a diagnostic reader.

Cheers

Stephen

[Edited on 3/3/05 by stevebubs]

Hi Steve

Ive got a VAG-COM lead you're welcome to borrow for a few days if you like, then you can do it yourself. Download the freeware software from Ross-Tech and you can do your own ECU diagnostics

My missus works in Reading so you could possibly pick it up from her there

Chris

oops, didnt realise this thread was 3 weeks old

Ta - I'll bear it in mind for the future, anyhow. Persuaded her spending £20 at the local specialist was worth the money. 1 New MAF Sensor later and car was smooth as anything.

How much did it cost? Euro Car Parts do them at very reasonable cost