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erratic idling problem

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:33 pm
by david burton
hello!

my 16v lump seems to have a problem idling. it's ok when ticking over (although it's a bit high - 1000rpm) but after slowing down to a stop / changing gear the revs hang, or dip to 1000rpm then up to 1600rpm then eventually back down to 1000rpm.

is this a sensor problem? i've cleaned the throttle body and changed the plugs already... not sure what to do next but I have a feeling it's time to get it oil changed and vag-commed.

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:17 pm
by robin

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 10:07 pm
by david burton
nice one mate - will see what vag-parts will do for me!

Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 9:58 am
by Speedlaw
This will in fact be the Temp sensor that Robin pointed out. I've replaced it three times now. Don't attempt this when the engine is warm, the coolant will spill out...

Possible solution to idle problems

Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 2:21 pm
by Q
I was reading Performance VW this month and noticed that they mention an idleing problem of vw 1.4 16V engines.

They indicate that there is a rubber pipe on the engine that sometime perishes and leaks which effects the running of the engine. I can't remember the name of the pipe though. It's Vacu somthing. Check out the magazine to find out. Alternatively check all the pipes in your engine for perishing.

Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:06 pm
by BenMMellor
mm this sounds a little like what's happening to mine.. however my 16v only does it occasionally.. it can be fine one day and a b***h the next. driving from the wirral to manchester and every time i stop at lights or in a jam - the revs float between 1200 and 1800rpm.. then when i get in the car to drive back home at night it'll happily idle at 800rpm

will changing this temp sensor at the front of the engine make any difference ?????

Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:28 pm
by Speedlaw
It sounds like you have a problem that *could* be cured by changing the sender. It's not that expensive so why not try it out?

:wink:

Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:29 pm
by Criz
I found i had the same problem.

Turned out that I had f**k all back pressure because of a split in my exhaust.

Doesnt do it anymore with my s/s system.

Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 11:04 pm
by david burton
Seems like it's a number of things.

Mine stopped when I reset the ECU - so I never bothered putting my new temp sensor in. Now it does it every now and again - so I might change it soon....

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:44 am
by BenMMellor
well the new back box should arrive from VAG Parts this week (after getting the centre section connection ripped off in flooding last week).

When my chosen spanner monkey is fitting it and the heatshield he has waiting to replace the rattling one I'll get him to check out the hoses..

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:10 pm
by chubbster
do you use the bebington danes or chester? i had all kinds of hassle with the beb one and now go to chester for any servicing etc.

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:12 pm
by chubbster
actually after reading your post again it looks like you may not use the stealers at all! :oops:

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:58 pm
by BenMMellor
chubbster wrote:actually after reading your post again it looks like you may not use the stealers at all! :oops:
I don't use the one on Mount Rd at all - complete idiots there.
I actually use J+R Motors by the Sportsmans pub in Tranmere - they're reliable and honest - and does cash jobs..... :wink: They usually get the parts from Liverpool as they know what muppets they are up in Bebington.
And he doesn't mind doing warranty work for me either. Always used to lok after my MGB for me a treat.

With regards to my Celica so I have a pet dealership over in Keighley who lok after my weekend special for me...

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 1:51 pm
by david burton
Keighley!

I was born in steeton - right next to the dump that is Keighley! :)

anyhow, what rpm did your heatshield rattle at? just want to see if it's mine that rattles - 3000rpm?

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 2:07 pm
by BenMMellor
i only go to Keighley when I want a decent job done on my Celica.. not too bad a place though.. if you're passing through ! :wink:

The heatshield rattle seemed to be from the centre section of the car.. seemed to be under the passenger seat. Couldn't see it myself but the local mechanic i use spotted it when sorting the fuel filter out for me. HE's got it sitting there waiting for me to go back.. hence waiting for my backbox from VAGParts to arrive to arrange fitting.

Well spoke to RAC warranties today, the engine sensor is covered by the warranty but hoses and throttle body aren't.. though tht idel contrl valve is.. Does anyone know of anywhere on t'wirral with a VAG COMM machine who will be cheap to tell me what's up with the engine ? not paying DANE prices to find out the diagnostics...