I drive a 2001 VW Jetta and have had many issues with this car but have had this particular issue many times. It starts when all of a sudden my car feels like it’s going to stall when idiling. When I go to drive it in this state the car has difficulty excelerating, bucking and sputtering (like the engine isn’t getting enough fuel) and the engine light comes on. I have taken it to many shops and they usually replace an oxygen sensor saying that it is clogged etc. I have also had a couple of tune ups because of it but after about a year the issue comes back and I shell out more money. I was told by one mechanic to use only super gasoline and that it should prevent it from happening again which I did and it held it off from happening again to about a year and half but now it’s back. I am so sick of this car / fixing the same issue. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
I think I’ll get a job replacing oxygen sensors. I know how to say “that ought to fix it”. It runs just like the computer doesn’t know what it’s doing and then it reboots and runs the right way again.
The computer (PCM) usually does this more often when it is insane. Somebody might want to test the fuel injectors or run some Sea-Foam through them just for good luck. Those oxygen sensors don’t just look bad for no reason at all. PCUs usually produce codes too which can be read, written down and talked about.
That CEL (check engine light) is just a kid in class waving her hand trying to get you attention because she has the answer. You need to have the codes read. Some places will read them for FREE. Try Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. Get the exact code (like P0123) not just their translation into English and post it back here.I believe that what Mr. Meehan is trying to say is that without reporting the actual error codes associated with the check engine light no one knows where to start. The codes look like “P1234” - there are hundreds of them. Figure out what they were and report them along with the state of all of your basic maintenance items (“tune ups” is vague) and the mileage on the car.
If they aren’t on your invoices from the past and your engine light is now coming on many auto parts chain stores will read them for free.
You also need to be more specific about the “after about a year the issue comes back” comment. No one can make sense out of that w/out you saying exactly what work was done and what the car does in the intervening year.
The next time someone has occasion to pull the spark plugs they should be left out long enough the check the engine’s compression.
Spelling police we need a correction here.
WHat engine do you have? Is it the 1.8T? I really need to know this before even beginning. I have several great ideas for you but I dont know what engine we are dealing with here.
If its a 1.8T it sounds like you are in limp mode…
Check for vacume leaks
clean MAF sensor
Check Turbo vacume lines
Check the vacume relay for turbo…etc
make sure air filter is clean
read CEL code and act on the issue it reports
I think you have a dirty MAF and or vacume leaks
Again need to know engine