SteveAA Posted March 3, 2004 Report Share Posted March 3, 2004 I have posted in the Passat area regarding a problem with my '98 120k miles 1.8T Sport estate Passat.But thought I may be able to get some help in this area also. It seems to have lost a lot of power. Acceleration is v. poor, although it still pulls through the rev range in the lower gears progress is nowhere near as rapid as it used to be. In fourth it really stuggles and no matter how hard I try I cannot get it to pull above the ton. Someone has suggested the MAF may be at fault is there any way of checking this? I took the car to a VW dealer but thier diagnostic gizmo showed no real faults. Any thoughts or clues would be welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32North Posted March 3, 2004 Report Share Posted March 3, 2004 Go back to VW and get one of their Tech Guys to go out with you in the car so he can see for himself thats there is a problem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomerang Posted March 3, 2004 Report Share Posted March 3, 2004 air mass meter - doesn't show up on 5051 - ask them to change it anyway - should do the trick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 3, 2004 Report Share Posted March 3, 2004 I came across your note as I am also having problem with my Golf GTi 1.8 20v (non turbo) similar to yours. It had 40K service on Friday which made the problem that I've had for the last two months worse (apparently the ECU gets used to problem over time, but it can't be good for the car (all that hesitation and wondering whether the car will pick up the revs!)). The dealer had no error codes during the service, but said that the air mass sensor is the most likely component at fault (aparantly common with TDIs too). No way of verifying (by the dealer, according to them, they just put a new one and see whether it does the trick or not!!!), except £240+ for the parts plus labour. I've seen the part cheaper at (German Swedish ... web site). The unit is easy to change (I did take it out of the car in less than 15 minutes over the weekend to see if there was an abvious and visual fault, but no such luck) however I don't know whether the system requires resetting post new part. Perhaps someone in the know will tell us. Keep me posted with your progress. I am going to wait for a week or so before taking any action (more research is called for!!!!). Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twc Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 it might be worth checking the turbocharger boost control hoses to and from the the turbocharger wastegate actuator and the charge pressure control solenoid(on the main bulkhead). check them for tiny leaks or cracks. check the vacuum/pressure line to the fuel pressure regulator too for obvious reasons it might also be worth checking(if fitted on your engine?) the secondary air injection valve also as this could cause a loss in power if it was jammed open. I dont think it will be the Mass Airflow Sensor because if this was broke the engine probably wouldnt run! Does the engine idle roughly or is ok???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted March 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 Start up and idle are fine, there are no other symptoms beside the lack of performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopsta Posted March 6, 2004 Report Share Posted March 6, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Start up and idle are fine, there are no other symptoms beside the lack of performance. [/ QUOTE ] Get it tweaked, will soon sort out the performance issues Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARKI Posted March 7, 2004 Report Share Posted March 7, 2004 i can almost guarantee that it is the air mass meter. i have seen this problem many times before on the 1.8, you can change it yourself and you will notice the change instantly, but it is best to take it to a vw tech to get the readiness code reset. also i recomend cleening your intake manifold with suburu upper engine cleener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted March 7, 2004 Report Share Posted March 7, 2004 I remember someone mentioning unhooking the MAF and taking her for a short test-drive. Apparently, if it IS the MAF, you'll feel a difference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 8, 2004 Report Share Posted March 8, 2004 Steve, I took my Golf to an Electronic Rngine Tuning place recommended by my local VW (non dealer) spare part supplier. He put the car on his machine and went for a drive. 5 minutes later he came back and said that it was the Air Mass Meter, as he was not registering the correct air volume that he expected. Tomorrow he will fit the new unit and reset the ECU. So, although the unit can be changed, the system needs resetting. If you leave near South Wales (not Australia!!), tell me and I will give his phone number to you. Will post the out come tomorrow evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 9, 2004 Report Share Posted March 9, 2004 My Golf GTI is alive!! Thanks to a new Air Mass Meter (sensor- whatever you want to call it). The ECU didn't need resetting, so I could have done the job myself, but by getting a specialist tuning chap to confirm the fault, at least I won't end up changing everything in the car (Old saying, find the cause, don't cure the symptom!). Now a feedback on cost. He charged me £25 for the diagnostic examination and £175 for the part. Cash payment (if you know what I mean!!!!!). Part is available from www.gsfcarparts.com under the "air mass meter" search catagory @ £165 + VAT + postage. If anyone needs the details of the workshop (North of Newport - South Wales) here is his phone number "Auto Tech Services" 01495 247218 & his name is Kenton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted March 9, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2004 Good news Rafi Unfortunately my Passat is still struggling, just had a quote on a genuine sensor £246+ VAT!!!!! are they taking the piss or what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted March 9, 2004 Report Share Posted March 9, 2004 Funny because I think Audi charge slightly more for one on their varient of the 1.8T engine!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 9, 2004 Report Share Posted March 9, 2004 Sorry Steve, I just left a note on the Passat Side (by the way I had a Passat (1.8 20v)for 4 years as well as the Golf (my 4th Golf). No they are not taking the p... Check the "germanswidishfrench" parts site (www.gsfcarparts.com) If you want second hand, try this site. www.partsgateway.co.uk . I used it and had two breakers offering me parts for £45 & £60 + VAT (one was V-Dub Motors, tel 01732 882276 and the other was Volks-Apart, tel 02083172330. But you do need the part number which unfortunately is stamped on the underside of the unit as its fitted to the car (either take it out or use a good mirror if you can). Also, I think buying second hand is a false economy (they only come with limited warranty). My chap who did the job said, quote" it's the salt on the road that gets sucked in and passes through the air filter which attacks (buggers is what he said) the electronics". Look, I don't know where you live, but give Auto Tech a call and talk to the guy. He is a nice guy, and might be able to advise you over the phone to check for things. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted March 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Rafi, Thanks for the info, when I said are they taking the piss I meant VAG 250 quid for that!!! makes you wonder doesn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 10, 2004 Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 I work in the Auto Industry & I can tell you that the mark up for spare parts by the vehicle manufacturer varies from 3 to 5 times of what the supplier (Bosch in this case) charges as OE parts supplied to the assembly plant. But overall I agree with you. I would only expect to pay £50 for this part. After all, its a metering device with non moving parts. It would have been cheaper if the sensor was replaceable, by keeping the casing the same. Oh well I mustn't slagg off the industry that feeds me too much!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted March 11, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Quite right, you should never bite the hand that feeds you even if they are robbing gits. I disconnected the MAF last night and took the car out, it made no noticable difference.....is this significant?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 11, 2004 Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Steve Can't answer that one because I didn't try it on my Golf. But I figure that if the ECU doesn't recieve any signal from the meter, it should switch to "limp Home" mode which prevents the car from performing as "normal" not to damage the engine. Hence, you should not notice difference. How is the MPG figure these days? Has it gone up (suggesting that you burn more fuel as engine doesn't get the right mixture. My problem was that I couldn't get the car to go right through the rev range. On the motorway, climbing a hill, it would start to slow down and by pressing the accelerator pedal further, it would really struggle and in fact would feel as though it was going to come to a halt. Now, it is back to it's usual mode, and you can red line the revs in all gears. Because you have a turbocharger, (and they can be expensive to mend!), I recommend you get the car tested propoerly (not VAG dealer - charges would be extorsion!). Go to an independent parts supplier shop in your area and ask the chap to recommend a good Engine tuning & electronics guy. They usually will only send you to good guys. That's how I found out about mine. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted March 11, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Rafi, My Passat will still redline in the first couple of gears but it take a long time getting there, I used to have trouble changeing up quick enough. To try and quantify it for you I also have a 1971 2002 BMW (normal carbed model)and that leaves the Passat standing. Also the car absolutely refuses to go above the ton, it's almost as if there is a restricter fitted. The car used to fly and now it's lost all of its sparkle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 11, 2004 Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Steve My Golf was the same. I had lost confidence in joining the traffic or even changing lanes in the motorway! I searched yell.com and it came up with this entry in milton keynes:- Crypto-Tune 43, Booker Avenue Bradwell Common Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK13 8EG Tel: 01908 230444 • Mobile Engine Tuning • Mobile Servicing • Diagnostics/Fault Finding • Minor Repairs • Non Starters/Breakdowns • Herts/Beds/Bucks Coverage It's worth giving them a call to see how much they charge, and more importantly if their device plugs into your car to read any error codes, etc.. Ironic really, you live in Milton Keynes. The home of VAG UK!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted March 15, 2004 Report Share Posted March 15, 2004 Steve What's the progress? Are you any nearer in resolving the issue? I hope so. Please post the latest situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted March 19, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2004 Sorry all, I've not logged on lately. Looming house move seems to be dominating everything at the moment. As it stands we're still struggling along, as soon as I have the car fixed you guys will be the first to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted April 27, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 Ok quick update on my Passat, tried to order the MAF yesterday only to find that there are none in the country and they are on back order in Germany, Bosch are quoting 12 weeks for delivery. So as you can imagine I am seriously pissed off, and now looking around the breakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafi Posted April 27, 2004 Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 Steve Check my previous post (07/03/04 I think) for used part sourcing. My Golf is running OK so far (I dare not say any more just in case). Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAA Posted April 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2004 Rafi, Tried your link, only one of the dealers had one and they wanted £179 for it second hand. Thanks any how. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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