idle, power loss, stalling probs mk4 golf 1.6 8v

[jon69]

Hi guys,

Spent some time lookin thru ur forum with interest and my probs seem to be a mix of common issues but just need some help with an "idiots guide" to quickest and cheapest fixes b4 i visit my nearest stealer...

My 1.6s mk4 golf 1999 t reg(67k)ran sweet as a nut for two years (bought @ 40k)until 4 weeks after my vw dealership service 11 months ago (maybe a coincidence!!).1st was scarey moment in a carpark invloving throttle "ghostly" goin up to 6k revs then down and very next day total power cut off soon after cold start, nothing else like this happened for 3 months but now its developed into a mad dangerous regular issue!

Sounds like its runnin on 3 cylinders, loss of power esp top gears low revs (everyday) and the total cut-outs/stalling occur once per week in very same place each time on way to work.Wait 2 mins and re-starts ok (if not u cant hear the fuel pump "hum" when turning engine over).I guess its pinking too and i hear the faint knock under engine when it plays up, no engine warning lights have ever come on at all.

Basic things ive done so far;

maf sensor - Unclipped and seems even less power and same faint knock from engine and sluggishness.

air hoses - replaced a split "concertina type" pipe leading from back of rocker cover to maf sensor main air pipe

plugs - replaced with 4-head sparks last year

oil changed last month with synthetic hi-grade (to car spec)

Im visitin local garage to clean out throttle housing to hopefully sort out throttle and check coils but scared im havin to go to vw and get hit with the most expensive things 1st eg:maf sensors/throttle housings/knock sensors/labour and anything else they usually make up and overcharge u for!

any further help for simple trouble-shooting tips are a grateful, cheers for excellent forum by way.

[micko2602]

Could be a damaged coil pack if it sounds like it's running on 3 cylinders, common on the mk4

[jon69]

Thanx for reply mate, apparently local garage dude says he found a "intermittent" ignition fault on the ignition while car went thru its mot! still passed its emmisions test tho woooo. Im takin it back today for full electrics look-over to identify fault. Ill post results for anyone interested!

[jon69]

Thats it sorted!

Diagnosed as faulty ht leads ! £60 worse off but happy with piece of mind that it wont stall or chug about anymore!

[jon69]

Last point !............

All above problems are genuine and had me scared shitless to visit local vw and be hit with £££££££ so id advise anyone with any/all my above symtoms to make this cheap "quick fix" first before u get stung with any bull from the stealers!! im just relieved my local specialist was honest and knowledgable !

[shammyG]

Hi

I'm having the exact same issue as Jon69. Did the replacement of the HT leads solve his issue?

Car cutting out at approx 1/4 mile from home once or twice a week and won't restart immediately. Have to wait about 2 mins before it will start again. The car sometimes loses power and revs go up to 5.5k rpm. If i switch off and start again all is fine. This only seems to happen when car is cold. Once warmed up and temp gets to 90 degrees no problems.

Please confirm whether HT leads are the issue Jon69? It's been a long time since your post so anyone with similar problem please reply.

My car is scary to drive now.

Many Thanks

ShammyG