Hi guys,
I'm at my ropes end with my Jetta, I've had it for exactly a year and for the past 6 months it has been problems after problems. I've almost given up on this car and TDI's in general, but I figured I might as well try posting on this wonderful forum before I throw in the towel.
My problem started with my RPM's surging followed by a random stall during my commutes, I also noticed the car would have a very hard time starting when parked on a hill with the back end lower than the front.
To remedy the above problem I took my car to a local TDI specialist. Purchased and had install a brand new VDO in-tank lift pump, I also replaced the Coolant temperature sensor due to my car never reaching peak operating temperature and not giving enough heat in the cabin. It seemed like after these two fixes my diesel mileage had improved pretty noticeably, my hill parking and RANDOM stall problem had disappeared however, i still continued to have hard start and stalls when i depress the clutch.
So, my Jetta currently will have hard starts with anywhere between 1-10 second crank times but it finally starts with rpm surging, very noticeable amount of white smoke, engine stumbling in tune with the rpm surges.
The rpm surges usually fade away after the engine reaches POT, but the engine still continues to run rough. I also notice the first start is always the easiest, after the engine is warm it actually takes a longer crank.
The car will stall when coming to a stop and I have to depress the clutch in order to move into neutral. Sometimes the stalls will happen consecutively about 4-5 times, at other times I'll have only one stall per day. I no longer feel comfortable depressing the clutch unless I slow down until my RPM's are about 1000 then I would just pray and watch my tachometer hoping it will not stall. I can also make the car stall by simply revving the engine while idling; the rpm needle will drop fast and below 600-700 and recover back to 950~ other times it will drop fast straight down to 0 and I find my self banging my head into my steering wheel. I noticed my Tandem pump or Vacuum pump will make a clicking noise when the rpm drops to low 700's and is about to make a recovery.
I also have bad lower end torque, I say this because sometimes my car will pull much harder right off the bat but as of now there is noticeable lack in lower end power with the car VERY noticeably taking off at around 2500 RPM's when the turbo kicks in.
So far I have:
-Replaced my Lift pump
-Coolant temperature sensor
-Replaced my tandem pump twice (First one was a LUK pump, now on a BOSCH pump)
-Replaced crank position sensor ( one that is easier to access on the front lower side of the engine).
-Replaced fuel filter
-Replaced fuel filter thermostatic T fitting
-Cleaned my MAF sensor it made some decent impact on my low end torque
but only temporarily so I replaced the MAF sensor twice...
-Replaced my EGR Valve after i noticed it made a clicking noise with the key on the ON position.
-Checked for camshaft lobe wear its in a very good condition for a 230,000 KM engine
-Replaced air filter
-Checked all the fuses made sure they were all fitted firmly
-Checked Relay 109
-ECU Ground wire TSB ( was done already )
-Mounted a doggie collar on my EGR Hose
-More i can't recall at the moment
Only mods on the car is a Stage 1 Malone tune and a mufflerectomy ( not a full straight pipe)
Most of the above fixes were completed after "diagnosis" from mechanics whom I feel an unbelievable distrust towards now.
I cannot throw any more money at my car anymore, I'm already buried knee deep in dept which will take a long time for me to come out of due to me being in school full time with a crappy part time job. I was told TDI's are very expensive to maintain but holy sh*t.
I apologize for the extensive write up, but I felt it was necessary for me to include as much information as possible, any help is greatly appreciated. Despite the problems I really do love this car and wish to drive it for many years to come.
I'm at my ropes end with my Jetta, I've had it for exactly a year and for the past 6 months it has been problems after problems. I've almost given up on this car and TDI's in general, but I figured I might as well try posting on this wonderful forum before I throw in the towel.
My problem started with my RPM's surging followed by a random stall during my commutes, I also noticed the car would have a very hard time starting when parked on a hill with the back end lower than the front.
To remedy the above problem I took my car to a local TDI specialist. Purchased and had install a brand new VDO in-tank lift pump, I also replaced the Coolant temperature sensor due to my car never reaching peak operating temperature and not giving enough heat in the cabin. It seemed like after these two fixes my diesel mileage had improved pretty noticeably, my hill parking and RANDOM stall problem had disappeared however, i still continued to have hard start and stalls when i depress the clutch.
So, my Jetta currently will have hard starts with anywhere between 1-10 second crank times but it finally starts with rpm surging, very noticeable amount of white smoke, engine stumbling in tune with the rpm surges.
The rpm surges usually fade away after the engine reaches POT, but the engine still continues to run rough. I also notice the first start is always the easiest, after the engine is warm it actually takes a longer crank.
The car will stall when coming to a stop and I have to depress the clutch in order to move into neutral. Sometimes the stalls will happen consecutively about 4-5 times, at other times I'll have only one stall per day. I no longer feel comfortable depressing the clutch unless I slow down until my RPM's are about 1000 then I would just pray and watch my tachometer hoping it will not stall. I can also make the car stall by simply revving the engine while idling; the rpm needle will drop fast and below 600-700 and recover back to 950~ other times it will drop fast straight down to 0 and I find my self banging my head into my steering wheel. I noticed my Tandem pump or Vacuum pump will make a clicking noise when the rpm drops to low 700's and is about to make a recovery.
I also have bad lower end torque, I say this because sometimes my car will pull much harder right off the bat but as of now there is noticeable lack in lower end power with the car VERY noticeably taking off at around 2500 RPM's when the turbo kicks in.
So far I have:
-Replaced my Lift pump
-Coolant temperature sensor
-Replaced my tandem pump twice (First one was a LUK pump, now on a BOSCH pump)
-Replaced crank position sensor ( one that is easier to access on the front lower side of the engine).
-Replaced fuel filter
-Replaced fuel filter thermostatic T fitting
-Cleaned my MAF sensor it made some decent impact on my low end torque
but only temporarily so I replaced the MAF sensor twice...
-Replaced my EGR Valve after i noticed it made a clicking noise with the key on the ON position.
-Checked for camshaft lobe wear its in a very good condition for a 230,000 KM engine
-Replaced air filter
-Checked all the fuses made sure they were all fitted firmly
-Checked Relay 109
-ECU Ground wire TSB ( was done already )
-Mounted a doggie collar on my EGR Hose
-More i can't recall at the moment
Only mods on the car is a Stage 1 Malone tune and a mufflerectomy ( not a full straight pipe)
Most of the above fixes were completed after "diagnosis" from mechanics whom I feel an unbelievable distrust towards now.
I cannot throw any more money at my car anymore, I'm already buried knee deep in dept which will take a long time for me to come out of due to me being in school full time with a crappy part time job. I was told TDI's are very expensive to maintain but holy sh*t.
I apologize for the extensive write up, but I felt it was necessary for me to include as much information as possible, any help is greatly appreciated. Despite the problems I really do love this car and wish to drive it for many years to come.
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