SYSOP # 838 Date: 11-30-94, 20:54 Left by: TIM HILDABRAND Replied # 698 Sent to: SIMON JOHN WILSON Status: Public Topic: engine management Rcvd: No SJ>I own a 1991 VW Golf 16V and have had many problems with the engine SJ>management system. I have had the recal "RY" done and throttle switches SJ>changed etc etc. SJ>The car randomly decides to run poorly, it will go 30,000km without a SJ>problem then will be almost undrivable. SJ> symptoms - no fuel cutoff / surging when let off SJ> throttle SJ> - knock sensing system goes awol SJ> - poor idle erratic 2000 to 3000rpm SJ>I have met several other owners of cars manufactured around this time SJ>1 Qtr 1991 many of whom have had similar problems. However there appears SJ>to be no recognition of this from VW and there seems to be no technical SJ> explanation or cure. SJ> SJ>Does anyone have the same problems and does anyone have a cure? SJ> From Chris Lagattuta - Vice Pres.and Service Manager New Dimensions Your (3) symptoms listed are questionable. What are your actual driving symptoms? Your third symptom (poor, erratic idle) is a drivability symptom. There is no way you can know that your knock sensing system or fuel cutoff is faulty unless you are troubleshooting it in the shop. They may, however, all be related. First, there is a distinction between CA. 16V 2.0L and 49 state equipped cars. California cars are equipped with extra EGR valves and vacuum distributors, more vacuum plumbing, and modified throttle bodies. These (3) additions contributed to similar derivability problem as you described. They are not "recalls" but campaigns. When the California car exhibited these problems and brought them to the dealer, they would perform an "SB/SC" campaign. Under these conditions, the Volkswagen dealer (at their option sometimes) upgrade the ECU to the latest software, modify a vacuum port on the throttle body, replace vacuum hoses, and reset specs. If further problems continue, they are authorized by VW of America to install new knock sensors and gold plated terminals at the female receptacles for each knock sensors and the air sensor potentiometer. Sometimes even entire engine harnesses are replaced Remember, they only take extreme steps when cars are relatively new and the problem was documented from date of purchase. All repairs have to be authorized by Volkswagen thru a dealer. The main problems that I have seen in my local area is the competency of the dealers to perform the needed campaigns. Customers have called me from Texas, Missouri and other Central States complaining of similar symptoms. When they took their cars to their dealers, they were told nothing was wrong. Actually, the problem is that most of the dealers didn't have adequately trained techs to do the work. The key is for then to receive and distribute the latest updates from Volkswagen to the techs. Often times, it is necessary to go to an area or regional manager from Volkswagen so that he can send you to the dealer able to fix the problem. I strongly feel that your problem is software and / or knock sensor related. If you live in an icy/ snowy region, your car's electrical connectors will be under greater corrosion pressure and the gold plated terminals are very important. Hopefully, your car still has under 40-50K miles. It will facilitate getting warranty repair done. My recommendations are as follows: A. 1. Make sure you use 92 octane fuel always! 2. Do not change stock timing (6 deg. BTDC) 3. Only use F6DTZ spark plugs (BOSCH) 4. Only use BOSCH cap and rotors B. then, contact your local dealer 1. You won't be needing SB/SC > it won't apply. If you are (49 state). 2. Look at female plugs to knock sensors and potentiometer on air box, are they gold plated? Remember, both the pins on the knock sensor and the plug have to be gold. If only one side is gold it will accelerate corrosion! 3. Hope you have GOOD LUCK!! Chris Lagattuta NEW DIMENSIONS Service From usc!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uunet!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf01.news.aol.com!not-for-mail Mon Dec 12 12:29:38 PST 1994 Article: 45431 of rec.autos.vw Path: usc!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uunet!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf01.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: jmitc@aol.com (Jmitc) Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw Subject: Re: 16V GTI Good/Bad years? Date: 11 Dec 1994 08:45:19 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 39 Sender: news@newsbf01.news.aol.com Message-ID: <3cevpf$lu5@newsbf01.news.aol.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf01.news.aol.com jmcelroy@wpi.edu (James McElroy Jr.) writes: >Based on my observations on the net, I'd say that while some 2.0 16V's >are great, others have serious quality control problems that the 1.8 >16V's didn't seem (to) suffer. I've seen some of the notes about various running problems with 2.0L 16V VWs, and ALL of the problems are minor and trivial to solve. The first thing you've GOT to do is buy the Bentley manual and follow the CIS-E Motronic troubleshooting instructions. The fault codes will tell you where the problem lies. More often than not, the fix involves cleaning connector contacts, which takes all of three or four minutes. I own a 90 Jetta GLI 16V with 65k, and I've never had the slightest problem diagnosing the very few running problems the car has had. The airflow potentiometer connector originally caused a few problems, but reading the fault codes always pointed this out. Don't blame the car for incompetent diagnosis. Another tip: MAKE SURE that your 2.0 has the latest engine management ROM and has had all ECU and engine recalls performed. VW will update you for free on this one. There is at least one technical service bulletin out on this subject. >I guess the trick is to find a 2.0 that's had good reliability; i.e., >buy one from someone you actually know. They're a blast when they run >well. This would be good advice for any used car purchase. I would insist on buying a one-owner car with documented service history, regardless of the car. Cars to stay away from would include multi-owner cars (why did several owners decide to dump such a new car?), any car that has been through an auction, and any car that is an insurance recovery sale. Before you buy any used car, if you are not competent to work on modern vehicles yourself, you should find a shop (preferably an independent shop) that IS competent. Here in Birmingham, AL, there is a shop that specializes in watercooled VWs, Hutchinson Automotive. I can't help but believe that, if the relatively small VW service market here can support such a shop (they are booked solid), that there will be similar shops in larger cities. Once again, you have to learn to make a distinction between the quality of a CAR and the quality of the SERVICE the car receives. --------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 88 Jetta GLI 1.8L 16v Idle problem Date: Tue, 07 Jul 1998 19:54:01 -0700 From: Larry Batson To: jan@lipari.usc.edu For the longest I've had idle problems with my 88 16v Jetta. Finally I've seemed to have solved the problem. After a lot of internet surfing I got some good tips from JAN'S website. I replaced the air flow meter or plate that sits above the air filter. It regulates the amount of air that flows out of the air box. There is a screw in the meter that adjusts with a 3mm allen wrench. There is a round lip around the bottom of that screw that fits underneath two forks that attaches to the air plate. On my car, that screw had become dislodged (by some damn mechanic). After I replaced the meter and the hard plastic hose between the air flow meter and the throttle, its all right so far. The VW part number for my 88 Jetta 16v is 026 133 147 and the bosch numbers are 0438121046. I was also told I can use part number 026 133 353 with bosch number 0438121011. Picked the part up used for $100. Hopes this helps someone. DEALER PRICE $670.00 PLUS TAX --------------------------------------------------------------- From usenet.eel.ufl.edu!usenet.cis.ufl.edu!caen!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!lll-winken.llnl.gov!noc.near.net!bigboote.WPI.EDU!wpi.WPI.EDU!jmcelroy Sat Nov 19 12:39:13 PST 1994 Article: 43925 of rec.autos.vw Path: usenet.eel.ufl.edu!usenet.cis.ufl.edu!caen!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!lll-winken.llnl.gov!noc.near.net!bigboote.WPI.EDU!wpi.WPI.EDU!jmcelroy From: jmcelroy@wpi.edu (James McElroy Jr.) Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw Subject: [W] 2.0 16V Comprehensive Bucking/Idling Summary Date: 18 Nov 1994 19:04:39 GMT Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Lines: 939 Message-ID: <3aits7$p0g@bigboote.WPI.EDU> NNTP-Posting-Host: wpi.wpi.edu Keywords: VW,GTI,GLI,16V,bucking,skipping X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] I've finally managed to compile the incredible amount of information I've gotten over the past several months on 2.0 16V bucking and idling problems. The following file is VERY LONG, but I tried to make it as efficient as possible. It includes the database that I've been compiling. Sorry to those of you who have been waiting to get the databse emailed or USmailed to you; I just wanted to wrap everything up before I sent this stuff out. I was hoping this could be kept with the faq's at the archive site but I'm not sure if that's feasible. If not, I'll keep a copy of those that can be emailed to anyone who'd like it. Enjoy! James McElroy 2.0 16V Crisis Support Group (begin included file) ___________________________________________ | VW 2.0 16V Info | | | | Information on idle and bucking | | problems common in VW 2.0 16V | | motors. | | | | Compiled by James McElroy | | jmcelroy@wpi.wpi.edu | |_________________________________________| CONTENTS: I. General Info II. Detailed letters from owners III. 2.0 16V Database ======================================================================= I. VW 2.0 16V: GENERAL INFORMATION I compiled this file after spending two infuriating years trying to figure out why my 92 GTI 16V bucked under hard acceleration and had weird idle problems. I've spent countless hours fighting with VW dealers, arguing with mechanics, talking with VWoA, writing letters to the president of VWoA, going through (and being turned down for) Lemon Law AND Better Business Bureau Arbitration proceedings, and basically just tearing my hair out. Then last summer I discovered rec.autos.vw. And along with it, the cure to my problems. I can't say enough great things about how incredibly helpful people on rec.autos.vw were to me. I've got at least an inch high stack of printouts on my desk consisting of email and postings from other VW owners. Anyways, this file is my attempt at returning the favor. I compiled all the important info I have on VW 2.0 16V engine problems. I'm supposed to be a full time student in real life, so hopefully this is the last time I'll have to deal with this file. Still, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at jmcelroy@wpi.wpi.edu. And if you know any lawyers who would be willing to help me get back the several hundred dollars VWoA owes me, I'd love to meet them. Hope this of help. James McElroy Worcester Polytechnic Insitute 92 GTI 16V 2.0, 80.6k miles. ======================================================================= II. VW 2.0 16V: DETAILED LETTERS FROM OWNERS >From jmcelroy@WPI.EDU Sat Sep 24 08:47:34 1994 Date: Sat, 24 Sep 1994 08:47:32 -0400 To: bwgti16v@telerama.lm.com, dnikas@pts.mot.com, duvalj@ava.bcc.orst.edu, jcieslik@worldbank.org Subject: Welcome to VW 2.0 16V skipping/bucking/idle problem support group Cc: jmcelroy@WPI.EDU Status: RO Some of you might not know me, but I've gotten your addresses from rec.autos.vw. This mailing is my last desparate attempt to figure out what's causing my 92 GTI 16V to buck under acceleration. If I got the right addresses from the postings, I believe we all have 2.0 16V's, and we all seem to have one or both of the following problems: 1. Idle surging, also causing problems at speed. 2. Bucking/skipping/jolting under acceleration. I've already gotten Brian's story on his car (which is virtually identical to mine, and was produced only a few hundred cars down the assembly line from mine), but I'd like to get detailed info from the rest of you as well, if you're interested. This might be a pain to type up, but I've been fighting my dealer and VWoA for a year and half know and they're still utterly clueless as to what's wrong with my car. Perhaps you could include the following info: car year/model vin number place of purchase description of problems (including when they first appeared) description of repair attempts to date (this is the important one), including name and phone of dealer (if any) doing work your name, phone, mailing address Here's my input: 92 GTI 16V purchased used (17,130 miles) from Gateway Motors in Nashua NH (603) 883-0123. problems started at 30,000 miles. * idle fine at times, hunted between 1500-300 rpm at others. Seemed to also cause weird response at speed: When removing foot from gas, car kept going (as if someone was still holding pedal down) for a a few seconds, then suddenly the phantom foot chopped the throttle, noticeable to passengers. similarly, at speed, inital response to throttle was nothing. would then suddenly "catch" and accelerate. again, noticeable to passengers who were beginining to think I can't drive. * car bucks under hard accleration; as if engine momentarily looses power, then regains it *instantly*. This has been the single most annoying problem with my car. VERY NOTICEABLE, can't imagine what it's doing to my car (seems to have trashed the tranny in Brain's GTI). what I've had done: car saw dealer 10 times for these two problems. following was done: 30K: ECU replaced under recall (had no effect), mass air flow sensor ordered. 32K: distributor replaced 35K: dealer worked on car for two days, couldn't figure out what was wrong. 39k: air flow sensor replaced, leak in intake hose found. Problems both seemed cured. 50K: problems returned. dealer found nothing wrong. 54k: saw dealer again. still couldn't find anything wrong. 60K; saw Gateway (previous visits had been to Lynngate VW in Lynn MA, which was next door to work for me while I was on co-op). couldn't find problem. 65k: car spent four days and three nights at dealer. wrang up $160 in diagnostic expenses, nothing wrong found. 66k: nothing found to be wrong. 69k: distributor replaced (now on my third). leak in intake manifold found. problem gone!!!! 75k: problem back. I unplugged the air flow sensor, blew on the conn., plugged it back in, and tightened a few hose fittings. car fine. 77k: problem back. going out in a few minutes to try it my last quick fix. Anyways, sorry this is so long, but if you've had as many problems as my car has given me, you'd do virtually anything to get it fixed. I just hoped that we could all trade notes so we can approach VWoA with this problem; if there's a bunch of us who have the *exact* same symptoms, maybe they'll finally agree there's a problem (so far I've talked to them 15-20 times, and they insist there's no real problem). I've also been fighting to get the money I've spent ($300) on this witchhunt back, as my car first exhibited these problems at 30K, when it was still under the powertrain and emissions warranties (which seem to cover most of the components I've had replaced). Thanks for your time! James McElroy 45 Fruit Street, Apt. #1 Worcester, MA 01609 jmcelroy@wpi.wpi.edu (508) 756-7829 92 GTI 16V. 77k miles. >From bwgti16v@telerama.lm.com Wed Aug 10 17:28:18 1994 Date: Wed, 10 Aug 1994 17:28:13 -0400 From: Brian Wicks Subject: Re: [W] 2.0 16V owners w/ bucking/skiping/jolting problem: please respond (was: Re: [W] Worst Fears: Hole in transmission!) Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Status: RO In article you wrote: > when/where car purchased, w/ what mileage Nov. 1991 took delivery at Fiore VW with 850 miles on car > when problem started After 40K noticed problem intermitently, occurance rate increased slowly, hten much greater later in the car's life 50-70K > what dealer has done, name and address of dealer(s) Replaced Throttle Body new Fuel Filter & swap fuel pump & Took fuel samples RY Recall - New ECU Unit New Mass Air flow sensor Adjusted Potentiaometer settings 3-5 times Adjusted Idle sensor 2 times Check O2 sensor Clean ECU Contacts Replace throttle switch contacts (seemed to work for jerking hesitaion remained) Diagnositcs at least 15 times > VWofA reaction (if any) Paid ofr throttle body, Regional Service Manager gave a few suggestions. I never completely confronted them on the issue. > detailed description of problem It began as a slight jerking (throttle on/off) while the car was under throttle. Random occurances. Increased in frequency and then severity. The whole powertrain would jump. There was no way to make it occur at will, it seemdd to be worse however on hot/himid days. IT did not jerk during the winter months in 92 however it did occasionaly during the winter of 93. The summer months etc were much much worse. It seemed to develop into 2 separate problems. The most common was the jerking/bucking/rip th etransmission to shreds problem. It would occur at light throttle changes but never during full throttle. Car was immpossible to drive in 1st gear at low RPM 1500--2000, felt like car was running out of gas. etc. the second problem - hesitation occured only in the last 10K miles, you could press the throttle and nothing would happen for .5-1.0 sec. then wham! in the later stages it would happen even whenthe throttle was not depressed (only the driver). I get the feeling they are relted yet seperate (if that makes sense). Timeline well first occurances were late 92 early 93 around 40K miles. Still having slight jerking however it may be a result of my fried diff & tranny! Will know soon after repair! F If you get frustrated with typing (Iknow I do) you can call me at 814-234-4100 until 7-8 eery night or 814-867-1676 after that. Or e-mail me your # and I'll call. I was thinking the same thing interms of a list to use as evidence in my dealer/VW/Warranty war! Brian > "92 GTI 16V Crisis Support Group" :) Viva the GTI - Death to the incompotent VW support Group! -- Brian Wicks A.K.S. Autocrossing, Kayaking, Soccer bwgti16v.telerama.lm.com Keep the Faith >From eric.halpern@dscmail.com Thu Oct 27 02:36:48 1994 To: jmcelroy@wpi.wpi.edu Subject: GLI-16v, 1992 information and experiances Date: Thu, 27 Oct 94 01:01:00 -0640 Organization: DSC/Voicenet * Ivyland, PA * (215) 443-9434 Content-Type: text Content-Length: 5342 Status: RO From: eric.halpern@dscmail.com I own a GLI 16v 1992 with about 29k miles as of this week. I love the car now, but it was a rocky road in the first 10k miles. It had: a new clutch at 3k miles a new water pump at 6k miles a new throttle body at 3k miles a new master cylinder at 7k miles a new distributor seal at 6k miles several exhaust mounts at 3k miles a new battery at 26k miles a new power steering fluid tank at 25k miles plugs, distributor cap/rotor and air filter at 27k miles I'd hate the damn thing if it didn't drive so nice. Reading the various mail reminded me of several problems that others may be having. This is a long story, get comfortable... When the car was new, it had a running problem. It would buck (jerk the engine) violently on the highway at consistent speed, even under cruise control. Flat road, consistent speed, and the engine would jerk at its mounts. The dealer spec'd out the thing and it behaved for a few days and then started to act up again. Next, the dealer replaced the throttle body. Again, it was fine for a few days and then acted up again. I was getting frustrated. I called Neuspeed and spoke with Aharon Neuman. He reversed engineers the EPROMs. I told him about my problem and asked if his chip might correct it. He told me that he wouldn't have me use his chip until my car ran properly. During the discussion, he told me of a similar car in his area. The local dealer had replaced everything, the throttle body, the CPU, the air flow sensor, etc... Each time, the car was good for a few days and then started to act up again. Finally, the dealer replaced the engines wiring harness. Viola!, the problem was gone for good. It still didn't click for me. I called my dealer and asked them what might cause the problem. A tech dude told me that an air conditioner passes right over the air flow sensor connector and that I should check to see if the connector is loose, since that could cause the problem. I checked it and it was OK... It started to make sense to me. Service guys were connecting and disconnecting things during each service visit (throttle body, CPU, air flow sensor, wiring harness, instrument hookups, etc...). Their troubleshooting was CLEANING the spade lug contacts, momentarily! A few days, and oxidation set in again, and so did the problems... Think about it. The airflow sensor is about 5k ohms. Rattle dirty/noisy connectors, even at continuous speeds and you get running problems. A dirty connection can easily vary several k ohms. Vibration, humidity and no problem, you get running problems. The noisy contact changes the reading from a sensor an the computer corrects instantaneously. This is great, if the sensor signal isn't distorted by a dirty connection! THE SOLUTION! Use contact enhancer on all connectors under the hood. I used a spray product made by Caig Labs. It is called Cromalin. It is used in every recording studio that means business. Another similar compound is sold in tooth paste tubes by Crysler. This stuff works. I've had no problems with performance since I disconnected and sprayed all the contacts under the hood. I did this at about 3k miles and no problems since then. The other complaint I read on the forum was about wandering idle after otherwise good running. The solution for this is courtesy of a friend who went to VW's factory school. The name escapes me, and it is called different names by manuals and mechanics. What it is, is a check valve that is in the "blow-by" or crank-case "breather" plumbing circuit. On the 16v, this is a can about the size of a 12 oz soda can. It is located at the end of the intake manifold above and forward (towards the grill) of the distributor. It has two rubber lines about 1/2" and 3/4" going to it, and a 2 conductor cable/connector going to it. Apparently, this adjusts manifold pressure at low idle. My friend tells me that VW use to replace this under warranty, but it started to cost them big dollars. So, the procedure is to remove it and flush it out with Gumount, STP or other carburetor cleaners. Remove it from its bracket. Disconnect the hoses and cable. Place it on the ground, and load it with cleaner. I don't think you can hurt it. The problem is that is gets sticky with blow-by oil mist and doesn't open or close directly at idle. I have done this. It really works. Sorry for the length of my response, but the stories explain the problems and fixes well. I have e-mailed this to you rather than post it for the public due to my inexperience with internet/usenet. You may post this if you feel others would enjoy it. Also, I am interested in any info that is particular to 16v GLIs or GTIs. Please respond to me if you know of files I would enjoy, or if you have other questions. Eric Halpern C$erve 72770,2731 or E-mail eric.halpern@dscmail.com >From cpha@UTKUX1.UTK.EDU Fri Oct 28 13:34:47 1994 Date: Fri, 28 Oct 1994 13:34:41 +0500 From: cpha To: jmcelroy@wpi.edu Subject: Re: [W] 2.0 16V info Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw In-Reply-To: <38r5te$qsu@bigboote.WPI.EDU> Organization: University of Tennessee, Knoxville Cc: content-length: 592 Status: RO As the guy who wrote the 16V article did, I must also tout cramolin as the wonder-drug for electrical connections. My father is an EE of over 25 years and he swears by the stuff. If your smart you'll get a wire brush and a tiny jar of cramolin (it doesn't take alot to do a ton of good) and clean and apply this stuff to every connection on the car. It's basically water proff so it not only enhances the connection it also protects it from corrosion. If you need help finding some, email me and I can probably tell you were you can mail order it from. Charles Phares cpha@utkux1.utk.edu >From cpha@UTKUX1.UTK.EDU Thu Nov 3 15:02:20 1994 Date: Thu, 3 Nov 1994 15:02:16 +0500 From: cpha To: jmcelroy@wpi.edu Subject: Cramolin Content-Length: 627 Status: RO Hey. Sorry it took so long to get back to you on this. I have an 800 number of a place called MCM. That's were we get ours. The number is: 800 543 4330 Also ask about a few other products they sell like de-ox-it and D5. The also sell some stuff especially made for gold terminals. Also, for cleaning your connectors you may instead of a wire brush want to get some plastic polish for polishing plexiglass. Use this stuff with a q-tip. It sounds funny but it is really good for cleaning the silver type connections found on VW relay terminals. I hope you find some use in all of this. Charles Phares cpha@utkux1.utk.edu ======================================================================= III. VW 2.0 16V FAQ: DATABASE (2.0 16V OWNER REPORTED INFORMATION) If you'd like to add your car's history to this database, please use the form below: ______________________________________________________________ DATE: SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER? EMAIL: NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? IDLE PROBLEM? _______________________________________________________________ DATE:10/26/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER? Y EMAIL: 1_lafont@insead.fr NAME: Guillaume LaFont ADDRESS: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 90 16V PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Idle problem solved by changing knock sensor after dealer hooked up to VDUs and oscilloscope for an hour, no clue. BEGINNING MILEAGE: PRESENT MILEAGE: 60,000 BUCKING: NO IDLE: YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 5/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: Y EMAIL: bwgti16v@telerama.lm.com NAME:Brian Wicks ADDRESS:550 Toftrees Avenue #148 CITY: State College STATE: PA ZIP: 16803 PHONE:(814) 867-1676 (home), (814) 234-4100 (work) (814) 234-9075 (fax) CAR:92 GTI16V VIN: 3VWHE21G9NM002696 DEALER: Fiore VW PA PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Replaced: throttle body, fuel filter, fuel pump, mass airflow sensor, ECU, throttle switch contacts. Diagnostics performed at least 15 times. Took fuel samples, adj. potentiometer settings 3-5 times, adj idle sensor 2 times, checked 02 sensor, cleaned ECU contacts. MILEAGE START: 40,000 PRESENT MILEAGE: 80,000+ BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 5/27/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: dbr2@cec.wustl.edu NAME:Dhruva Reddy ADDRESS: CITY:St. Louis STATE: MO ZIP: PHONE: CAR: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Engine cuts out intermitently above 1200 RPM, making car undriveable. Bucking more violent with more gas. If kill engine, wait 10 minutes, it's fine. Happens regardless of water temp, but only when ambient below 70 MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? NO ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 5/31/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: dnikas@pts.mot.com NAME: Dimitri Nikas ADDRESS: CITY: Boynton Beach STATE: FL ZIP: 33426 PHONE: (407) 735-8661 (407) 735-8615 CAR: 92 GTI 16V DEALER: Borton Volvo & VW DEALER PHONE: (407) 243-4600 PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Idle hunts/surges (1500 RPM), car hesitates, seems to be due to air flow sensor. On 5th air flow sensor, all covered under 5/50 emissions warranty (7/70 in California for emissions) Bucking: checkked idle mixture, replaced idle switch. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 9/24/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: duvalj@ava.bcc.orst.edu NAME: Joe Duval ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 92 GTI DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Intermittent idling problem: 1. As let off gas, engine completely skips going to idle. 2. If can catch it at an idle, idle speed revs between 1000-1200 RPM like someone is pushing on accelerator every second then letting off. Power seems normal but mileage down slightly. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? NO IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 10/25/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: eOfeoisg@credit.erin.utoronto.ca NAME: K.S. Sodhi ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 90 Jetta GTX (GLI) 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: When engine warm after agressive driving, motor idles at 1100 and fluctuates between 1100-1300 RPM. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? NO IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 10/27/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: Y EMAIL: eric.halpern@dscmail.com NAME: Eric Halpern ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 92 GLI 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: New clutch at 3k new water pump at 6k new throttle body at 3k new master cylinder at 7k new distributor seal at 6k several exhaust mounts at 3k new battery at 26k new power steering fluid tank at 25k plugs, distributor cap/rotor at 27k When new, bucked violently on highway at consistent speed. Dealer spec'd it out and thing ran fine for few days, then came back again. Finally replaced wiring harness, did the trick. MILEAGE START: new PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? NO ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 5/30/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: farshid@grenoble.hp.com NAME: Farshid Moussavi ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 90 GLI 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Over $1000 in warranty expenses, on third distributor, second computer third 02 sensor. Bucking seemed to be caused by distributor and faulty firmware. Dealer was willing to fix problem; wouldn't hesitate to change a part if under suspicion. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: 64,000 BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? NO ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 9/24/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: Y EMAIL: jcieslik@worldbank.org NAME: John Cieslik ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: (202) 473-0987 CAR: 91 Jetta GLI 16V VIN: WVWTJ21G1MW188XXX DEALER: Ray Burnette DEALER CITY: Alexandria DEALER STATE: VA DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Idle hunting, not dropping between shifts, poor acceleration Replaced plugs, reset engine specs, replaced ECU, replaced ECU again Stohlman VW (Vienna VA): knock sensors, throttle switches, distributor , reset engine specs. ECU replaced again. MILEAGE START: 15,000 PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? NO IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 9/15/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: jet@sun.soe.clarkson.edu NAME: Jeff Thompson ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Bucking problem caused by tear in big rubber air intake hose. Scenario: took off in first, engine torqued on its mounts, opened hole. Air sensor sees no air, shuts off fuel. Then engine shifts, closes tear air sensor opens, ECU dumps fuel in, repeat. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? NO ________________________________________________________ DATE: 5/27/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: Y EMAIL: jmcelroy@wpi.wpi.edu NAME: James McElroy, Jr. ADDRESS: 45 Fruit Street, Apt. #! CITY: Worcester STATE: MA ZIP: 01609 PHONE: (508) 756-7829. (603) 673-4965 (parent's fax) CAR: 92 GTI 16V VIN: 3VWHE21G4NM002573 DEALER: Gateway Motors DEALER CITY: Nashua DEALER STATE: NH DEALER PHONE: (603) 883-0123 DEALER CONTACT: John Dillree PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Idle fine at times, hunts between 1300-3000 RPM at others. Weird throttle response: when take foot of gas, car keeps going for a second as if still on gas. Same thing on accel: nothing for second, then jolt w/ accel. Also, severe bucking problem under hard acceleration. SEE ATTACHED SHEET. MILEAGE START: 30,000 PRESENT MILEAGE: 81,000 BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 7/5/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: kerila@eo.com NAME: Larry Kerila ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 90 Jetta GLI DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Car had similar problems. Dealer totally inept about fixing it, claimed they could never duplicate the problem. When they did get it to misbehave, they had loads of trouble tracking it down. Blames dealer (poor training) and VW. Mass airflow sensor replaced, ECU recall. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 5/31/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: keys@csmes.ncsl.nist.gov NAME: Larry Keys ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 90 GLI 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Had skipping/bucking problem. Advice from European Car: clean all electrical contacts related to fuel and ignition systems. Did this (~15 connectors), problem gone. Connector at hall sender oxidized. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? NO ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 10/13/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: mgilbert2@aol.com NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 91 GTI 8V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Idle surging problem. Idle stabilizer at fault (covered under emissions warranty.) MILEAGE START: 30,000 PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? NO IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 5/27/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: mrkim@uci.edu NAME: Micheal Kim ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: (714) 856-4158 CAR: 91 Jetta GLI DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: 7 trips to dealer for skipping bucking. Replaced throttle body, 2 air flow sensors, 1 ECU, 2 distributors, wiring harnesses, intake hoses. Cause: broken air flow sensor wire (by ac hose) Common problem in late A2's due to faulty connectors. MILEAGE START: 28,000 PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? NO ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 11/11/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: nicetie@leland.Stanford.EDU NAME: James Lee ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 92 GTI 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Violent bucking, idle unstable and hovers in 2000-2200 rpm range. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 10/26/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: pgriffit@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Idle fluctuates up and down for 20-30 seconds then stabilizes. While accelerating hard car lurches, does same at cruising speed. Sometimes when idling weird has no throttle response, then suddenly works again. Vacuum leak around air intake boot, throttle body cleaned, problem still exists. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 8/11/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: reich@mprgate.mpr.ca NAME: Jason Reich ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: British Columbia ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 89 Jetta GLX 1.8 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Bucking problem: gas recirculation system: gas goes into engine, back to secondary tank where it is mixed with other gas to cool it off. Known problem with valve in tank causes gas to get shut off (invisible warranty). MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? YES IDLE PROBLEM? NO ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 10/6/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: Y EMAIL: Robert.D.Green@lerc.nasa.gov NAME: Robert Green ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: CAR: 92 GTI 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Idle oscillates between 1000-1200 rpm ~1 sec intervals MILEAGE START: 30,000 PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? IDLE PROBLEM? ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 9/15/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: Y EMAIL: teek@watnow.uwaterloo.ca NAME: Prateek Dwivedi ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: Waterloo, Canada ZIP: PHONE: (519) 885-1211 X6087 (519) 746-3077 CAR: 91 Jetta GTX (GLI) 16V DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Same symptoms as Joe Duval's GTI. Dealer fiddled with air flow sensors, , would fix problem for about 2 days. RY recall campaign solved problem. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? NO IDLE PROBLEM? YES ______________________________________________________________ DATE: 7/8/94 SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER: N EMAIL: wunn@base.bellcore.com NAME: Jochen Wunn ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: (908) 699-5753 CAR: DEALER: DEALER CITY: DEALER STATE: DEALER PHONE: PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Car idling too high. MILEAGE START: PRESENT MILEAGE: BUCKING PROBLEM? NO IDLE PROBLEM? YES