VR6 behaving very strangely?

[cmoth 0]

Hi

 

This is my first post, so please be gentle! - I have had my vr6 for about a month now and up until today, it has generally run very well.

 

I got the plugs changed yesterday to hopefully cure the cars habit of stalling and it has done exactly this but the performance is now very lethargic below 4k where previously this was not the case. I have done about 150 miles since new plugs in and it seems to be getting worse all the time? - i also had the fuel filter changed yesterday as it was on its original.

The car actually lost ALL power today when i was about a mile from home and sounded like a tractor? - I presume this was the limp home mode?

Any idea what wuld have triggered this as it now appears to have cleared it self and is running normal again?

 

Looking forward to your responses although I am wondering whether incorrect plugs could have been put in? It was a VW specialist where I got them done.

 

I have previously noticed that when the car has been running for a while that it does seem to lack performance below 4k, so any suggestions will be greatfully received.

Thanks!

Col

[Foggystorm 0]

did u change the plugs yourself? if so double check you put the HT leads back in the correct places

[andy 0]

Welcome cmoth!

Ideally get the car hooked up to Vag-COM, it's a computerised diagnostic system that can reveal a wide range of running faults. Probably worth taking it back to the person who fitted your plugs/filter and explain the symptoms.

[vr6storm 0]

sounds possibly like the cam pos sensor has given up

[Dixxy 0]

did u change the plugs yourself? if so double check you put the HT leads back in the correct places

 

I'd agree.. first check your HT lead are firmly pushed onto the plugs.

[cmoth 0]

Hi

 

Thanks for the reponses and possible remedies! - I did not do the plugs myself, although it seems fine again now as I did check once home that all theall the plugs were pushed on properly, although difficult to tell for sure using that plastic defice.

 

Ive just driven it back from parents only mile or so away but its going like a rocket again and sounding as it should?

 

Does anyone know the model numbers of the plugs that should have been fitted as the tickover as been much lumpier than before also and I wonder whether they could have put the wrong ones in?

 

I was there whilst the new ones were fitted and they were NGK platinum ones - the ref on receipt is sk000128, abv 0012909, whether this bears any resemblance to the plugs themselves?

[vr6storm 0]

thats not a NGK number btw.............tho its more than likely to have been the right plugs.........if it was a VW specialist that fitted them i'm sure the fact he's used NGK's shows he knows whats best for the VR and would be highly unlikely for him to fit the wrong model

[cmoth 0]

Your right re the plug reference. I spoke with specialist today who confirmed the part number of the plugs, I then phoned the main dealers who he got them from and asked for the part number. They were correct.

When I got home tonight I had a fiddle with the ignition leads and Im pretty sure they were not all on properly as I then took the car out, and it goes like stink again and feels like it should.

 

Would the ignition leads not being pushed on fully cause such a lumpy lethargic feel, and complete lack of performance as the car is running better than ever now, touch wood.

 

Would it have caused the limp home mode to set in also, although I did do about 200 frustrating miles before I thought to check the fittings?

 

Ive have ordered some ignition leads today from Murrays in hatfield but im not going to fit them unless it plays up again

Col

[cmoth 0]

Anyone?

[CorradoVR6-Turbo 0]

Is your car a Coilpack or distributor? Leads and plugs ,whether they are fitted correctly or not wont give lack of power,they will give you a misfire underload when the leads break down and the incorrect plugs will not cause that fault either.

 

I agree with vr6storm, if its a coilpack its likley the cam sensor has failed,or some sort of fuel problem.

You are looking in the wrong place with the leads and plugs.

 

Get it plugged in to VagCom it will save you time and money

[scarlett 0]

hiya..

 

the leads being loose could have caused the car to run lumpy - the fact you have plugged everything in correctly and securely could have solevd the issue. i would see how she goes and if you have any further issues the get the car VAG-COM'd and see if anything shows - there are a few faults the VR can have that cause it to run a bit lumpy, thankfully they seem to be easily resolved...

 

good luck and enjoy your car!!!

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Colin,

 

the reference numbers you quote from your receipt are your chassis and engine numbers.

 

The correct NGK plugs are reference number BKR5EKU, £3.71 each from http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk or with the suffix P for platinum.

 

As we discussed yesterday the intermittent general lumpiness could be due to the lambda probe wiring being a bit touch-and-go, especially if the fuel consumption increases substantially.

 

If you suspect your MAF, come round to me and we can quickly do a swap to see if that sorts it out. In the meantime, try pulling off the connector and cleaning the contacts.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[cmoth 0]

Thanks Roger, I may take you up on your offer if the symptoms return. Ive got the new leads through today from Murrays but im not going to fit until it plays up again. The fuel consumption seems ok since I have done a few hundred miles since seeing you on Saturday. The car only really gets used at weekends, so I will see how it performs but so far, the signs seem encouraging.

Thanks again, speak soon no doubt.

Col

[cmoth 0]

Right problem is back, a right strange one this?

 

Car runs lovely from col, pulls, revs cleanly and progressively, feels and sounds spot on. I then stop to collect girlfriend, all of a sudden all the power goes and limp mode sets in.

 

This problem has only arisen since the plugs were changed at the garage and only seems to happen when the car is at full operating temperature.

 

I dont want to spend a load of dosh trying to get to the bottom of it, so assuming the plugs are ok ( I will get it on VAGCOM) what do you think it could be?

 

I have described the symptoms exactly as it happens and when the engine cools down again, it fires up and runs as it should again.

 

Could it be a loose connection on something which is triggering Limp mode or do you think its Cam sensor or throttle position sensor?

 

Its really annoying and I cant believe its anything major otherwise why would it run so well before limp mode kicks in?

 

Thanks

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Colin, I can only reiterate my thoughts on the possibility of the wiring to the lambda probe and/or the MAF connection. Get Mick to put it on the analysis.

 

I do hope it's not the gf causing you to loose all power and go into limp mode.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[CorradoVR6-Turbo 0]

How about the Coolant temp sensor?

[cmoth 0]

I will add that to my list of possibilities then cross each one off after I research the symptoms of each of them - if that failed, it would not cause the engine to lose all power and sound like a scooby would it?

[CorradoVR6-Turbo 0]

You never said it sounded like a scooby,does it drop a cylinder?

[vr6storm 0]

have you checked yer coil pack yet????

[double-6s 0]

Have you checked that the leads are all properly 'plugged in' inside the connector bit? They pop out if pulled out instead of using a tool.

 

This would definately make it sound like a scooby, as would leads being the wrong way round. Or a shagged coil pack.

 

Good luck

[craigowl 0]

Picking up the girlfriend and then going into limp mode?

 

Sorry - good luck with your investigation!

[adevr6 0]

could the mechanic who refitted the plug leads incorrectly have damaged the round housing that the lead fits into on to the coilpack[hairline crack=arcing when warmed up].

[cmoth 0]

Yep, whenever the problem arises, it goes into scooby mode and sounds and performs like its running on 0 cylinders!! - It really is that bad. The VAGCOM has revealed problem with Ignition output 3 , short circuit to positive. I guess thats as conclusive as Im going to get it that its the coilpack.

 

Car is with garage and will get a new coilpack on Monday which I am hoping will cure this rather annoying problem.

 

Thanks for all your replies especially those who has hopefully diagonosed the problem correctly.

 

Col

[cmoth 0]

Afternoon

 

New coilpack is on, so far so good although not really been anywhere in it as its too hot!

 

There was a crack on the existing cp, so I am hoping that that was the cause. Its now had new leads, plugs and coilpack within a week or so and the VAGCOM is now clear of any faults.

 

Will keep you updated.

Col

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Sounds promising.

 

Did you find out why Murray's was closed on Saturday morning?

 

Best wishes

 

RB