VR6, quirky or trouble?

[Domi 0]

I just bought my first Corrado VR6 - M reg - Aqua Blue - 94k miles, gorgeous and am in love! But, are they just quirky and temperamental or have I bought trouble? If anyone patient would like to reply, here are my questions..

 

1. Does not like running cold, but quite happy once warmed up. Actually, an absolute blast when warmed up!

 

2. Splutters a little on start up and will die if I don't keep revs up for a few seconds, is this normal?

 

3. Strange noise in brakes when cold too, but this also seems to go as it warms up, not so much noise, but feeling underfoot (hard to describe, I am female so bear with me, maybe just an intuition?) like a slight grinding judder?

 

4. Temp.. what is normal running temp? I had a Toyota MR2 before this, and its temp gauge always stuck like glue just below halfway. The VR6 fluctuates between 70 and 95?

 

5. ABS light comes on intermittently, been told by the guy who checked the car out for me (VW mechanic) that could just be sensor, he said car was sound by the way.

 

That's about it! Maybe just being paranoid.. but have been warned off buying by those who say they are trouble and wanted one so badly I bought it anyway, I guess I just want some reassurance from other affeccionados!

 

Thanks

Domi

[DaveStorm 0]

Hi Domi and welcome to the forum :) Hmmmm quirky AND tempermental I'd say (a bit like something else we know) :lol: No, really all they need is a bit of TLC :wink:

 

I'll try to answer your questions very briefly but I know there are far far better qualified judges on here than me that will see you right! Anyway from my own experience.........

 

1) Mine is exactly the same, whether this is an engine characteristic or not I don't know but I always let the oil temp reach 80c before I boot it and then it's fine

 

2) Not sure, it could be your ISV (Idle Stabilisation Valve) playing up... :?

 

3) Again mine are the same, it could be that when you put your brakes on, your brakes pads rub on slightly rusted discs (all it takes is rainwater or condensation to make them rust overnight.) This soon wears off once you've used them.

 

4) Temp. Do you mean oil or water? Between 70 and 95 for water sounds ok and for oil it can go up to 120 depending on the ambient temp and your driving style and/or speed! :lol:

 

5) Hmmm this is one I would get checked out by an independant specialist, the light really should not be coming on intermittently but if it's a sensor get it check/'replaced accordingly.

 

Hope this helps but Kev will probably be along later to put right my wrongs! :mrgreen:

 

Oh and don't forget to put a pic of yourself up on the Members Picture Gallery! :wink:

[Reggit 0]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

 

I've had my C VR6 for just over 5 months, so still pretty new to me as well, but my experience with it is good. Had (or still have) a couple of the problems you mention. I'll also answer your questions from my experience.

 

1. Runs fine from cold, although don't thrash it until oil is warm.

 

2+3 I haven't experianced these symptoms.

 

4. Water temp, mine usually sits below 70 on an open road, but approaches 95 in traffic

 

5. I have a similar problem with an intermittent ABS light, but only in heavy rain... probably when it's most likely to be needed it doesn't work!

 

I've just had 80,000 service done and noticed the car feels a little better to drive and is more economical, if thats the right word to use for a VR6.

[Heardy 0]

I would start by getting it checked out using VAG-COM to see if there are any fault codes (for the ABS and Engine managment) and then take it from there :wink:

[dr_mat 0]

If your water tenp drops below 80 on the open road your thermostat is sticking open, and it'll be costing you a fortune on cold start cycles in fuel. Up to 95 is no worries, it's a pressurised system, so don't be surprised to see 100+ if you get stuck in traffic in the summer.

 

The engine not catching and keeping running on startup *is* unusual - this is a reasonably modern fuel injected engine, it should fire and keep firing. Difficult to say where to start looking to solve something like this, but certainly checking the plugs/leads seems like a sensible starting point.

 

As said above, VAG-COM (or equivalent) is the starting point for ABS faults. It *probably* is just a sensor, but if the light comes on during an MOT test it'll fail, and bear in mind the ECU logs the faults - once it records the same fault a number of times for a given sensor, the light will come on permanently until you can get it to a diagnostics-equipped garage.

 

Also, as I'm sure you read the buying guide you'll know that you're probably approaching the dreaded timing chain time.. :-\ Having just had my chains done I can tell you that the engine runs a lot smoother when cold now that the valve timing is tightly controlled..

 

You just had the 80k mile service done at 94k? What happened there?

 

Good luck!!

 

(I bought a VR with 101k miles on it about 2 years ago now.)

[vr6corrado 0]

If your water tenp drops below 80 on the open road your thermostat is sticking open, and it'll be costing you a fortune on cold start cycles in fuel. Up to 95 is no worries, it's a pressurised system, so don't be surprised to see 100+ if you get stuck in traffic in the summer.

 

Hmm.. need to take a closer look at my water temp, I get around 80 on the open road, can you explain this cold start cycle to me? Do you just mean it's running colder and therefore less economical?

 

Oh and by the way, welcome to the forum Domi.

[dr_mat 0]

Hmm.. need to take a closer look at my water temp, I get around 80 on the open road, can you explain this cold start cycle to me? Do you just mean it's running colder and therefore less economical?

 

Yep. The engine stays cooler longer and this means it runs richer longer, which means you have more opportunity to pollute the CAT and you simply burn more fuel.

 

The other option is your temp gauge might be a bit iffy. (But if it goes up to around 100 when you're stuck in traffic and stays there, it's probably not.)

 

Around 80 is not too bad, by the way - the thermostat is supposed to OPEN at 80, below 80 is a problem.

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Hope this helps but Kev will probably be along later to put right my wrongs! :mrgreen:

 

Nope I think you covered everything there 8)

[Domi 0]

Thanks for your input everyone! I have been reading the forum and you are all so knowledgeable! I am not so mechanically minded, so I will probably be hunting you all down to work on my car! (just joking.. I can picture you all running a mile now, :D )

 

One more question though, and this may seem like a silly question, but how do you know what your oil temp is? I thought the gauge on the dash was water temp? And I will take it to have it tested on a VAG-COM, that sounds like a good idea.

 

Oh, and I love driving this car!! Quirky and temperamental I can handle, you are right DelCorrado, it suits me perfectly! (tho I am more quirky than temperamental!) But also a little embarrassed to admit, it never occurred to me how much fuel it would guzzle, but I don't care, it is so much fun!

[corradovr6sc 0]

You can check the oil temp by clicking the button on the end of the wiper stalk on the steering column. It's called the mfa which is an onboard computer which logs oil temp, averege mph, outside temp, distance covered etc. Click it 2-3 times and it will show oil temp in degrees centigrade.

[vr6storm 0]

I just bought my first Corrado VR6 - M reg - Aqua Blue - 94k miles, gorgeous and am in love! But, are they just quirky and temperamental or have I bought trouble? If anyone patient would like to reply, here are my questions..

 

1. Does not like running cold, but quite happy once warmed up. Actually, an absolute blast when warmed up!

 

2. Splutters a little on start up and will die if I don't keep revs up for a few seconds, is this normal?

 

3. Strange noise in brakes when cold too, but this also seems to go as it warms up, not so much noise, but feeling underfoot (hard to describe, I am female so bear with me, maybe just an intuition?) like a slight grinding judder?

 

4. Temp.. what is normal running temp? I had a Toyota MR2 before this, and its temp gauge always stuck like glue just below halfway. The VR6 fluctuates between 70 and 95?

 

5. ABS light comes on intermittently, been told by the guy who checked the car out for me (VW mechanic) that could just be sensor, he said car was sound by the way.

 

That's about it! Maybe just being paranoid.. but have been warned off buying by those who say they are trouble and wanted one so badly I bought it anyway, I guess I just want some reassurance from other affeccionados!

 

Thanks

Domi

 

hi domi

welcome to the forum and hopefully you'll enjoy VR6 ownership........but i know full well what you mean about being paranoid :wink:

 

1)as others have said the VR needs to be warm(go by the oil temp on the mfa...aka the computer........ as the water temp guage is notoriously inaccurate) before having fun with it,i personally wait til at least 76 degrees C is showing on the oil temp before going over 3k revs

 

2)the spluttering could also be the coolant temp sensor if this is goosed then it will fire in too much fuel and make hot-starting a complete nightmare,and also can affect cold staring too......well mine did :roll: :wink:

 

3)could just be surface rust on the discs first thing in the morning or the pads are going to need replaced soon.....though remarkably enough for it being a hi-performance sports coupe......brake pads and discs are reasonably cheap to replace

 

4)well my normal running temp.....this is going by the "very highly accurate" water temp guage is just above the 90 degree mark.....sometimes even hitting 110 degrees......though when the car is plugged into VAG-COM its only showing 98 degrees when the guage is at 110 degrees as long as the fans come on when they should and it doesnt use water then it should be ok...........but also be aware the cooling system is kind of like the VR6 engines achillies heel and needs to checked frequently

 

5)it more than likely is just a dodgy sensor but it could also be related to your problem number 3

[Domi 0]

Hmm, ok well have found the mfa! Should have read the manual huh!? Now have new concern! Oil temp does not seem to go much above 60 degrees, occasionally 70! Is this a problem? I can't stay below 3K rpm indefinitely!!!

 

Aarghh.. think I am going to have to get it on a vag com asap! And ABS light has come on again a couple of times, usually right after I have braked.

 

Thanks for all you input!

[vr6storm 0]

sounds a bit strange.............unless of course you have an aftermarket oil-cooler fitted....(tho even then 60-70 degrees seems a bit lowish to me).............best get someone with VAG-COM check it out and/or someone who is knowledgeable on the quirks of the VR too.........it just might be something simple as a temp sensor thats goosed or maybe something more sinister is afoot :shock: :shock: tho funnily enuff a mate of mine has a VR that rarely gets over 80 degrees on the water temp guage regardless of driving style(can't remember what temp he gets with oil tho :roll: )

[bigpants baby 0]

Need i worry about my vr water temp? it runs at 100-110,fans work fine,i know i have a blower on there,but it never overheats or boils,oil temp 92

[Domi 0]

WTF!!! Now I have stalling! I am beginning to think my car is not a happy Corrado! It stalled on me twice tonight. First time turning off main road, as I slowed to turn a corner, was downshifting to second, revs dropped and it just died, mid turn! Power steering went, I looked down, batt light on, threw it into neutral restarted and carried on. Then on by-pass, had to slow for roundabout, same scenario, went to downshift, approaching roundabout, revs fell, died. Luckily, I again threw it into neutral while cruising, restarted and managed to get round roundabout.

 

Scary! and dangerous! What is going on? Help!! Am going to take other car (haven't sold my MR2 yet, as it turns out, luckily) into work tomorrow and call VW and take it in Sat if poss.

 

Do you have to be a mechanic to run one of these? I want to enjoy my VR6, so far it is a rollercoaster of, I love this car and omg what have I bought?!!! :roll:

[vr6storm 0]

Need i worry about my vr water temp? it runs at 100-110,fans work fine,i know i have a blower on there,but it never overheats or boils,oil temp 92

 

i reckon that its 99% sure that the water temp. guage is reading over........mine is like that too....very scary......but when i had it hooked up to the VAG-COM it correlates to about 98 degrees tops...........so not as scary

[vr6storm 0]

WTF!!! Now I have stalling! I am beginning to think my car is not a happy Corrado! It stalled on me twice tonight. First time turning off main road, as I slowed to turn a corner, was downshifting to second, revs dropped and it just died, mid turn! Power steering went, I looked down, batt light on, threw it into neutral restarted and carried on. Then on by-pass, had to slow for roundabout, same scenario, went to downshift, approaching roundabout, revs fell, died. Luckily, I again threw it into neutral while cruising, restarted and managed to get round roundabout.

 

Scary! and dangerous! What is going on? Help!! Am going to take other car (haven't sold my MR2 yet, as it turns out, luckily) into work tomorrow and call VW and take it in Sat if poss.

 

Do you have to be a mechanic to run one of these? I want to enjoy my VR6, so far it is a rollercoaster of, I love this car and omg what have I bought?!!! :roll:

 

 

funnily enough ive also experienced this.....tho very intermitently.......but not since i had my fuel pump replaced(due to failure) in October 03.......it might also be an idea to check fuel pump fuses and relays just to make sure that they dont have corrosion on the terminals or are seated properly

 

what you also have to remember too is that the youngest Corrado is approaching 9 years old so most if not all will need some sort of fettling

[Domi 0]

Thanks VR6Storm! I will check out the fuses, and I will get it checked on a VAG-COM.

 

I am also thinking I might take it for a run up to Stealth Racing and ask Vince to have a look at it, what do you think?

[vr6storm 0]

Thanks VR6Storm! I will check out the fuses, and I will get it checked on a VAG-COM.

 

I am also thinking I might take it for a run up to Stealth Racing and ask Vince to have a look at it, what do you think?

 

well u cant get better than Vince from what i hear.........i'm sure he'll get you all sorted out :wink:

[crazymarcel 0]

WTF!!! Now I have stalling! I am beginning to think my car is not a happy Corrado! It stalled on me twice tonight. First time turning off main road, as I slowed to turn a corner, was downshifting to second, revs dropped and it just died, mid turn! Power steering went, I looked down, batt light on, threw it into neutral restarted and carried on. Then on by-pass, had to slow for roundabout, same scenario, went to downshift, approaching roundabout, revs fell, died. Luckily, I again threw it into neutral while cruising, restarted and managed to get round roundabout.

 

Scary! and dangerous! What is going on? Help!! Am going to take other car (haven't sold my MR2 yet, as it turns out, luckily) into work tomorrow and call VW and take it in Sat if poss.

 

Do you have to be a mechanic to run one of these? I want to enjoy my VR6, so far it is a rollercoaster of, I love this car and omg what have I bought?!!! :roll:

 

 

I've had mine stall on me once while going round a corner, not very nice or inspireing at all when the power steering goes and im tryin to wrestle the 17s round the corner. Turned out the maf plug had come off, not that im saying thats whats up with yours, but understand how u feel.

 

After buying my VR i wondered if i had bought into a rather large money pit, Problems and things breaking, paronoid about most things on it.Things will get better though. Stick with it, I love my car and wouldent be with out it, how ever much it costs(well), as said earlier these arent new cars anymore and some things will need replaceing.

 

A few months love and care (and money) and it will be as reliable as anything else about.

[Kevin Bacon 5]

I'm surprised VW were not dragged over the coals for that. It's dangerous and unacceptable. Even new cars did it.

[dr_mat 0]

Renault and Peugeot both had similar troubles with their big V6 engines a year or two ago. I don't know where the blame was placed in those cases, but same thing, spontaneous stalls resulting in loss of brake, steering assist and numerous other electronic/assisted systems on the car.

They did get slapped on the consumer programs about that.

[Kevin Bacon 5]

The trouble these days is the engines are leaned off too much for the damned idle emissions. So the revs plummet into a fuelling hole and hope the idle valve sorts everything out.