[bill9000]

Hi y'all, I've posted here before about this car... still having all the same issues... it's been parked for a year and I really need to see if I can get it going...

I've got a 1999 Beetle 1.8 Turbo with LOADS of problems, LOL.... was running ok when I got it, but needed a coil pack according to a misfire code it was throwing.

I replaced the coil pack, and then kept getting codes for other cyl. misfires... so I replaced ALL the coil packs. - Still was having issues, replaced spark plugs, air filter, etc. and still having issues making it un-drivable, it doesnt have enough power to get about 20mph and is running SUPER rough. I have attached a video showing how it's running, and I am ruling out major engine damage because if I put new spark plugs in it, it literally runs smooth and perfect for about 20 minutes... then right back to this again, and eventually will start throwing misfire codes again. - Nothing I do can keep this thing running right...

I am suspecting something is wrong, a sensor, something that is telling the computer to make it run bad.... but where to start? I can't just start replacing stuff, not having a clue where to begin! hopefully someone can help!

here's the video...
VW Beetle Rough Idle - YouTube

 

[Smileybug]

What spark plugs are you using? Is the gap correct? What codes are being thrown? Have you looked at the coil pack wiring harness?

 

[billymade]

Please post any and all codes you currently getting; have you tested the fuel pressure yet?


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[bill9000]

What spark plugs are you using? Is the gap correct? What codes are being thrown? Have you looked at the coil pack wiring harness?

Autolite Platinum plugs... the gap was set for whatever AllData told me to set it at... (I cant remember what that was off the top of my head)

no codes currently, but if I tried running it enough, it throws the misfire cyl 1-4 and the random misfire code.

Coil pack wiring harness? what would I be looking for?
I can take videos/pics of anything if it helps.

 

[bill9000]

Please post any and all codes you currently getting; have you tested the fuel pressure yet?

Currently not getting any codes, and no I havent... is there a valve on the fuel rail to hook up a pressure ga. ? if so, what is the pressure supposed to be?

thanks!
Bill

 

[billymade]

The fuel pressure kit will have extra hoses; you pull the fuel hose off the rail, then connect the gauge and then the extra hose from the kit, to the gauge/rail. Be sure; to test the regulator, as well.

More details here:

http://newbeetle.org/forums/2-0-liter-gas/66233-fuel-pressure-whats-good.html#post897225

What scanner are you using; what were the codes, that you had before?

Another good thread; another 1.8T, trying to chase down misfire but specifically on #1: good breakdown of a list of things to check:

http://newbeetle.org/forums/1-8-liter-turbo/78281-cyinder-1-misfire.html

 

[Smileybug]

I would maybe try running some NGK or Bosch plugs. VWs can be a bit picky on spark plug brands.

 

[bill9000]

I would maybe try running some NGK or Bosch plugs. VWs can be a bit picky on spark plug brands.

I've heard this, but could the brand of plug really make it run the way it does in the vid??

 

[jensenchase]

How many miles does it have? You could look at the throttle body and if its dirty, clean it and try cleaning the MAF sensor. I'm not for sure but I bet it would help if its been sitting for a year

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[bill9000]

How many miles does it have? You could look at the throttle body and if its dirty, clean it and try cleaning the MAF sensor. I'm not for sure but I bet it would help if its been sitting for a year

it has 131k, (It wasn't sitting for a year until it did this... then I parked it when I couldn't get it fixed, now that I've forgotten all the frustration, I am wanting to give it another try before sending it to the junkyard)

 

[billymade]

Are you still running the year-old fuel?


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[jensenchase]

I would clean my throttle body, clean the MAF sensor, put fresh premium fuel in it, and put some injector cleaner in the tank and let it idle for a while. I was reading something not to long ago about misfires and they put some fuel injector cleaner in it and it fixed the problem.

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[bill9000]

Are you still running the year-old fuel?

I'll drain it before messing with it now, all this info is from before it was parked. (including the video)

I would clean my throttle body, clean the MAF sensor, put fresh premium fuel in it, and put some injector cleaner in the tank and let it idle for a while. I was reading something not to long ago about misfires and they put some fuel injector cleaner in it and it fixed the problem.

OK, I will definitely try these things, the MAF & throttle body... now, my question is, IF they needed cleaning, and that was the cause of it running bad, wouldn't the new plugs NOT make it run smooth for a short period of time? - or.... are those being dirty causing it to foul the plugs, hence making it run bad?

Thanks everyone for thoughts/help

 

[jensenchase]

PoP

I'll drain it before messing with it now, all this info is from before it was parked. (including the video)


OK, I will definitely try these things, the MAF & throttle body... now, my question is, IF they needed cleaning, and that was the cause of it running bad, wouldn't the new plugs NOT make it run smooth for a short period of time? - or.... are those being dirty causing it to foul the plugs, hence making it run bad?

Thanks everyone for thoughts/help

I'm not sure, but if it were my car, that's what I would do since it would cost like only cost around $25. You can try seafoam too, I hear that it does wonders. Look up on youtube detailed Seafoam treatment vw jetta 1.8



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[jensenchase]

And make sure you align or adapt your throttle body after cleaning it, my throttle body was out of alignment and it caused major issues with the running of the car and how it drove.