MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: JTI on July 10, 2019, 09:44:00 pm

Title: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on July 10, 2019, 09:44:00 pm
Hi, hoping someone could help me with suggestions as to where I go with my car now.

TLDR Version:

Car switching between running rough and fine, have changed the following things so far. What to try next?

New set of coils
New spark plugs
Replaced camshaft adjustment valve
New fuel filter

Full Story:

For the past few weeks I've been having trouble with my car running rough. When it started it felt almost identical to when the coil packs went on my old car, but to start with I thought I'd try changing the spark plugs.

I did and the car then immediately ran fine for a week before it started running rough again. Upgraded the coil pack to R8 ones which made zero difference to the problem.

Noticed the camshaft adjustment valve looked like it was starting to melt so replaced that, but again this made no difference.

Took it to the garage who suggested it was the fuel injectors, and recommended someone local who could clean then. They also suggested trying system cleaner.

Tried some heavy duty system cleaner and then next day my car was running fine. Car ran fine for 3 days but still I took it to the local guy for injectors to be looked at. He said he'd tested the injectors first (not cleaned) and said they appear fine. Also the fuel filter was completely gunked up, including the pipes running to it (was original one from 2005!  :ashamed:). Changed the filter and and car felt amazing, driving better than ever!

Then 2 days later it started misfiring again briefly, then was fine again. I thought it was just some gunk making it's way out of the system and thought nothing of it.

Unfortunately now, a few days later, it is switching between running fine and rough several times a day. For example it can drive fine for half an hour then suddenly start running rough while I'm driving. Judders like crazy when accelerating.

Was only showing a P0302 code originally but is now showing p0300, P0302 and P0303. Confused as to how it could run fine one minute, then terrible the next.

Any suggestions where I go from here with this in terms of things to check next? From reading on here a blocked catalyst converter, and problematic fuel pump have also been mentioned. Thanks.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: GVK on July 10, 2019, 10:48:05 pm
P0300 is multiple cyl misfire
302 cyl 2
303 cyl 3

I read a lot of issues with these are injectors.

The guy thats 'tested' them perhaps was put off by the fact you have to remove the inlet manifold to access them?
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on July 10, 2019, 11:00:42 pm
^Yeah that's exactly right, which is why he just tested them (volt test on the injectors I believe).

Would they still work intermittently from what you've read?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: GVK on July 10, 2019, 11:15:56 pm
I've had misfires on my ED30 which have been fixed with spark plugs / coils. I did have a high revs misfire with similar codes to what you have also had flashing MIL at those high revs (6k rpm+) a few months ago but weirdly it hasn't happened lately :thinking:

I guess if they're (injectors) partially blocked it could cause your issues. I would get the injectors removed and tested properly at somewhere with an ASNU machine. (as shown on tr hamzas visit to r tech)

https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,121231.0.html
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: Stig_gti on July 12, 2019, 10:54:03 pm
I had misfire 6k+ replaced all injectors and cleaned carbon, problem still there ended up being a blocked catalyst converter. But I was down on power as well.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: ljc19630 on July 13, 2019, 07:39:32 am
Sounds like injectors to me. Give R-Tech a call and I’m sure they will sort


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Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on July 14, 2019, 10:44:32 pm
Thanks for the replies, it's going in Wednesday to have the injectors looked at and I've told them to check the cat also.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: ljc19630 on July 15, 2019, 07:52:03 am
Good Stuff :happy2: - I'm sure they will sort it for you. Let us know what the issue(s) were :thinking:
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on July 17, 2019, 09:07:25 pm
Update (more headaches)- So car went into garage today with the intention of having the injectors cleaned. Car was running rough this time when it actually got to the garage.

Mechanic straight away checked the spark plugs and said they were black, and couldn't believe they were replaced about 3 weeks ago. I can't understand how they could get so gunked up in a short space of time. I asked would the system cleaner I used do this but he didn't think so.

Anyway he blasted the spark plugs clean, refitted them, cleared any codes and the car was running fine again.

When moving the car back to the forecourt for me to pick up the engine light came on again, and a different code appeared from nowhere which was p1531 (camshaft timing adjustment). Code was cleared but on the way home management light came on again.

Car is running perfect at this point but checked with my code reader at home and it now reported code p0010 (Camshaft Position Actuator).

Have had the car running on the drive for 5 mins and it sounds ok but I keep hearing little murmurs from the exhaust which I'm pretty sure aren't normal, however I'm over scrutinising every noise at this point.

So I'm not sure where to go from here. Am I looking at the camshaft position sensor next as I have already changed the camshaft adjustment valve? As it stands I'm pretty sure it will just gunk itself up again in a matter of days if I just leave it.

Thanks
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: ljc19630 on July 17, 2019, 09:24:14 pm
Get it to R-Tech and I’m sure they will sort it. What’s the mileage of the car? Might not be related but has the Camshaft Follower that sits behind the Fuel pump been changed?


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Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on July 17, 2019, 09:55:07 pm
Car's at 86k and cam follower is on my to do list. Actually have the part but was too difficult to do due to the banjo bolt, and there has always been a bigger problem with my car to fix first lol.

Think I may have solved the p0010/p1531 fault fingers crossed. Just checked the engine to see if anything obvious wrong and noticed the connector for the camshaft adjustment valve wasn't plugged in properly. The bit where you stick a screwdriver in to unplug the connection came off when I was changing this part and is now a little loose. Plugged back in and took car for a spin and no management lights so far touch wood.

But as to why my spark plugs gunked up so quickly is still a mystery. Will see how it runs over the next few days and will check the plugs over the weekend for any signs of anything.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: muff1991 on July 18, 2019, 02:50:52 pm
Car's at 86k and cam follower is on my to do list. Actually have the part but was too difficult to do due to the banjo bolt, and there has always been a bigger problem with my car to fix first lol.

Think I may have solved the p0010/p1531 fault fingers crossed. Just checked the engine to see if anything obvious wrong and noticed the connector for the camshaft adjustment valve wasn't plugged in properly. The bit where you stick a screwdriver in to unplug the connection came off when I was changing this part and is now a little loose. Plugged back in and took car for a spin and no management lights so far touch wood.

But as to why my spark plugs gunked up so quickly is still a mystery. Will see how it runs over the next few days and will check the plugs over the weekend for any signs of anything.
P0010 is definitely flagged up for having no connection to the VVT solenoid (cam adjuster solenoid) i had this so can confirm. you'll probably find the solenoid was buggered, you replaced but the connector was dodgy and it was flagging all sorts.. secure that plug so it doesn't come off and see how it goes mate.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on July 31, 2019, 07:54:14 pm
Update - So I'm still having this issue and no idea where to go from here now.

After my last update, where the car had the spark plugs cleaned and I plugged the cam adjuster back in properly, the car ran fine for a day and a half. Then suddenly on the Friday it was running rough again. Had a look under the bonnet and under the coils and nothing obviously wrong. Put everything back together and car ran fine, for a week and a half even!

Then yesterday out of the blue I got a few little pops and jumps on acceleration but then it went back to normal. Today I did a 90 minute round trip, even in sport mode at times and it was fine. Then suddenly during a 5 min local trip it starts running rough as again. Been under the bonnet again and nothing obviously wrong. Had a look under the coils and can see a tiny bit of gunk around the bottom of where one of the spark plugs sits, but nothing that would be considered unusual.

I'll have a look at the spark plugs themselves over the weekend but I'm expecting they will be gunked up again as mechanic found last time.

So not sure where to go from here. Car does seem a bit laggy even when running 'fine'. I am wondering if it's an electrical problem? My mechanic seemed pretty certain it wasn't the fuel injectors, so don't want top spend around £300 cleaning them if it's not needed. O2 sensors? Diverter Valve?
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: ady-gti on July 31, 2019, 09:09:14 pm
Did you check for carbon build up on the intake valves?
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: Sparkie90 on July 31, 2019, 09:59:12 pm
I would be inclined to change out the cam follower asap to rule that out and also change the PCV (relatively cheap) to rule that out.
Otherwise, were the new coil packs genuine VW, could there be a fault with them?
Mileage seems relatively low for injector issues but could be...
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on July 31, 2019, 11:42:17 pm
Did you check for carbon build up on the intake valves?

No I haven't and I doubt it has been checked by previous owners either. Removing the manifold etc. to get to them is probably beyond my skills tbh but that is a good idea and I will look at trying some cleaner first to see if it makes any difference.

I would be inclined to change out the cam follower asap to rule that out and also change the PCV (relatively cheap) to rule that out.
Otherwise, were the new coil packs genuine VW, could there be a fault with them?
Mileage seems relatively low for injector issues but could be...

Yeah I didn't really want to send the car into the garage to get the follower replaced in the state it's in, but it's looking more likely that I will need to.

Problem started before I changed the coil packs and changing them didn't make any difference so I doubt it's them. PCV valve was changed last year, so I doubt it's that either but thanks for the suggestions.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: muff1991 on August 01, 2019, 10:30:33 am
It will be worth checking for vacuum leaks, boost leaks, PCV leaks and DV leak.
also try disconnecting your MAF sensor to see if the car runs better.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: GVK on August 01, 2019, 10:08:41 pm
I wouldn't keep ignoring the injectors personally.

They are very common to fail.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on August 19, 2019, 09:27:23 pm
Update - Still working on this problem.

I noticed my car doesn't stall when I unplug the MAF which I understand can mean a faulty MAF.

Bought a cheap new one from ebay and tried it today and saw weird results:

New MAF Plugged in - On idle the engine loops between almost stalling to just running regular rough idle. When I unplug the connector to the MAF it runs at just normal rough  :confused:

Old MAF plugged in - Car idles virtually the same (i.e. rough) whether the connector for the MAF is plugged in or not.

Not entirely sure what this means. Am going to try driving tomorrow with the new MAF plugged in to see if it calibrates after a while and improves the problem.

*Anyone here know what a healthy GTI does when the MAF connector is unplugged? Does the car stall?*

Car is going in at the end of the week for Cam follower change and DSG service, so will see if these do anything. Might see if I can get a new Divertor Valve before weekend and fit it over the bank holiday. Also may pick up some carb cleaner and look for some vacuum leaks tomorrow.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: titchy on August 20, 2019, 12:00:20 pm
check for vac leak mine was like this found split vac pipe from vac pump to brake booster to crank case bugger to find but new pipe has sorted it
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on August 20, 2019, 03:47:07 pm
check for vac leak mine was like this found split vac pipe from vac pump to brake booster to crank case bugger to find but new pipe has sorted it

@titchy (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1462) how did you find the leak?
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: ROH ECHT on August 20, 2019, 07:55:32 pm
*Anyone here know what a healthy GTI does when the MAF connector is unplugged? Does the car stall?*

It should run fine as it will operate from the reports of the MAP sensor alone. Typically, unplugging the MAF is one way to tell if the MAF is failed because it will usually run better while unplugged. If it doesn't run better...then it means you likely have a leak either in the turbo to and including the intake manifold, or in any of the vacuum or brake booster piping. I see you have not posted any fault/error codes...do you not have a means of reading those? A failed B1S1 O2 sensor can make a car run rough, but usually will only do so at idle. If you do not detect any leaks with the starter fluid you mentioned...try a smoke test that includes everything from the turbo to the intake manifold. But seeing its codes would be helpful to anyone trying to work this out with you.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on August 21, 2019, 12:29:32 pm
^Thanks for the suggestions, I did post some codes in the original post. They do vary each time I get the fault but it's generally one or more of the following:

p0300, P0302 and P0303

Last time I did get a p0441 also. Not sure if this is a historic code however as I had this last year and I did replace the Canister Purge Valve. Might be worth scrutinising the charcoal cannister though.

I also have suspicions about the O2 sensor as I had similar issues with a previous care and I replaced the cat and an O2 sensor, which fixed it.

Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: Rigsby on August 27, 2019, 12:30:12 pm
Mine did this the other day, flashing elm misfire cylinder 1, plug was black.
Swapped #1 coil to #4 cleaned plug and cleared codes, been fine for 3 days but waiting for it to come back
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on August 28, 2019, 12:27:51 am
Mine did this the other day, flashing elm misfire cylinder 1, plug was black.
Swapped #1 coil to #4 cleaned plug and cleared codes, been fine for 3 days but waiting for it to come back

On two occasions with mine once the plugs had been either replaced, or took out cleaned and put back, it fixed the problem but only temporarily.

Sea Foamed the injectors yesterday. Was running rough during the drive to get the foam out of the system, but once I parked up and left the car for an hour it was running fine again afterwards. Also sprayed some carb cleaner around the more obvious areas in the engine to look for a vacuum leak, but nothing.

Have since changed the diverter valve also (which was massively knackered!), and car is running great at the minute. Will wait now and see how long it runs ok for.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: titchy on August 28, 2019, 09:36:56 am
How I found the vac leak I took the pipe off and sucked and blew through it  and watched for a leak there was a split where it goes into vac pump
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: ROH ECHT on August 29, 2019, 07:10:31 pm
^Thanks for the suggestions, I did post some codes in the original post. They do vary each time I get the fault but it's generally one or more of the following:

p0300, P0302 and P0303

Last time I did get a p0441 also. Not sure if this is a historic code however as I had this last year and I did replace the Canister Purge Valve. Might be worth scrutinising the charcoal cannister though.

I also have suspicions about the O2 sensor as I had similar issues with a previous care and I replaced the cat and an O2 sensor, which fixed it.
Yeah I saw the codes. Usually a misfire codes focused on "not all four cylinders" (P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304...P0300 just refers to any misfiring detection.) is isolated misfiring, yes. So it would lead to plug, coil, injector, or valve damage. Or, it is leak related but is minor.

If it all returns, you may want to give the canister a visual or even pressure test. The DV fail is also a leak because pressurized intake air can instantly be forced back into the turbo inlet...as well as intake air allowed to bypass the compressor...sort of renders the turbo useless. But also surprised you found the DV failed with no code for inability to reach its boost target.?.?.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on September 08, 2019, 11:46:26 pm
Update - Still having issues. Since I sea foamed my car the first time I will get the misfires but they seem to clear quicker now. Have sea foamed the car again today so will see what happens next few days. I did notice however that when sea foaming I did get some smoke from the back of the engine. Did some googling around this and couldn't find out definitively if that was normal or not???

Also did my own smoke test (with a trusty cigar!) for vacuum leaks but couldn't see anything obvious. I would expect a more constant fault if it was this though, and can't hear any whistles either.

Other symptoms I noticed is the car is a bit twitchy when I press the accelerator, especially in lower gears. I also noticed that even when running fine there is this low level murmur/bubbling noise from the exhaust when idle, like it's not quite idling right.

@ROH ECHT (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3794) Yeah I was surprised I didn't get any faults for the diverter valve, but I always felt my car was a bit laggy in normal drive mode, so I guess this was why.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: TheBALDpuma on September 10, 2019, 12:40:53 pm
Hi all

Similar problem here...

Rough idle when cold and a stuttery acceleration until warm. It was like this for maybe two weeks. It was booked in next week (earliest my garage could do) but today it threw it's toys out the pram. Problem there 100% of the time and running rougher than ever. Flashing eml.

Garage have checked plugs, coil and compression.  Plug two was the problem and it was filthy, but changing out doesn't fix the running. Coil and compression were fine.

Next step is a check on the injectors. I've got to wait a while until they can fit it in though. During myself out some temporary transportation as I type.

ETA... m not mechanically minded and don't know what work this entails, but would getting the cam follower and or cam chain tensioner (is that the same thing... See I really don't know) done at the same time make sense time wise? Just ticked over 100k.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: titchy on September 10, 2019, 03:07:15 pm
Changing the injectors means the inlet manifold has to come off  You need special tool to refit injectors with new seals new injectors come with seals [or should] and the tool isn't needed with regard to the chain is it rattling?
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: TheBALDpuma on September 10, 2019, 03:33:45 pm
There has been a rattle at idle, but it's gone now, I think it could have just been trim rattling. Bit it has got me paranoid.

The injectors are getting done regardless at the garage, I'm just wondering whether there is an overall cost saving to have other important stuff done at the same time. Like changing a water pump when you do the cambelt.

I really don't know what goes where so it could be a really dumb question!!
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: titchy on September 10, 2019, 08:40:45 pm
cam belt  and pump nowhere injectors inlet manifold has to come off worth getting flaps checked whilst its off
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on September 10, 2019, 10:58:24 pm
There has been a rattle at idle, but it's gone now, I think it could have just been trim rattling. Bit it has got me paranoid.

The injectors are getting done regardless at the garage, I'm just wondering whether there is an overall cost saving to have other important stuff done at the same time. Like changing a water pump when you do the cambelt.

I really don't know what goes where so it could be a really dumb question!!

VW often do deals on cambelt and water pump when done at same time.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: Alex Booth on September 11, 2019, 11:18:08 am
Sounds like an injector fault if they improved after cleaning then? Why not whip them out and send them off to be flow tested for the sake of how much it costs. Both AKS Tuning & R-Tech have injector testing equipment.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: JTI on September 11, 2019, 12:03:48 pm
Sounds like an injector fault if they improved after cleaning then? Why not whip them out and send them off to be flow tested for the sake of how much it costs. Both AKS Tuning & R-Tech have injector testing equipment.

I sprayed the sea foam into the intake manifold. Would it go through the injectors when going this route?

My theory is the intake valves are a bit gunked and each time I'm foaming it it's getting slightly better. Had a misfire session yesterday and it only lasted a few miles before returning to normal. The roughness of the idle was also noticeably less than before.

I thought maybe the cat was blocked also and the foam may be cleaning that slowly, but I understand from reading that no system cleaner would clean the cat as such.

Still getting that jerkiness when going up through the lower gears though  :thinking:
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: colesey on September 11, 2019, 01:29:34 pm
No foam would reach the injectors this way as these engines are direct injection, with the injectors going into the combustion chamber rather than spraying into the manifold.
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: Rigsby on September 12, 2019, 11:46:44 am
Have you tried a bottle of injector cleaner?
That’s what I did along with a full tank of v-power
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: titchy on September 12, 2019, 01:24:23 pm
Try some Forte injector cleaner you can get it It on E Bay its good stuf
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: TheBALDpuma on September 20, 2019, 09:40:49 pm
Well I just got mine back from having an injector replaced.  Running sweet as a nut now. Cost a chunky £650 though :(
Title: Re: Intermittent Misfire/Rough Running
Post by: paradigmus on October 31, 2020, 10:30:28 pm
I will also keep ignoring the injectors, my opinion is that they are not worthy and it is possible to fail. I know a lot of guys who have the same problem and the issue with injectors are common.  I am a big expert in cars, cause I have my own transport company and I have used a lot of cars in it. In big companies it is very difficult to control everything and  recently, I have implemented the DQ checklist from Avatar Fleet (https://www.avatarfleet.com/) it will help me to check all the costs and to keep all under control.