Running on 4?

[robert_n]

Yesterday evening after washing the car earlier in the day decided it wasn't going to run properly.

It sounds to me like its running on less cylinders (hence my guess of 4). Ive had a look at the injector connectors and there is no obvious signs of water/corrosion. I tried to look at the coils and sparks but there seems to be a throttle damper in the way and I have torx drives that big but since they are sealed i can't imagine they are the issue. If anyone is local(ish) to Coventry feel free to stop round to have a look/listen, there could be a crate of beer (or substitute) in it for anyone who helps.

Any guesses as to what the issue is? This will soon be a big issue as I am meant to be driving up to Scotland with my sister on Christmas eve.

Thanks,

Robert

[Smiley]

Have a look: Let the car idle, and disconnect one injector. If the stumbling gets worse, this cylinder is ok. Try the next... The one that gives no difference is the faulty one. Have a look at the spark plugs too, and see if they are tight.

[Jas11n]

As smiley says above, check to see which cylinder is off using his method. When you have found it, take note of which one it is.
Then look at the bulkhead behind the throttle, you'll see two power output stages bolted to the bulkhead. take both multiplugs off one and switch them with the multiplugs of the other and visa versa.
If the cylinder that was off has now moved, it's a channel on one of the power output stages that has gone belly up.
Follow the instructions >>> "here" for a one time possible free fix to the issue.

(note, the POS's on the S2 are bolted to the bulkhead in a different orientation to the urS4/S6 pictures used in the link above, though they are the exact same parts)

[robert_n]

Thanks guys:

It is cylinder 1 (or the one nearest the front of the car anyway) which is not firing.

Swapping the cables on the power output stages caused the car to not start at all, an eventuality not covered in that link.

[Jas11n]

Are you sure you swapped both connectors from each POS over? Swapping one would cause a no start as the firing order would be all out.

[robert_n]

aaaaaahh ok, i was probably just being stupid, ill try that now. Thanks

[Smiley]

While you're at it, you might want five new Bosch F5DPOR spark plugs.

If the fault doesn't move, it may be a faulty coil pack. The coil packs are made by BERU, you can get new ones a little cheaper per the BERU part no, but you have to remake the electrical connections, because they come without the connectors. I changed all five btw, as shortly after the first, the second went.. struggled home on 3 pots..

[Jas11n]

Also, if you absolutely "must" drive the car before getting it fixed, take the connector off the injector on the effected cylinder.
Leave it on and you'll get neat petrol washing the bore and could possibly kill your cats.

After it's all fixed, either get vag-com and erase the codes stored in the ECU, or remove both fuses in the fuse box under the red cover with "motor" on it.
You won't have codes stored for either a dead coilpack or a dead POS, but you will have some stored from removing injector connectors while the engine was running.
It won't effect anything if you don't erase the codes, but it's nice to have a clear ECU for next time there's an issue.

Jase..

[robert_n]

Ok it doesn't appear from ether POS as its still not firing on 1. Time to find the extension for my ratchet and swap some plugs around to see if its them.

[Dpicariello]

I had this over the summer and it was a faulty POS.

If you are still having problems on Monday then let me know and I'll try and pop over after work (assuming you're still around Coventry.

Dan

[robert_n]

I had this over the summer and it was a faulty POS.

If you are still having problems on Monday then let me know and I'll try and pop over after work (assuming you're still around Coventry.

Dan

Thanks for the offer!

I'll let you know tomorrow what the status of the car is. (I am still around coventry, just up the road from asda where i've seen you).

[pixsaudisex2]

i take it all you leads are in good condition. ( if you can call them that.)

[robert_n]

Good news, an new set of plugs sorted it all out. I hadn't tested them until now as I had lost my extension for the ratchet and had to go out and buy another one.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice.

[Smiley]

Happy cruising then!!