Over-use, under-use, chance, routine maintenance – you name it. Your car is bound to need a bit of TLC every once in a while.
That’s where Sunset VW in Derby comes in. When it comes to VW Group vehicles – Volkswagens, Audis, Seats and Skodas – our technicians have seen and fixed it all.
This blog takes a closer look at some of the most common VW problems you might face and how we help you fix them. Fast.
Unpredictable engine performance
Are you experiencing any of the following:
A sudden drop in power?
Strange noises from under the bonnet?
Hesitation or jerking while accelerating?
The most common causes of these are misfires. A misfire is when at least one cylinder in your engine doesn’t generate its power stroke. A power stroke is when a spark plug ignites the fuel and air, forcing the piston down and generating rotational force to turn the wheels. So, simply put, there are three possible areas of investigation: fuel, air and spark (electrical).
In most cases, a faulty spark plug is the root cause of a misfire. However, it’s also common to see problems arising from the coil pack (the device that takes an electrical charge to the spark plug). In rarer cases, a dirty fuel injector might cause a misfire.
You might also experience similar symptoms if you have severely clogged up filters. A blocked air filter chokes the amount of air getting into the engine, while a blocked fuel filter means you don’t get enough fuel.
Regular servicing is the best way to spot these problems early. Sunset VW is here to help identify and fix the problem for you in no time.
DSG gearbox problems
The Volkswagen Group is a big fan of the DSG and with good reason. The ‘Direct Shift Gearbox’ is an automatic with two clutches (instead of, typically, one). One clutch operates even gears, and the other operates the odd gears. In short, when the gearbox changes gear, the next clutch prepares to move into the following gear. This means there’s almost none of the usual gear-change lag from automatic gearboxes.
One minor drawback of the DSG – although it’s not a flaw – occurs when you do something unexpected, like rapidly speeding up and suddenly slowing down. This happens because one clutch is pre-selecting the next gear, with the other engaged in the current gear. If one clutch is preparing to upshift but suddenly needs to downshift, it must quickly adjust to change down instead of up. This leads to a momentary hesitation or jerking sensation. This is normal and part of how the system adapts to changes in driving behaviour.
However, if your VW, Audi, Seat or Skoda encounters regular stuttering or jerking during everyday driving, investigate the DSG. These issues usually come down to low fluid levels, but sometimes a clutch has worn out or there’s a software glitch. Don’t wait for gearbox problems to worsen, as potential failures get incrementally more expensive and dangerous with time. Sunset VW is here to perform a thorough diagnostic to get your DSG shifting smoothly once again.
EGR valve
All modern cars, including your VW, have an EGR valve. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve is an effective way to reduce emissions and maximise fuel economy. The valve sends unburnt fuel in the exhaust gases back into the engine. It’s clever. But, like anything, it could get clogged over time. When that happens, you might feel reduced engine power or see an engine warning light on your dashboard. Failing to address a clogged EGR valve could mean your vehicle fails the emissions test during its MOT.
The EGR valve clogs much quicker when the engine doesn’t reach its operating temperature. Does most of your driving involves short, stop-start trips, especially in cold weather with a diesel engine? If that sounds like you, it’s worth bringing your car to us to check and clean or replace the EGR valve.
Electrical gremlins
A significant portion of the car community misses the old days when carburettors ruled the show. The days before cars became computers. Back then, when issues developed in your systems, they were much simpler to find and fix. However, let us reassure you that, back in the day, those sorts of problems used to crop up all the time. By contrast, although a modern car might require far more specialist skills to fix, it’s much more reliable.
Nevertheless, sometimes electrical gremlins rear their ugly heads. Today, this could be just about anything: flickering lights, malfunctioning air conditioning, temperamental central locking, strange behaviour from the radio and so on. Sometimes, even drivetrain-related problems like gear shifting, engine performance, and so on trace their roots back to electrical issues.
Sometimes, these issues require only a simple fix, like replacing a fuse or a bulb. But sometimes, you need a dedicated electrical specialist and top-of-the-range equipment. For example, it’s fairly common for us to encounter cars needing ECU reprogramming. We also see vehicles with faulty wiring that needs replacing. Unfortunately, these in-depth repairs can be expensive, but ignoring them leads to much bigger – and more dangerous – faults down the line. Our team is highly skilled in diagnosing and fixing electrical issues, so for peace of mind, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Other worthy mentions
Aside from the common VW problems explained in detail above, here are more you should be aware of:
- DPF blockages – the Diesel Particulate Filter can get blocked. Before heading into your garage, try driving on the motorway in a lower-than-usual gear. Keep the revs reasonably high (at least 3,000 rpm) for ten or fifteen minutes. This should raise the DPF’s operating temperature to burn away any blockages. If you still have a problem, bring the car to us.
- Excessive oil consumption – some VW engines, especially older TSI models like the EA888 2.0-litre and the 1.2-litre versions, are known for excessive oil consumption. All engines burn some oil, but check your oil level every couple of weeks just to be safe. If it’s low, top it up or bring your car to us for a checkup.
- Clutch issues – worn clutches are especially common on Golfs. While sometimes faults arise in the drivetrain, most of the time it’s just down to being driven too hard.
- AdBlue system – AdBlue is a urea solution used in diesel engines to reduce NOx emissions. But sometimes, the system malfunctions. The cause is usually a worn-out sensor or crystallisation in the system.
- Timing chain tensioner failure – in some older VW models, we’ve seen the timing chain tensioner go. This could be disastrous and is an expensive repair. Regularly checking your chain and tensioner is the best way to prevent this.
The importance of routine servicing and prompt repairs with Sunset VW
You don’t need to be an expert in car mechanics to know that regular servicing is crucial. In fact, you can spot or avoid many of the problems we’ve discussed with routine checks and proper maintenance. At Sunset VW, we’re here to help. Our team offers flexible servicing options to fit seamlessly around your busy day.
If you’re looking for reliable, fast and expert service for your VW, Audi, Skoda or Seat, look no further. No matter what common (or uncommon) VW problem your vehicle is facing, our team has the experience and equipment to get it sorted quickly and efficiently. So, don’t wait for a small issue to become a big problem – call us today and book your next service with Sunset VW.