Any owner of a Volkswagen vehicle tells you one thing: how much they cherish their car’s performance, reliability and efficiency. As Volkswagen Group technicians, we understand entirely.
However, like any other piece of sophisticated mechanical technology, our VWs occasionally encounter a few hiccups. While this might be frustrating, remember that all components (on any machine anywhere) wear out eventually and that careful maintenance goes a long way in keeping these problems at bay. This blog dives into a few select common issues with Volkswagens and how a technician repairs them.
Volkswagen’s electrical problems
These days, a car is an incredibly advanced computer on wheels. Everything from engine timing and pollution management to the centre console or the app you might use for remote start requires computers and electrical connections. In many ways, this is fantastic and far more reliable than old-fashioned mechanical systems. However, when things do start glitching, they’re harder to repair.
Electrical problems are a broad category. They could affect any part of the car and include issues like a fully discharged (dead) battery, corroded connectors, faulty wiring, computer glitches and so on. Thankfully, as cars have become more complex, so too have the tools we have at our disposal. As a result, our technicians are much more likely to get you back on the road in no time.
A technician will first use specialised equipment to pinpoint the source of any electrical woes. These attach to the car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD II) port, hidden somewhere in your VW’s dashboard area. The tools that service centres and specialists have on hand are far more advanced than the code scanners bought online. They offer real-time information and even manual control of the vehicle’s systems.
Once the source has been identified, technicians trained in electrical diagnosis and repair will rectify the issue. The most cost-effective method for a customer is usually replacing the affected part. When it comes to electrical problems, the signs to watch out for are pretty broad. Any unusual symptom clearly related to an electrical component or otherwise unexplained should cause you to bring your car into the garage. For example, this could range from your centre console display flickering to your wipers operating strangely.
There are a few things you can do to prevent electrical issues. Regularly inspect the battery, looking for signs of corrosion or leakage. Avoid touching any of your car’s control modules (ECU). Aside from that, keep bringing your car in for its scheduled service intervals for the best chance of catching electrical malfunctions early.
Volkswagen engine misfires
In simple terms, a misfire is when one of the cylinders in your engine doesn’t ignite the fuel. This means it doesn’t create any power and is essentially wasting fuel. You’ll notice any manner of issues with your engine, including rough idling, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption and shaking or vibrating from the bonnet.
Engine misfires in any vehicle usually boil down to faulty spark plugs (cracked or caked with soot), malfunctioning ignition coils (the wires that send the electrical charge to the spark plugs) or clogged fuel injectors.
As usual, the best way to diagnose the problem is with an onboard diagnostic test. These show mechanics the precise cylinder(s) affected and may even detail the precise problem. Mechanics will then replace, repair, or clean the affected component to restore power and optimal engine performance.
It’s often a good idea to replace all the spark plugs at once at this stage. Aside from electrical issues (mentioned previously), the worst culprit for engine misfires is soot buildup. When driving, the spark plug ignites the air and fuel in your engine. This explosion drives the engine before being sucked out of the exhaust, but it leaves behind a rough coating of black soot. As it coats the inside of your cylinder and your spark plug, specifically, misfires begin happening.
The best way to avoid this is to use higher-quality fuel (99 RON) such as Total Excellium Unleaded or Shell V-Power Unleaded. At the same time, ensure your air filters aren’t clogged. Regular servicing is the best way to keep VW engine misfires from affecting you.
Gearbox troubles
The gearbox – also called the transmission (more so in North America) – connects the engine to the wheels. Gearbox issues might manifest as strange noises during acceleration, heavy, harsh shifting in an automatic gearbox, difficulty selecting the gear in a manual or leaks underneath the car, among other things. Volkswagen gearbox troubles can usually be attributed to low fluid levels, broken mounts, worn-out clutches and glitches in the control module. However, this vital component needs a detailed inspection from a trained technician—the sooner, the better.
Diagnosing gearbox issues is a step-by-step process. First, the technician will listen to your worries and what you’ve noticed. Depending on the severity, they might take your VW for a test drive or, in severe cases, begin work on the ramp immediately. They’ll use OBD II (onboard diagnostics) tools to isolate the problem, but they may need to take your gearbox apart to fix it.
The actual repair job varies based on the specific problem. Technicians might perform fluid flushes, replace worn-out components or reprogram or update the control module. The best way to prolong the life of your Volkswagen’s gearbox? Regularly check the transmission fluid levels (usually only applicable to those with automatic setups). If you drive a manual VW and notice thick oil with a terrible, bad body odour-like smell leaking underneath, don’t touch it (the scent hangs around). Instead, bring your vehicle straight to a service centre. Ideally, have it towed.
Another way to look after your gearbox is to avoid sudden acceleration or towing beyond your car’s capacity. These put a strain on the gearbox and make it wear out faster. The gentler you are with your vehicle, the longer it’ll last. Finally, as always, don’t miss your recommended service intervals. Here, technicians or an OBD check might notice a gearbox problem early on. Addressing it at this point could save you thousands of pounds.
How Sunset VW keeps your Volkswagen on the road
Sunset VW’s expert technicians have operated in Derby since the 1980s. We’re dedicated to providing a top-notch service and keeping your Volkswagen in prime condition. Trust us to diagnose and repair any issues with precision and care, explaining everything to you in simple language without ever being patronising.
Is your Volkswagen ready for its checkup? Have you noticed a niggling issue and aren’t sure what to make of it? It’s better to be safe than sorry. We’re always delighted to meet anyone from the area and help them with their car. Even if it turns out harmless, we’d rather you come to see us than not. Get in touch with us on 01332 346 688. We look forward to hearing from you and ensuring your Volkswagen remains a joy to drive on Derby’s roads and beyond.