Engine Management System

A 2005 Polo 1.4 with very low mileage, around 10,000 miles. After driving down a motorway without any problem, on reaching the 30 mph area the car starts to judder and reduce speed (but the engine doesn't actually cut out) and the light goes on to warn of exhaust/engine management problem. The light is blinking, but there is no other instruction message. Driver was very worried, stopped the car, turned off engine, restarted after about 20 seconds, no further recurrence.

Is it sensible to take the car to a dealer immediately or is it likely that they would be unable to find a problem and that this would be a waste of money? I'm thinking let's wait till it happens again because maybe it's a one off. Would the average exhaust centre be able to diagnose the problem, if it was a lambda sensor or something connected to the exhaust system?

And is it unlikely that the driver (a family member, not me) would be left stranded if this happened again and that the car would remain driveable?

Reply to
The Todal
Loading thread data ...

If it's still inside warranty, I would definitely get the fault logged with a dealer.

Even if it's just outside the warranty period, as long as it has a service history I would report it.

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

If the fault isn't currently manifesting it's vanishingly unlikely that a dealer would be able to diagnose what it once had been.

I'm thinking let's wait till it happens again because maybe it's a

ROFL. The 'average' exhaust centre employees struggle to find the exhaust system. Diagnosing engine faults is definitely not in their bailiwick.

Impossible to say. Most cars have a limp home mode for component faults but if it's a bad wiring connection it could just lead to a complete breakdown.

I'd at least go round and check the basics. Water level, connections to plugs and leads and any other wiring you can get to. It could be anything though.

Reply to
Dave Baker

Try asking on a VW web forum. The depth of collected info on one of these surpases usenet these days.

Some engine management systems log fault codes which can be read by the dealer using diagnostic hardware. Given that more cars are incorporating such hardware - service shops should be straight in with that kit, especially since you are reporting dashboard lights indicating problems with the EMS.

If interested and curious (like me), for VW engines a cable to connect a laptop is not that expensive, and there is shareware/paid software that can tell you what the problem is - but it's technical geeky stuff and also the software has the ability to change things maybe you really shouldn't. Alternativly there are many handheld gadgets that do the same readout without the aid of a computer.

Have a look here.

formatting link

Reply to
Adrian C

If it's out of warranty any 1/2 way competent VW specialist can read the fault codes which may give you a clue what happened. (Most of them will just tell you that the engine cut out)

Reply to
Duncan Wood

You should get the fault memory read, for a start. A dealer, an independent VW specialist, or a nearby enthusiast can do this with VAG-COM, and the latter can be found on VAG web forums and will typically scan the car for the fair exchange of a few beers....

Reply to
Chris Bartram

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.