I am familiar with the normal limp mode when you boot the car and it gets to about 3000rpm and the power drops off. My car does this most days :-(

However over the last few weeks I have noticed a more worrying trend, when I am driving slowly, or queuing in traffic say for a roundabout, once I get to the roundabout and apply gentle power (not like I stole it), the car has virtually zero power and drives really badly. Obviously when coming off a roundabout onto a 2 lane section of road I need to build up some speed before I cycle the ignition otherwise I am likely to get a smack up the back end.

Essentially it seems I am getting a limp home mode, but it is being brought on when queuing in traffic.

VAGCOM only reports the normal overboost error, and for some annoying reason will only communicate with the car when the engine isn't running, as soon as I start the car the connection is dropped. I think this is brought on by my PCMCIA serial card (used to work fine when using a laptop with a proper serial port), so I can't log anything when driving :-(

Sounds like it might be a vacuum problem. I've seen a car with a failing vacuum pump give similar symptoms but a vacuum leak could give the same.

Sounds like it might be a vacuum problem. I've seen a car with a failing vacuum pump give similar symptoms but a vacuum leak could give the same.

Funny you say that as some days I notice my brakes seem to be better than other days.

Is there anything specific I should look for - split hose somewhere (which hoses?) I am guessing a replacement vacuum pump would be a painful experience :-(

Funny you say that as some days I notice my brakes seem to be better than other days.

Is there anything specific I should look for - split hose somewhere (which hoses?) I am guessing a replacement vacuum pump would be a painful experience :-(

With the engine warmed up at idle, do the brakes feel hard if you pump them? That would indicate low vacuum.

Start at the pump and check the tubing. Then check the non-return valves and the vacuum reservoir. Then everything else. You really need a vacuum pump with a guage (Mityvac or similar).

I have to got to pick up some roofing slates in the morning, so I'll check then.

What I do know is, if I sit with my foot pressed hard on the brake pedal then it will slowly sink to the floor - I'll time it and see just how long tomorrow. It has never worried me as I am sure there is enough braking action to bring the car to a halt from the NSL, just some days the brakes feel more sensitive than others (normally it seems to be when the car feels a bit more perky too)