Hi guys,

I've got a Mk1 '01 plate vRS that I bought from a member here a little while back and she's got about 130K miles on her now. Recently the car's developed what I think is a breathing problem where the symptoms are a lack of boost and an idle that never settles.

Idle wise, it'll sit OK for about 10 seconds and then drop as if it's going to stall, then come back up again instantly. It never does stall, but threatens to like clockwork every 10s or so.

It's had the main breather pipe replaced recently, which I thought would cure it, and it's had a new set of plugs and coil packs as well so I don't think it's ignition!

I've got a laptop with vagcom but I'm a total novice at anything OBD related. What kind of things should I be looking for if it is breathing related, in vagcom?

At a guess it's maybe a duff MAF sensor or an air leak somewhere else other than the breather pipe, so what would show on vagcom to confirm either of those theories?

Thanks very much in advance, looking forward to getting her back to rude health again!

Rys

Fault codes would help within VAG COM.

Also, the MAF can be bypassed by unplugging it. Take the car for a drive then as the car will use 'base' settings as there is no MAF

Evening rys

I would start by cleaning the TB and if you don't have any dash lights on then your DV is on it's way out.

I'll check the fault codes in vagcom this weekend, and I'll give it for a drive with no MAF and see what it feels like. Thanks for the advice, I'll update the thread when I've got more info.

Cheers!

Hi aj,

The guy I bought it from did mention that the DV might need a service, so I'll add that to the list. It's not the OEM one and does have a service guide, so I'll give it a clean at the weekend if I can, after I see what vagcom says and check what a drive with the MAF sensor disconnected is like.

Cheers!

Hi Rys, if you're going to clean the throttle body here's a good thread explaining what you need and what to do: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/129943-cleaning-throttle-body-1-8t-engine/page__hl__%20throttle%20%20body

I've a feeling it will be the "S" shaped vac line under the inlet manifold. Mine did it, it would rev up when first started then bob up and down on idle.