Hello, I'm new to the forum and was sugested by a friend to post my issues on here! So here goes.

Right Ive had my Mk1 Fabia VRS for a few months now and it developed a few problems:

1. It cuts out pretty much whenever it feels like it, It's happened on my driveway, dual carageways, roundabouts etc.. But it cuts out more often if i've given it a boot. After its cut out it takes a considerably long time to start (I turn it over for about 10 seconds and repeat about 6 - 10 times before any signs of life). After it has started runs fine untill next cutout. Its almost like I have an airlock in the fuel lines.

2. When sitting level at an RPM (mainly between 1500 - 2300) it runs very lumpy and jerky. Can hardly be noticed in gears 1-3, but is very noticable in gears 4-6.

If I put my foot down in gear 5 & 6 there is barely any power due to severe lumpyness.

Well, they're the problems im getting, so i'll list some things I know are wrong with the car that might relate to this.

• My camshaft sensor is unplugged (faulty), I have been told this is used only on startup so not to worry.. (would like clarification)
  
• the vacuum hoses have seen better days.
  
• slight lower boost hose leak.
  

Playing around with the vacuum hoses (patching up or unplugging) seems to make the cutting out issue better or worse depending on what I do.

Some recent vagcom results say that the camshaft sensor is faulty (or not plugged in at the moment)

It also showed at 1 point that the Fuel Temp sensor was faulty, but never re-apeared.

My local Mechanic (also my old boss & VAG Specialist) has never seen a problem of this nature and is just as baffled as me

It just feels like it could be anything at this stage so hopefully someone can make light if this for me. If I do find anything else related to this I wil post it.

I have a similar issue, but only intermittently and only when its cold. I've had cam sensor done, but made no difference but vcds also said it might be crank sensor.

I had thought it might be something with cam timing but I haven't taken it to check that on vagcom yet.

I have also thought maybe egr clogging or fuel filter, but these complete guesses really and as its so infrequent its hard to diagnose.

Have you got engine management and flashing glow plug lights on?

I have a similar issue, but only intermittently and only when its cold. I've had cam sensor done, but made no difference but vcds also said it might be crank sensor.

I had thought it might be something with cam timing but I haven't taken it to check that on vagcom yet.

I have also thought maybe egr clogging or fuel filter, but these complete guesses really and as its so infrequent its hard to diagnose.

Have you got engine management and flashing glow plug lights on?

Its Recently been serviced so doubt it will be anything to do with the fuel filter as it was replaced, Ive also taken the throttle body (and EGR valve) and the inlet manifold off to remove all the carbon and oil deposits caused by the EGR valve, they have all been put back on properly.

Ive also tried plugging in and unplugging the vacuum hose for the EGR valve, but makes no diffrence at all.

No lights whatsoever, glow plug light only comes on upon startup and the engine management light was only on when the fuel temp sensor was showing a fault.

Also the coolent level warning light apeares periodically even though coolant level is fine (I found out earlyer on this forum that it is just dodgy electrical contacts though) but doubt it would effect running.

Edited 9 May, 201313 yr by Wellsie

Have you checked the maf?

Have you checked the maf?

No, because there are no faults codes indicating to this, worth a try though. Do you recomend me simply to unplugging the Electrical wire and test drive?

I also presume this if for the lumpyness not the cutting out?

The way i used to check it was to unplug it and if it ran worse then doubtful it would be the maf. Same way i used to check for goosed coilpacks on my tt.

Right i've just test drove the car with the MAF sensor unplugged. There seemed to be a complete loss in power from the turbo, and didn't kick in like it normally does just under 2000 revs. However there was no lumpyness holding revs and accelerating in 4 - 6 gear. Also didn't cut out at any point, but obviously its hard to give it a proper boot and a run with the turbo not kicking in properly.

I also had an increase in my average MPG (over 40) while driving round town not sure if it's a false reading? If its not might have to unplug it again whilst commuting

At this point I will try to get the MAF Sensor & Cam Sensor replaced to see if I get any better results.

But in the meantime if you guys can come up with any more sugestions or know issues like this it would be very much appreciated.

Just a quick update:

I have cleaned the MAF sensor using electrical contact cleaner, I've fitted a new black 'O' ring on the valve for the fuel filter (It was in shody condition and I didn't replace it after the service oops) and fitted a new Cam sensor.

I am skeptical about the Cam sensor actually working though, as it still turns over about 5 - 6 times before starting. I will plug in VagCom on monday to see its status and give another update.

But I have been driving it all afternoon (been giving it death) and not one cutout has occurred and the lumpyness appears to have gone. I Still need to give it a bit more of a thoughrough test drive to find out for a fact if it has gone.

I'm also thinking about getting all the fuel lines replaced as they have all started to perish and have small surface cracks. I'm also going to use Some RedX diesel injector cleaner on my next tank. Anyone know if there are any negative effect to using 35 - 40 litres of fuel to mix the RedX with instead of the recomended 50 litres and above? I'm guessing making a stronger mix might be a bit more affective?

Edited 11 May, 201313 yr by Wellsie

I'm getting similar problems at the minute with mine.

Been rough last few days, very lumpy idle even when warm and very hesitant when trying to accelerate no matter what gear I'm in.

Today it's been a lot worse, the engine keeps cutting it when pulling upto to roundabouts etc and isn't very easy to get started again

What fixed it for you in the end?

Hi All,

 

Exactly the same problems as described above, but is now at the point where I cant get to run more than 50 meters without a cut out!

Please reply  to the thread if anyone has found a cause / solution.

 

Many Thanks

 

Mike

Hi Mike,

 

Sounds like a problem with the injectors to me. Thats what happened with mine.

 

It can't get the fuel round the system quick enough so cuts out.

Did this issue get resolved? Having the exact same symptoms with mine atm. Thanks