Hi folks,

Was out driving yesterday, came to roundabout and put foot on brake..car stopped really suddenly. Noticed just before then that engine was revving up and dipping down..like turbo maybe cutting in and out? Since that happened when I slow down the engine dips to below 500rpm and wants to cut out. When it gets to that 500rpm, my brakes go dead and steering goes heavy. A few yrs ago car had similar problem and there was some kinda switch replaced behind accelerator peddle possibly. I have  had an engine management light on and off for past 6 months but it  off more it is on...brake pads and discs are ok..haven't had any other known issues. Can anyone advise? Cheers.

EML is probably telling you whats wrong. Get a diagnostic done, & post the result.

Got car booked into Deutschtek on Wed so will let us know what happens

Are all the dash lights bright or dim? Sounds like it's not charging to me? Does it start ok in the morning? I had this on my old vrs and it was a broken power lead to alternator causing battery not to charge hope this helps!

My car had similar symptoms and cleaning the throttle body has improved things a lot

Get a diagnostic done, might help. Otherwise +1 on e30kev's suggestion. I've had similar problems in the family on a Punto, Puma, MX5 and Leon - TB gets a bit cokey round the edges and sticks. Clean it out with some carb cleaner, shouldn't take too long.

 

If it still happens it could well be the crank shaft sensor which again is a pretty common problem across all makes and models.