Tried it again this morning and as expected the same error "16686" has returned. So it cant be the coil pack.. What shall I try now? Spark plugs? They were changed in February when we purchased the car..

 

Also 17978 has not come back! 

 

Thanks!

 

It's more likely to be the wiring loom to the coil pack or worse yet, a mechanical issue on cylinder 2.

If it's the 6-valve version of the engine, I'd go straight to a compression test, unless there's an obvious problem with the wiring to coil 2.

I checked all 3 spark plugs and moved them around. Cleared it again so see what happens. 

 

The wiring loom seems to be fine. All pins look ok.

 

Ive never done a compression test before. Is this how its done? Also yes its a 6 valve. 

 

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/cars-101-how-to-do-a-compression-test-14912158

Some Bad News :( 

 

Took the car to a mechanic to get his opinion and he told me that its a big job and your better off buying a new second hand engine and getting it fitted... 

 

Then took it to another mechanic and he said he's had 2 VW Polos with the same problem recently and they've both been scrapped. He's going to do a compression test on it on Tuesday so see how that goes.. 

 

If I change my car it will cost me loads to transfer my insurance over as I'm a young driver so its not looking good.

Just done a compression test. Cylinder 2 is very low.. What options do I have now??

 

Cheers

Just done a compression test. Cylinder 2 is very low.. What options do I have now??

 

Cheers

 

Alright, you've done the test but seem to have missed the diagnosis part, either you're losing compression past the piston rings or through the valves, you need to find out which, if you take off the manifolds you'll be able to hear the pressure being lost past the valves, start with the exhaust since that's the most likely source of the problem. If you confirm that it's the valves then getting the head off and fitted with three new exhaust valves is not very expensive.