Hello guys!
Since a week ago i have been notice a reduction in the efficiency and a lack of power and a unstable acceleration (with a fixed pedal position it feels like if i was pressing and depressing the pedal)

I first thought it was due a bad quality diesel but then today, before turning off the engine i just decide it to accelerate it in neutral and i did notice the engine was not accelerating according to my my foot input.

 

Please check this video

 

I suspect the pedal position sensor has malfunctioned, it's not that uncommon in a twenty year old car.

See if you can reset the throttle.These have an electric throttle. I think it involves removing power from the battery for a while and then reconnecting it. My car would stutter just at 2k rpms. removed the vacuum line for the egr and its not done it since. How is your battery and alternator. If the battery is really low on charge you can lose throttle. Happened to me before. Most likely it is the tps like Sepulchrave mentioned. Doubt it will be very expensive from a breakers.

well, you have mentioned two suspects, the TPS and the battery/alternator.

 

past two weeks lights were erratically (not the previous problem i mentioned couple of months ago)

Today i used the car for a 200km trip and mid way the light of the steering came on, i continue to drive for 50km more, when i turn off the vehicle i was unable to turn it on again, then i notice the two tinny cable from the alternator were disconnected (the clamp/connector was already in bad state, i replace it with generic connector (but more secure than the old one and the car started immediately, now i am going to do some diligence and so i test the car.

just in case, where is located the TPS?

 

The throttle pedal, fix that wiring properly first though.

Most likely the TPS as in your video you have the gauges moving. However, your mentioning of the power steering light coming on (you lost power steering I presume) and not being able to restart it might indicate a battery and/or alternator issue. The exact same happened to my car with a dodgy battery, power steering goes first (I presume to save energy?) then gauges, then throttle. A 1.9 sdi is a heavy thing to try to start, you need to have a good battery to get it to turn over at all.

12 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

The throttle pedal, fix that wiring properly first though.

Are those cable for signal or are there any load (the two small wires to the alternator)

 

Check this video now

He voltage goes up and dow with the rpm, because when the battery light goes off i hear the ac fan blowing stronger

 

What I mean to say is, your tps is more than likely bad. But your battery and or alternator is probably on its way out too.

Pity we are all in lockdown! It would be nice to go to the Caribbean using Kharls car as an excuse and funny enough it would take 2 weeks at least to sort out 🤣

 

All we need to do is visit a breaker and fill a suitcase with spares ! Yeah I've overthought this 

Not a bad idea, i have to put a new engine in this car, you would saveme the labor 🤣🤣

Edited 12 March, 20215 yr by Kharl

Make sure you've got a voltmeter to plug into the cigarette lighter socket. This way, you can keep a check on the battery voltage. It should read 14.0V to 14.4V when the engine is running, and probably at least 12.3V when the engine is not running and after the engine hasn't been run for at least 12 hours.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gesh-Digital-Cigarette-Lighter-Voltmeter/dp/B08XXG4NMV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=led+voltmeter+cigarette+lighter+socket&qid=1615574766&sr=8-1

 

There's always lots of these listed on ebay by various sellers.

I am on my way to a place where they repair alternator.

 

I have a voltmeter with me and the reading is 11.9v at iddling and mre than 13.7v after 1300 rpm

 

Also:

 

Edited 12 March, 20215 yr by Kharl

Theres your problem lol. How much is an alternator for one of these? I'll probably need to keep an eye out for one if I plan getting my car roadworthy.

It cost me the equivalent to us$137 with labor.  And the guys had REALLY HARD TIME removing it.

 

 

At this point I could take the front of my car off blindfolded. Might make it easier to do. Looks like a PIG to do otherwise. I noticed when I crashed it that the alternator pulley hit the frame rail and left a dent. That cant be good for the its lifespan.

That was not in my budget. 

But the car feels pretty nice now, the engine sounds beautiful.

 

Nobody would imagine that it i smoking so bad 

9 hours ago, DieselMonte said:

Theres your problem lol. How much is an alternator for one of these? I'll probably need to keep an eye out for one if I plan getting my car roadworthy.

 

If you can get a picture of the codes on the alternator I will have a look at my brother in laws 01 Golf Mk4 SDi - Cant be too far different ... ! Its worth a look anyway as it will be free ...! 

 

My brother in law has a penchant for driving cars on until they lie down, then just parking them where they stop .. Mechanical sympathy is not a virtue he has. The yard is like a breakers much to the annoyance of the family.....

I'll check next day I'm out, thank you. I cant imagine the alternators being different in anycase.

Goodmorning guys

 

Most of the problems are gone

 

No weird or unstable idling, no unstable accelerarion, power is back, no weird lights.

 

And the engine sounds ABSOLUTELY  LOVELY.

 

Thats good news Kharl...  I wonder if you really need an engine replacement now at all ...? 

I doubt replacing the alternator will improve the oil consumption.

1 minute ago, sepulchrave said:

I doubt replacing the alternator will improve the oil consumption.

 

Very true ....!!  Theres no substitute for piston rings and valve stem oil seals in fairness. Looks like we will have to go the Caribbean after all when the lockdown is finished .... What a lovely thought as I stare out the window at a miserable, wet,  grey day......  

Turn up your volume and listen to that melody. 

Isn't lovely?

 

I won't back to gasoline ever

 

Edited 15 March, 20215 yr by Kharl

Sounds nice