1.2 TSI (3 cylinder) juddering at 2000 rpm 3rd through 5th

[WolfyWesty]

Hi,

Been a while since I've been here! Hope everyone is doing well.

 

I have a 2014 Spaceback  with a 1.2tsi 3 cylinder (manual 5 speed) and recently it has started juddering at 2000 rpm in 3rd to 5th. I'll try to explain below:

 

The juddering is only when you accelerate around 2k rpm and it almost feels like the car is stalling but it smooths out around 2.2k rpm. You can feel it through the cabin shaking but the steering isn't affected. It only seems to happen if you keep the accelerator pressed hard but if you keep it pressed lightly it doesn't judder at all through any of the gears. Revs don't bounce around and engine doesn't make any unusual noises. If you keep your foot pressed (about halfway or more ) it judders more violently shaking the entire car (as though stalling).

 

1st and 2nd are fine at any revs and so is pulling away from static is fine. It revs smoothly throughout and idles fine (not sounding rough or misfiring). Doesn't surge when driving, no smoke and Oil temp is showing in the 90s when driving.

 

It was serviced last weekend (major service at VAG specialist garage) and has only started this week. No lights are on the dash.

 

Any ideas? Going to ring the garage and take it back but at a loss what it could be. Initial thought was either air in the fuel line or contaminated fuel, but surely that wouldn't have lasted a few days?

 

[Ootohere]

What was involved at the Major Service?

I assume not a Cam belt / tensioner replacement.  Has that ever been done? 

 

How many miles has the car done, were the spark plugs replaced in 2018 or 2022 as per Guidelines / Recommendations regardless of miles, or checked, 

or changed at this Major Service. 

Was the Air Filter replaced, or even checked? 

 

Until they or someone find the issue maybe get a tank of E5 super unleaded 97 or 99 ron petrol in rather than E10 95 ron if you use that.

Summer spec E5 & E10 should now be in the filling station.  Just £3 extra a tank fill to see if it works with Tesco Momentum 99 or Sainsbury 97 ron min. 

Edited 27 April, 2023 by toot

[MickA]

If it's the 2014 1.2TSi surely it's the chain driven 4 cylinder?

There could be a problem with one plug lead, some can break down, can't remember which. Have you took the cover off and checked all leads?

 

[Ootohere]

Sorry, and just noticed a 3 cylinder. 

All the cheaper for the spark plugs, hopefully replaced and gapped correctly and no ignition coil damage. 

[xman]

No such engine as a 1.2tsi 3 cylinder VAG engine!

 

Its  either

1.2 HTP 3 cylinder

1.2 Tsi 4 cylinder EA111

1.2 Tsi 4 cylinder EA211

 

Common problems on 3 cylinder HTP are random failing/failed individual coil packs, usually when spark plugs are worn. Shows up on OBD diagnostic scan. Or buy a new coil pack (around £30) and swap around till cured. Check plugs at same time.

 

Common problem on EA111 (camchain engine) is no 3 plug lead failure ( goes open circuit due to heat from nearby turbo), needs to be addressed asap as the  coil pack ( one that feeds all plugs) often breaks down shortly afterwards due to over voltage stress. Change plugs if done 50,000 miles or more. (60k official period a bit too long) OBD diagnostic usually picks up the correct cylinder though could also say no.1 as it shares the coil in a wasted spark setup.

Needs a proper boot removal tool to remove plug lead from plug to avoid damage to lead.

 

Don't know much about EA211 (cambelt engine). They have individual coil packs and 40k mile spark plug change. Needs a special tool to lift the coil packs to avoid damaging them when lifting off the plugs. OBD scan should reveal which cylinder is misfiring

 

I don't think the spaceback ever had the 3 cylinder HTP engine so one of the others. The change from EA111 to EA211 was around 2014 iirc. So could be either.

 

OBD readers can be bought from about £20, useful tool that can be used on any car. Far cheaper than a diagnostic scan at a dealer which they charge between £60-£100 for with no guarantee they find anything or the correct thing.

[MATT1]

As far as I’m aware the 1.2 TSI is four cylinder and chain driven the 1 Litre TSI is belt driven and 3 cylinder. My car is a 67 plate and is the 3 cylinder.