Hi all,

I’m having an issue with my 2010 Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 4x4 (engine code DFHC, manual gearbox). The car has a noticeable jerking or hesitation when accelerating slowly, especially in the lower gears and when going lightly uphill. The problem does not occur when accelerating hard (full throttle), so it seems related to partial load conditions.

Here are some details:

• The jerking is most noticeable in moist or rainy weather.

• Idle is smooth, and there are no fault codes currently stored.

• I have occasionally seen P040300 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit, Intermittent, but it disappears after using EGR cleaner. I replaced the EGR valve about 5 years ago.

• I'm wondering if this could still be an EGR issue, or perhaps something related to the turbo, injectors, or even the Haldex system?

• The engine feels otherwise healthy, and fuel economy hasn’t changed significantly.

Has anyone experienced something similar, or does anyone have ideas where I should start investigating? Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

When was the Haldex last properly serviced ?

Is it possibly a tyre / surface interface / lack of grip issue and the Haldex operating or not operating correctly issue.

Front slight wheel spin and the rear then working, or maybe not.

Check you do get the part time All Wheel Drive that the car should have.

I noticed that it has been some time once Haldex has been serviced (more than 5 years). Is it possible to test if it is the root cause by removing fuse or something?

The only dodgy injectors I've had to replace before were noticeable (jerky) under full load or high revs when they couldn't supply the right amount of fuel.

An old Subaru turbo I had would 'not go up hills' until warmed up, in a similar way to yours, but that was ignition timing / fueling even though I replaced the 02 / lamda sensors.

You could also try filling with good fuel, puts some Millers Power Ecomax in and leaving it in lower gears for a day. May not make a blind bit of difference...

@Yetisti The Haldex Service Schedule is 3 years / 30,000 miles, and people even have issues with gunked up pumps / filters before that. Then corrosion of the controllers.

Haldex out of order.

It needs serviced anyway,

and maybe the mechanic can diagnose the issue if it is the engine.

Edited 10 July, 202510 Jul by Ootohere

I changed haldex oil and filter. I also looked the pump and there was some dirt, but not too much. It didn't change hesitation / jerking issue. Problem occurs around 1500-2000rpm and light acceleration/load. The car sounds a bit like steam locomotive when this happens.

I did test drive with unplugged MAF sensor. Jerking seems to go away, but I'm not sure if the engine is operating correctly in this mode. Hopefully, it is something MAF sensor related. It could be wiring issue as well, since cables are done from spaghetti.

It seems that the MAF sensor was the root cause. I cleaned it with CRC MAF cleaner and I don't feel this jerking anymore. It is dry and warm weather, so remains to be seen if it works other conditions as well.

Glad it's at least behaving ok at the moment.

I should have suggested the MAF when I mentioned the Impreza's O2 sensor, as I only cleaned the MAF in May. Unlike your Yeti it had a 'bouncing throttle ' where the needle would rev up to 3000rpm at idle ! I've never had to clean a Yeti one - is it easy ?

Edited 12 July, 202512 Jul by Prezafab

Cleaning MAF is easy. Just remove air filter, cable, one clamp and one other hose.