URGENT! Need thoughts and feedback!

[cam_bourke]

Hey everyone, the otherday i was driving home from work when a came to a stop and the car suddenly stalled. It took a few goes and i got it going again but it had no power and seemed to be idling rough. I took it to the mechanics and had the air and petrol filter replaced, the MAF sensor checked and new spark plugs and a tune and it was fine until yesterday it started doing it again. After reading up it seems the car keeps going in and out of 'limp' mode but the mechanics dont know a certain fix. My car is 2001 mk4 vw golf. Has anyone had a similar problem? Any responses or opinions are welcome!

Much appreciated, Cam.

[Adzismad2]

Check the alternator is charging the battery, if your alternator isn't charging at the car runs only off the battery and the battery cant provide enough charge to run the engine computer etc. It will force it into limp mode.

By the sounds of your post it probably isnt the alternator, but it happened to a friends car and that was the issue. At the end of the day its another thing crossed off the list of things its not.

Edit:
Quick run down if you dont know how. Get a mutimeter from someone and set to Volts DC
The battery should read 13.5 - 14ish volts while the car is running.

[whiteVR6]

I dont understand how an alternator can cause this issue. Basics of the alternator is if its not charging the light should come on the dash, if it doesnt the car will run off the battery until it dies then you wont be able to restart the car at all.

My internet diagnosis is coolant sensor or lambda probe. Its possible it could be the maf as well but Id start with the first two items
Good luck!

[PassatB6]

Coil pack! When they crack they get moisture in them and get intermittent starting and running problems. Thats why the problems can be unpredictable. Doesn't have to be rain, just moisture.

[kapowww]

Did the mechanic have VCDS to check for fault codes? Or do you know anyone who does?

[cam_bourke]

hey, i will tell the mechanic to change both the coil pack and replace my alternator. Also yes he did have one and when he used it today it said there is a fault with the air intake. So he's going to try and fix that first.

[whiteVR6]

hey, i will tell the mechanic to change both the coil pack and replace my alternator. Also yes he did have one and when he used it today it said there is a fault with the air intake. So he's going to try and fix that first.

you must have a lot of money to be throwing parts at a car that wont guarantee a fix!

[kapowww]

you must have a lot of money to be throwing parts at a car that wont guarantee a fix!

Yeah why would you waste your money replacing that stuff if it's not even proven broken.

If the fault is with the air intake keep investigating the MAF.

[jvlracing]

ok, check exhaust tip....Black sortty?....

[brad]

coil pack for my mk4 was $350 from VW, $150 aftermarket. Rebuilt alternator would be $300-$400 wouldn't it? Seems a lot of money to be throwing at a more mature car if you aren't sure whether they are broken or not.

If the mech is replacing parts until it fixes itself then maybe his skillset lies in another marque?

[cam_bourke]

I got the car for a reasonable price so I have some cash to be able to hopefully get rid of the problem. So far I havent wasted any money because all the parts where replaced in an effort to correct the problem needed replacing. But yeah im looking at taking the alternator a electrition to have it refurbished instead of replaced. But if there is moisture in the coil packs im willing to replace them.

[PassatB6]

Get it diagnosed properly before you start spending. Coil packs are way cheaper than alternators. Take it to European cars in Wickham. They will do it as professionally and cheaply as anyone.

European Car Centre - Home

[brad]

. But yeah im looking at taking the alternator a electrition to have it refurbished instead of replaced. But if there is moisture in the coil packs im willing to replace them.

I doubt your mech would be fitting a new alternator. I always found it easier (due to all the different fitments on the same car) to send the existing alternator to the AutoElec for a rebuild & upgrade. He used to fit better diode packs & could boost the output a bit. Came back better than new.

[cam_bourke]

yeah i was thinking of doing that instead. How much do they charge you there?

[brad]

yeah i was thinking of doing that instead. How much do they charge you there?

you'll note i was talking in the past tense. I haven't done commercial work in over 20 years. I'd think my sparky was 6 foot under by now as he was pretty old back then.

Try searching for "Bosch Service >your area<" and see what comes back.