Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

[Cossor]

Is that a "Chirp" (Like a little bird) or a "Screech" (Like a Cockatoo)
I am hard of hearing, BUT so far no such noises heard! Car is early MY11 (On order before June 2010)

[LeeMan]

Hi

I am reading on the internet and located this site - Volkswagen 1.4 Twincharger engine maybe cancelled.

The above link plus a number of others on the net are very recent - Jan 2011.

I wonder if anyone has heard or knows more about "VW twincharger could be axed" ???. What happens to all of us that have 118's ?

[Corey_R]

It's not news. There have been rumours about the 1.4TSI being cancelled several times over the past two years. Most of them site the expense of the engine (to VW) and the fact that it goes in models which are relatively inexpensive. It isn't due to reliability or anything else.

As for "what happens to all of us that have 118's", what do you mean? Even if VW do stop producing that engine, what does it matter? Manufacturers stop producing things every day... Holden don't make the 2005 Commodore anymore... doesn't mean anything...

[darkfriend]

Is that a "Chirp" (Like a little bird) or a "Screech" (Like a Cockatoo)
I am hard of hearing, BUT so far no such noises heard! Car is early MY11 (On order before June 2010)

It's like a very angry and loud little bird... similar to a really pissed off willy wagtail (sorry, I'm not an ornithologist, so willy wagtail is the best I can come up with)

[Bel]

Agreed it is a 'chirp' most of the time.. like a dog toy sqeak would be my description. BUT occassionally its a lot louder than that and longer... after reading that everyone has it (well almost everyone) I am glad that Wangara is going to attempt to fix it but now when I do hear it I think, "oh thats the super charger, rather than WTF is that!!?"

[Angryman]

I suppose owners of 118's are concerned that if they stop being produced then support and parts may become harder to find.. but this won't be the case.... as for holden not producing 2005 conformadores, that's a different story as there are millions of taxis to use for spares without ever buying new!!
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[ozgti]

I suppose owners of 118's are concerned that if they stop being produced then support and parts may become harder to find.. but this won't be the case.... as for holden not producing 2005 conformadores, that's a different story as there are millions of taxis to use for spares without ever buying new!!
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

Would you buy parts of a taxi? I have yet to ride in one that doesn't have shagged rear suspension!!!

Considering I could still get parts for my mk2, I don't think we should worry about parts supply!

[prise]

VW have been making them in large volumes (compared to anything made in Oz) since the MkV GT came out in 2005 which means the engine has been in full rate production for 6 years. That's a good innings and given advancements in twin scroll and variable geometry turbocharging it does not surprise me they are looking to update the technology.

[MkVIGTI]

VW have been making them in large volumes (compared to anything made in Oz) since the MkV GT came out in 2005 which means the engine has been in full rate production for 6 years. That's a good innings and given advancements in twin scroll and variable geometry turbocharging it does not surprise me they are looking to update the technology.

Just like how BMW changed from twin turbo to a single twin scroll turbo

[kaanage]

I would not be surprised if VAG was to licence MultiAir from Fiat for their next generation of engines (they could even retrofit it to existing desgns)

[LeeMan]

I am not overly conerned about parts availability.

My issue is with the squeal issues affecting a number of twinchargers in both Aus and overseas, does this mean that VW would not focus on getting a resolution to the ongoing squeal problem ? The service campaign does not seem to have quelled the feedback.

[prise]

I suspect you may be right.

My assessment is that the supercharger squeal on engagement is likely due to a structural resonance which is excited for the short period the clutch is slipping when it engages (analagous to the way a violin string produces a tone when the bow rubs against it). So far as I am aware they have so far just tried a different friction material which will not eliminate the phenomena. A more reliable fix would involve modifying the surrounding components to shift the frequency at which the resonance occurs to one that is less obtrusive or addition of a tuned vibration absorber or vibration damper. These are expensive solutions both in terms of the one-off cost of design and testing and also in terms of the manufacturing changes.

[snags27]

I'm new to the site but was hoping I could get some opinions/help on a problem that I have a sneaking suspicion relates to the previous engine failures. I bought my manual 118tsi in Feb last year and had the 24S4 update done in Sept. At the time of the re-flash I asked them to look at an intermittent engine rattle which occurred under acceleration and was accompanied by fairly thick, black smoke from the exhaust. At the time I assumed this was directly related to the engine troubles widely reported. After the service I was told by the dealership that no problems were apparent and that the software update should improve it. Following the service the problem didn't show up for a while but recently I've noticed it occurring again.

When the problem occurs there doesn't appear to be any noticeable loss of power and no warning lights appear, not surprisingly when it occurs I back off the accelerator and it disappears and doesn't occur again during the trip. It seems to only occur perhaps once a week, if that. I've only ever noticed the problem in 3rd and 4th gears, between 2000-3000rpm. The only comparable reference I've been able to find so far on the site was in this thread from ozgti who referred to it as a 'death rattle'. I guess it may be useful to note that the car has only ever been run on 98 since purchase.

Has anyone else experienced this post re-flash or any ideas what this might be or the tact I should take with VW so that it doesn't get passed over again as I would really like to get this resolved as I'm certain it's not healthy for the car.

Thanks for your help!

[Mk6GT]

Hmmm. I'm very surprised how many people have had a lot of problems with their 118TSI? The only problem that I've had is the supercharger water-pump clutch assembly making the very infamous 'squeak' noise. I got mine changed recently and I'm very happy that the noise hasn't started but probably it will, but I HOPE NOT!

[Ryan_R]

The only thing close a death rattle that I've ever heard was the TCS cutting to hard and too early (sounds like axle tramp), and had one occasion when I floored it up a massively steep hill in 2nd gear (sport mode DSG) when the car made a bit of a bang without going, which sorted itself out after reapplying the accelerator, but nothing quite like what you describe. Besides those rare events my car has been fine. I wouldn't hesitate to call or email your VW service department in your case though.