is it just me? (very long, sorry!!)

That has bad luck with garages?

Every time my car goes into the garage for some work, either a service or mot, it comes out worse than when it went in.

I won't bore you with past problems, but the most recent is winding me up....

Took the car for an mot to Farmers of Leicester, who are a skoda dealer. It failed on a cracked windscreen (although they passed it 12 months ago, and it hadn't gotten any worse), an exhaust bracket that needed replacing and a new number plate. Got all of the work done, drove home listening to constant banging and creaking from exhaust. Took it back the next day, they made some adjustments and I thought it was fine. Wife took the car to work and she came back complaining that the noise was still there and that the number plate was hanging off.

Took the car back, they replaced and re-tightened the number plate and made a further adjustment on the bracket.

On the way back home the car is hesitant, as if it is misfiring, but only when labouring through the gears. No engine management light, but it was if it was going into limp mode. Also noticeable was an awful burning smell, almost like a mix of burning oil and rotten eggs. While having a good whiff from the exhaust, I notice they've got the new number plate wrong by one character!!

Take the car back again, they say it's an engine misfire problem, nothing to do with them. It's just a coincidence and they will need to do some engine checks. They also replace the number plate.

Their "system" reports

00282
Throttle valve positioner -V60
Short positive
sporadic

Unfortunately "their" system is unable to diagnose the exact fault and I'll need to take it to SEAT. Today, I begrudgingly took it to Francis SEAT in Leicester, they have had it on diagnostics, cleaned out the throttle body and have quoted £349.38 for SUSPECT i.e. they SUSPECT that if all these items are replaced then the problem will disappear. Great diagnosis I'm sure you'll agree. Do you think they checked the air filter (no) do you think they checked a plug (no) do you think they checked a lead (no)

HT Leads
Plugs
MAF
Air Filter

I rejected this, as I'm happy to tackle this myself, I start with the MAF (being the cause of most peoples problems) purchased from ECP for £73. Fit it in about 10 minutes (saving me £35 bill from SEAT) and all seems well. Go for a test drive, bit more power, no sign of misfire. Pull up to a junction, labour a little in 3rd gear and the misfire comes back again and the car vibrates all the way home. I will be changing the leads, plugs and filter tomorrow, but I honestly don't think that any of this will solve the problem.

Does anybody recognise any of these problems, could it be anything to do with the exhaust system, or is it really a coincidence that this fault occurred at exactly the same time as it was in for repair.

Sorry about the length of post (and spelling)

Thanks for reading

Hi guys

Thanks for you support.

I was in rant mode yesterday, to summarise the problems.

1. Car "misfires" as SEAT and Skoda put it, it seems very slight. No backfiring or "popping", just vibrating when idling and accellerating

2. Intermittent, only seems to happen when the engine is under load.

3. Awfully strong buring smell inside and outside of the car. Seems a cross between oil and sulphur.

4. Can happen when engine cold, warm or hot.

I'll be changing the plugs this afternoon (light permitting) and I'll report back the results.

Whay really riles me though, is that if I'd have let SEAT carry out the work at £350, and the problem still existed, would they have reversed what they had done and given me a full refund?? No, I thought not!

Cheers

Hi WeeJase.

I have been led to believe that a coil pack fault would display an error code / dash light and be permanent. I would also hope that a Dealer diagnostic check would determine a fault.

Is there anyway that I could check for a coil pack fault without taking back to the useless dealer?

When you had a problem with your coil pack, did you get an engine managment light?

I think I've found the part at Euro Car Parts,

BERU 413440310 IGNITION COIL PACK BORA GOLF PASSAT 2.3 V5 AGZ AQN £101.30

Can anyone confirm that this is the correct part number and also pass comment on how easy the fitment is?

Thanks

Hi M0rk.

HT Leads easy, plugs are only easy if you've got the correct socket.....

Thanks for you help

OK.

If the new plugs/leads don't fix the problem, do you think I should go for coil pack next? Or take it back to the dealer for further diagnosis.

Alternatively, could anyone recommend an independent VAG specialist around the Leicester area that would do a better job than the dealers?

Thanks

Thanks Johnsey, I'll bear them in mind if the replacement plugs don't fix it.

Update.

Changed the plugs and absolutely no difference.

Tried to change the leads that were supplied bt Euro Car Parts and they were too short?????

I took them back but they have no alternatives.

I think I'll either have to bite the bullet and take it back to SEAT or try Stealth Racing in Warwickshire.

Now I've (almost) replaced everything that SEAT suggested, can anyone suggest any other solutions?

Many thanks