another horrid starting problem

[LukeF]

Well i seem to be having prob after prob at the mo, having sorted out my random starting problems (no power symptoms) i have another starting problem, car starts but as it goes to idle it will just die ie the revs will just keep getting lower until it cuts out. To start the car you have to keep it at around 2000 revs for a short while then it will be fine-ish. By 'ish' i mean there is no acceleration, kinda like a stuttering- it wants to go but doesn't after around 3500rpm.

ANy ideas before i get it booked in with the local SEAT Dealer?

Cheers people.

 

[Beaker™]

Well i seem to be having prob after prob at the mo, having sorted out my random starting problems (no power symptoms) i have another starting problem, car starts but as it goes to idle it will just die ie the revs will just keep getting lower until it cuts out. To start the car you have to keep it at around 2000 revs for a short while then it will be fine-ish. By 'ish' i mean there is no acceleration, kinda like a stuttering- it wants to go but doesn't after around 3500rpm.

ANy ideas before i get it booked in with the local SEAT Dealer?

Cheers people.

Do you have an engine light illuminated on the dash at all? Do you have a boost gauge? (if so, is the car boosting as normal?)

1st port of call would be unplugging the air flow meter (MAF) and see how it starts/runs. If it starts/runs ok with it unplugged then you need a new meter. (£75ish + your old one at any VAG dealer) A screwed MAF could definatley cause these symtoms.

If that dosnt solve your problem, it may be a coilpack, in which case your best bet would be to get to someone with Vagcom and see if you have any fault codes to identify which one it is. This is unlikley though as a blown coilpack should throw up an engine light on the dash.

Also, it wont hurt going over all pipework in the engine and check for any leaks/cracks/kinks etc etc. Its quite comman for a hose to pop off or crack causing a boost leak, which could also cause your symtoms.

Whatever you do, DON'T book it in to SEAT, they'll charge a fortune to do the basic checks. Plenty of knowledgeable people on the forum so with a bit of luck you should be able to track down the offending part in no time. I'd only resort to the dealer when all else fails tbh.

 

[LukeF]

Cheers for the quick reply! Will check as much as i can of the above. No boost gauge, no warning lights have appeared thus far. Also have VAG'd it and no errors appeared. Will try the MAF suggestion first and check as much as my limited knowledge can for pipework issues.
My knowledge of mechanics isnt great so the more help the better lol!! im a computer engineer by trade and musician, tho i'll check as much as i can.

Much appreciated reply

 

[Beaker™]

Does sound like when a MAF finaly gives up. Let us know if it starts, runs and drives with the MAF unplugged.

 

[gavthelad]

this sounds like what mine was doing when a boost hose blew off......really difficult to keep the engine running.

 

[darkmanx]

i had a problem similar to this, hard to start without giving it higher revs then when driving it sometimes used to cut out when stopping at traffic lights etc. Took it to seat who first charged me £100 odd quid to hook it upto computer and then change spark plugs when they didn't need doing. Soon as i took it out of there it did it again. Took it back another 70 quid to hook it upto computer this time it showed an error ended up being some built up carbon on the throttle valve stopping it from opening/closing properly

 

[gavthelad]

i wouldnt have paid them to connect the car to the diagnostics again.......they should have done that for you out of courtesy after the first time....rip off britain!!!!!!!