Golf TDI 170 Throttle Response

[ballie84]

I wonder if someone could help, i have got a 170 diesel golf and there are a couple of things which are annoying me and i want to know if they are normal.

1) In 1st gear if i pull away gently the car speeds up fine up to 2000rpm and then looses power, amost like it is being starved of fuel/air. If i press the throttle some more it then takes off. So to get smooth acelleration in 1st gear i have to press the throttle fairly hard! Awkward in traffic!

2) Secondly, whilst getting annoyed with problem 1 i noticed that if i put my foot on the clutch, put it in first gear and then press the throttle right down, the engine will only rev to 3000 rpm. If i do the same with the ESP off, it revs the nuts off of it! Is this like some kind of Launch control because if i put in first with the ESP on, floor it to bring to revs up to 3000 and then lift off the clutch it shoots off the lights pretty quickly! Good fun but again is this normal?? If you have got a 170 golf give it a go! http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

Thanks

Dave

[Ben]

Sounds like a limp mode issue which is where the ecu limits revs to protect the engine.

You need to get a fault code scan done and post your location in your profile.

[ballie84]

I did consider that however if you put the car in neutral and take your foot off the clutch it will rev freely to the red line. It is only when the car is stationary and the clutch is pedel is down that this rev limit seems to kick in

[sgtbanjo]

AFAIK - this is expected behaviour with the clutch depressed.

[tdci115]

my 140 is exactly the same, will not rev past 3000.

Also 1st gear is horrible.... power...flat spot....power

[sgtbanjo]

my 140 is exactly the same, will not rev past 3000.

Also 1st gear is horrible.... power...flat spot....power


Is it the same with the ESP off?

[tdci115]

yes it is, i can understand the limitation at 3000 to limit wheel spinning.

Its the seemingly huge flat spot as you approach 2000 as you are pulling away, just as ballie84 describes that worries and annoys me.

[sgtbanjo]

I'll try in mine later. I have a DSG so will have to stick it in manual and first gear. I don't know about geared cars, but my first is so short the DSG only ever uses it to just get moving. It usually changes into second at about 1500-1600 revs unless giving it beans of course! I've never noticed a flat spot but will report later.

[sgtbanjo]

Ok I tried this in my car but first gear last about 1 second if that before it redlines and changes by itself. I can say there is no hesitation except for the ESP kicking in but with it switched off it's just a wheel spin fest if I boot it and smooth but very sudden acceleration if I feed it in.

It looks like the problem you're experiencing is only manifesting itself on manual gear box cars.

[GT-ANDY]

I too am having a power dip but I have a 04 140 GT TDI. Mine does not happen in first gear but it seems to happen in second or third gear at around 1800-2000 revs - under power it will have a flat spot then pick up again. Not sure if this is a problem (I suspect so) and I am getting more concerned after reading this!