1.6 AKL idle problem

[witblitz]

I am running out of ideas on how to fix my 99 golfs idling problems. I have read hundreds of things on the net but have yet to come across anybody that has found a proper solution to this apparent weakness in the older golfs. The symptoms are as follows:
1. Car does not start immediatly and once it has started almost always gives a jerk on the first pull away then its fines.
2. The idling is erratic at sea level but at high altidute seems to be a lot more stable.
3. Idle speed ranges from 800 to 1300 but if left for long enough will almost always return to 800/900.
4. High idle seems to depend on the driving style prior to stopping i.e. if I drive short distance between lights idle is high but if I drive a long while at a constant speed idle at rest seems normal (more often than not)
5. When Idle is high I have learnt that it can be brought down to normal by dropping the clutch (with foot on the brake) just enough to drop the revs below 1000, then it stays there.
6. fuel economy on town driving is poor but on the open road is excelent.
I have done the following:
Replaced the throttlebody (no difference some put the old one back in), new oxygen sensor, remove CAT (no MOT in South Africa). Checked the fuel lines check the vacuum lines, check the HT leads.
The only reading through vagcom is 00533. I tryed to check EGR but I'm either blind or there is no EGR on the AKL motor?

Any ideas?

[Crasher]

The AKL is a serious pain in the bum for idling issues. There is no EGR on the AKL. 00533 is an idling control fault code, nothing to do with the EGR. Which definition of 00533 are you getting, lower or upper limit value? Have you re-adapted the throttle body in Basic Setting 04, Main Group 098? Before doing this you MUST go into Adaptation 10, Group 00, read and save.

[witblitz]

Thanks Crasher. I get the following error:
00533 - Idle Speed Regulation
19-10 - Lower Limit - Intermittent
I only have the shareware version of vag com so can't do setting myself but the guys that checked the throttle body supposedly did the re-adaption. But then again they also changed the timing which helped the idle problem a bit but stuffed up the power.... I have since had the rectified, I guys the moral of the story is that I need to register my software and do the job myself, this way I know it has been done.

[Crasher]

Changed the valve timing? They can’t have changed the ignition timing, it is dictated by the ECU, that is unless they re-mapped it which is utterly pointless on an AKL anyway. Check the inlet system for air leaks after the throttle body but if you register your software and do the Adaptation and Basic Settings, it should be OK.

[dezzi64]

have you tryed changing spark plugs pain in the *** to fit like but solved starting probs on my akl and helped idle? is ur exhaust leaking soon as i fixed that on mine it was fine, i gave my trottle body a clean aswell. cleaned my maf sensor

[witblitz]

Thanks for the suggestions, to answer crashers question, they changed the valve timing....... I think I will definetly register my software and take it from there.
Thanks for the suggestions Dezzi64 I have indeed changed the plugs, cleaned the throttlebody and checked the exhuast for leaks. Interestingly the the exhaust manifold was lose, this was tightend again but made no difference to problem.

[onloantoton]

Ive had idling problems with same engine and cleaning the throttle body cured this. The garage I go to cleaned it with carb cleaner and it took 10 mins to do. I've done 5000 miles since and the problem has not returned.

[witblitz]

Turns out the problem with idling was cause by a faulty pressure switch in the powersteering system. The pressure switch has been replaced and the car is now running properly.

[peacock10]

hi it sounds like you have same problem as me,when i start mine up it idles at 1900rpm for a min then sit on 1200/1100 rpm.it also jugders when ease of gas.iv been trying sort this out for months just get code 00533 come up.any ideas?andy

[Crasher]

00533 what, lower or upper limit value? Have you cleaned and reset the throttle body in Basic Settings 098? If so, try deleting the leant values in Adaptation 10, group 00, read, save and click “yes”, then re-adapt the TB again in Basic Settings 098.

[onloantoton]

hi it sounds like you have same problem as me,when i start mine up it idles at 1900rpm for a min then sit on 1200/1100 rpm.it also jugders when ease of gas.iv been trying sort this out for months just get code 00533 come up.any ideas?andy

Cleaning the throttle body cures the problem.

[witblitz]

Hi what I found with mine was that that the idle problem was as a result of the car going into limp mode due to a faulty power steering pressure switch. Check if there are any other error that might make the car go into limp mode.