Advice about poss recurring problem

[chicka]

Hi there. First post so please be kind

I am looking for some advice about my Golf 1.6SE (16v) 2001 Y reg. I seem to have a recurring problem anyway, but yesterday a slightly different problem. I know nothing about cars, am worried about driving it in case I do more damage and want some advice as to whether the new problem is the same as the one I have seen before, if that makes sense... :unsure:

The recurring problem: Car revs go up and down a lot when idle, only on and off though, then after a while, the exhaust emissions light comes on and the car is . Taken it to a garage who have fitted new coil packs three times now (the second time they didnt charge me for parts). Looking on the wonder that is the internet, I have seen that this is not an uncommon problem.

New possibly related problem: Noticed recently that a couple of times when I have started the car, it has stalled. This may just be me being in too much of a hurry, but I have only noticed it in the last month or so. Car has been doing its funny racy revs thing when idle, but no more than normal. Then yesterday driving to work (slightly uphill), the exhaust emissions warning light comes on and despite the fact I pressed the accelerator the car didnt go any faster. The light has been flashing ever since and the car is very juddery now until you get to about 25mph, then either it doesnt notice as much or is better. It's very juddery till then though...

My questions are:
Is this likely the same root problem as before or could it be something different?

Should I take it to the same garage as b4 or try a different one?

Am I likely to do any damage driving the car as it is (as my garage cant see it till Fri anyway)

If it is the same problem, ie coil packs, is it worth contacting VW to see if they will do anything about it given that this will be the fourth time they will have been replaced (the car's not under any kind of warranty)

Thanks for any advice you can give

[chicka]

Hi again

Someone suggested this might be my lambda sensor. Does that fit with anyones' experience here?

Cheers

[Crasher]

From your description I would say that it needs the throttle body cleaning and re adapting first.

[chicka]

Thanks. I know that was done a year or so ago, is it likely to be that again? (I dont know what the throttle body is or does)

[Crasher]

The throttle body lets the air in proportionately to the accelerator pedal position. It may be that is wasn't cleaned properly last time. Do you know a VAG specialist near you?