Polo 1.4 Auto power-loss / stalling when accelerating

[toff]

Hi,

All of a sudden, my 1998 Polo 1.4 Auto is suffering power-loss, cutting-out or even stalling when I accelerate.

I've noticed that the car struggles to move and the revs drop when I press the accelerator when the engine is idling. When the car is stood still with the auto box in D (drive) with my foot on the brake pedal; the car will randomly try to lurch forward a bit every 4-5 seconds as if I'm pressing the accelerator pedal (but obviously I'm not!)

My initial thoughts were brake pedal switch.. but reading up on various forums, people suggest the idle stabilisation valve and cleaning out the throttle body.

I will try the above but if anybody could chuck their experience / opinion in, it'd be much appreciated.

Al.


PS: About 2 weeks ago I had the cam belt and water pump changed. It wouldn't suprise me if the garage had spilt coolant over a sensor somewhere and it's taken a while to work it's wayinto the electronics!

[toff]

Hi,

I cleaned the throtle body (using this guide) and replaced the 4-pin temp sender and it appears to have sorted it. I've been out for a few drives in it and it hasn't missed a beat. I won't feel 100% confident I've got it licked until I've driven the car without issue for at least a week!

I also discovered that the small pipe that's attached to the throttle body goes off to some form of valve which in turn is connected to what looks like a charcoal filter unit (in the front of the driver's side wing). The charcoal filter unit was just hanging loose on it's side.

I re-mounted this vertically as it should be. I wonder if this is something the garage displaced when they were changing the cambelt?! As this pipe effectively helps feed air to the engine when the throttle body butterfly is closed, I'm wondering if the charcoal filter malfunctions if placed on it's side, not allowing any air through?

Al.



Credit for photos: M60_maniac of ClubPolo.co.uk