Choke problem, high clutch, fast idle

**millyspook** · 25-03-2008,04:21 PM

I have a VW Golf 1.8 GTI.

I've got a problem with the tickover when starting the car up. It revs quite high, then drops down to nearly stooling. I don't know whether the choke is sticking. Its been in the garage and they have replaced a temperature gauge (or something like that) but it doesn't seem to be any better. I have to reverse out of my road and it kangaroos up the road like no-ones business, it is embarrasing. I will then put my foot on the clutch to change gear and the revs shoot up for no reason as I am not putting my foot on the accelorator. Its seems to have a mind of its own.

The clutch biting point is also extremely high up, despite just having a new clutch fitted. The car is a nightmare to drive because of this. Is there anyway that the biting point can be changed so that it isn't quite as high or it is self adjusting.

Any ideas what could be wrong with it.

**Crasher** · 25-03-2008,05:06 PM

What year and engine code?

**millyspook** · 25-03-2008,05:25 PM

1999. not sure where I can find the engine code but it is a 125 bhp 1.8 20V engine.

**Crasher** · 26-03-2008,02:29 PM

The car doesn’t have a choke as such, cold running fuelling and idle control are corrections in the software based on info from engine sensors, such as the coolant temperature sensor which it sound like your garage has replaced. Those engines are prone to dirty throttle bodies which have a motor inside them to control the idle and dirt can cause idle problems, especially after the battery has been disconnected, something you would do when replacing the clutch. A dirty TB is easy for a garage to clean and reset as long as they know how.

The clutch is hydraulic and self adjusting so I don’t like the sound of that. How much did the clutch cost to do? Do you know if they fitted a new flywheel?

Your engine code will be AGN.

**millyspook** · 26-03-2008,03:28 PM

Thanks for your help. I think the car will be taking a little trip to the garage now (a different one) to try and get it fixed.

As for the clutch, can't remember how much it cost as I had the brakes done at the same time. Generally the garage that I go to are pretty reliable and I don't think they would rip me off(??!!) As for the flywheel, not sure they replaced that, I might give them a call to ask. Is it something that a garage would automatically do when changing a clutch?

One thing I noticed today when I was driving it was that when I put my foot on the clutch, it increased the revs. Is this normal?

**Crasher** · 26-03-2008,04:21 PM

The flywheel on the AGN is single mass and doesn’t have to be replaced like on the 1.8T version, I was just interested.

I don’t quite follow you over the revs going up.

**millyspook** · 26-03-2008,04:51 PM

If I am parked and I need to reverse for instance, I put my foot on the clutch to put it into reverse and as soon as I press the clutch down the revs increase to about 2000 revs. I don't touch the accelorator, just the clutch.

Its embarrasing as it sounds as if I can't drive. Its got a mind of its own. I have had a look at some other websites, an Audi one, and found a link that mentions the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Do you think it has got anything to do with that?

**Crasher** · 26-03-2008,05:07 PM

No, that hasn’t got anything to do with the MAF (what I usually call an AMM, Air Mass Meter), the ECU knows you have pressed the clutch due to the clutch pedal switch and for some reason the ECU is lifting the idle using the stepper motor inside the throttle body. First of all, get the throttle body cleaned and reset.

**random_dave_1** · 26-03-2008,06:38 PM

Ah, this sounds familiar! Listen to crasher, he got me sorted when I had a similar problem. I can't believe how much difference that crap in the throttle body made!