Passat 2.0 TDi 'Stutter'

**AndyL** · 06-05-2009,02:12 PM

My Passat suffers from what I can best describe as a 'stutter'. It was looked at twice by my local dealer last year who found nothing wrong. They checked it for the fuel pump recall which it apparently doesn't need so I wondered if any other 2.0TDi owners have experienced the same?

Strangely enough the problem went away during the colder weather but now it is getting warmer it has returned again

Whilst it isn't a big issue it detracts from the driving experience. It occurs most often when driving steadily in traffic at about 30 - 50mph and around 2,000 - 2,500rpm - as you back off or start to accelerate you get this stutter which usually only lasts for a few seconds but always feels like the car is suffering from fuel starvation and is going to stall. One other thing I have also noticed is that when I pull away from stopped sometimes the engine pulls freely but sometimes when your put your foot down it feels like it is retarded and doesn't feel smooth although I'm not sure whether this is related or not.

Any ideas greatly appreciated?!

**jonsey24** · 06-05-2009,04:13 PM

While your on this subject i have noticed that if i have driven my car and its upto full temperature then i stop for example to nip into a shop for a few minutes then come back to my car it doesn't turn over on the first press of the key it takes a few attempts.

Anyone know what this can be? apart from that it drives like a charm

**dieseljames** · 06-05-2009,07:05 PM

Originally Posted by AndyL

My Passat suffers from what I can best describe as a 'stutter'.

when I pull away from stopped sometimes the engine pulls freely but sometimes when your put your foot down it feels like it is retarded and doesn't feel smooth

I think I am experiencing something similar - on a very slight scale. It seems to only ever do it when I am not looking out for it! pesky little devil! This may be placebo but I feel that the engine is more 'sparkly' and free-revving when I turn the traction control off and it kinda feels like the computers are no longer getting in the way.

**loofy21** · 06-05-2009,07:09 PM

My 03 Passat Diesel is doin exactly the same it was suggested that we change the fuel filter which we did, but this did not solve it. A local taxi driver has also told us that he had similar problems and had to change injectors which cost him around £400?? Occasionally my ESP light will come on and the engine will 'shake' quite violently, I pull over and turn engine off and when restarted its fine.

**loofy21** · 27-05-2009,06:42 PM

Is there anyone who can shed some light on waht this problem could be please?

**marcus_asparagu** · 27-05-2009,07:36 PM

Guys,

My car did this "stuter" occasionally at about 1300 revs when accelerating, not all the time but as said when not watching for it....!

Then this developed into an occasional misfire, again just thought it was me.....foot moving off throttle, complained to dealer who found no fault.

Then later on engine did a big misfire and cut out! End of sports no going anywhere, towed to dealer who has now replaced failed injector and also injector wiring loom. Hoorah car is back to like new again.....wish it had failed earlier!

All under warranty, car has 53k on it now but this has taken place over the last 20k.

Seems injectors fail quite alot....but don't think you can tell which one is dying till its dead.

Hope this helps.
Mark

**danski** · 28-05-2009,10:07 AM

I`ve just had 3 injectors replaced, all went same day at same time. Though the warranty company say thats impossible and will only pay for 1.
Total parts replaced were 3 injectors, 3 connectors and wiring loom - oh, I had the airbag wiring fault sorted at the same time.

I`m still getting vibration when driving mostly noticeable in 4th 5th and 6th gear in 1700 to 2000 rev range. Dealers think its the dual mass flywheel.

Seems theres a lot of injectors and DMF`s failing, shouldnt VW be doing some sort of recall by now??

**craigstephens** · 28-05-2009,01:44 PM

Wow, way to hijack the poor guys thread!

**danski** · 28-05-2009,01:47 PM

Originally Posted by craigstephens

Wow, way to hijack the poor guys thread!

EH??

I was just posting a reply and what has happened to me with regards to juddering/stuttering.
Wasnt hijacking anyones thread.

**maisbitt** · 28-05-2009,01:50 PM

AndyL:-

Does your 2.0TDI have a DPF? If its very new and is a 140 or 170 Common Rail then it has, if it is a 170 TDI PD then it has, early 140TDI's dont.

When the DPF is forcing a regeneration, you can get very lumpy performance between 1200 and 2500 revs, you'll also notice idling at 1000rpm as opposed to 800 normally.

If you have a DPF, it is very likely that the stutter could be caused by the DPF.