Idling and Revs

Tiny
CENIWO3
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
  • 143,571 MILES
Hello, my car loses power at 1,000 revs suddenly and it surges slightly while idling. What could be the problem?
Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 12:44 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

This type of symptom could be the result of a few different things. For example, a plugged catalytic converter, a weak fuel pump, and so on. Is there any smoke from the exhaust, odd noises, or anything you can think of that may help me diagnose the issue?

What I recommend is having the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. This should point us in the right direction. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scan tool; however, often times a parts store will lend one to you. I realize you can't drive the car to the parts store, but if you can, they will usually do it free of charge.

If you are unable to scan the computer, it will require testing. The first thing I would suggest is to check fuel pressure. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, let me know if you notice any dark gray or black smoke from the exhaust or odd smells.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
CENIWO3
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hie Joe,
Thanks for your response, I also noticed there is a crack on the air filter housing and it seemed to be sucking air into the system, so I've patched it up, and blown the filter clean, let's see the result, I have also taken your advice will do a diagnosis as well, though very expensive where I come from!
Best regards and take care.

Cedric
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
CENIWO3
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It's me once again Joe. I've just seen your links, very helpful. Just to let you know, I have a very new fuel pump in there, bought it about six months ago.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

First, you are very welcome. Also, if you found a crack in the air intake system, that most certainly can cause problems. Basically, you are getting unmetered air into the engine which causes problems with the air/fuel mixture.

Let me know if the repair takes care of the problem or if there is something I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 10:44 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links