Shaking engine and gas pedal stuttering

BASSAM SALAH TOLBA

MEMBER
2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
122,000 MILES

Hi. Today I changed the old spark plugs and their wiring with new ones. When I started to drive it there were no problems. But then I parked for six hours and then and came back to the car and when I started to drive, the engine started shaking vigorously and the gas pedal was stuttering hard and the car acceleration was weak. I rechecked the spark plug wiring order and water levels, everything seems in order. What is the problem and what do I do?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The first thing I would do is scan the computer to see if it is a cylinder misfire, which is seems to be. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but most parts stores will do it for free or lend / rent you a scanner.

By scanning the computer, we can identify which cylinder or cylinders are causing the problem. Then, we can focus on that.

I assume the check engine light is now on when the engine runs. If it is flashing, that indicates a misfire.

Take a look through these two links:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/check-engine-light-top-ten-reasons

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/check-engine-light-is-it-safe-to-drive

If it is flashing, I wouldn't recommend driving it because other damage can occur. Also, just for the heck of it, when it's dark outside, open the hood and start the engine. Check for any arcing in the plug wires, coils and so on. It's easier to see in the dark. Plus, make sure nothing was touching the exhaust manifold or anything that could have caused damage.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Saturday, June 15th, 2019 AT 6:54 PM

BASSAM SALAH TOLBA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks a lot for your reply Joe.

The check engine light is not on. But strangely the traction control light turned on once when I drove slowly for a couple of feet then it went off again. A little piece of information is that when I replaced the spark plugs and wiring yesterday it was overdue.

Given this information I would like to ask two questions until I find a computer;

1. What is the solution for a misfiring cylinder and is it expensive to fix?
2. Is it my fault or my mechanics fault(who replaced the plugs and wiring) fault that the cylinder is misfiring?

Thanks a lot for your help.

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Sunday, June 16th, 2019 AT 1:14 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome back:

The solution for a misfire varies. If you just had the plugs and wires replaced, there could have been a faulty plug, a wire could have been routed incorrectly and melted on something hot, a plug wire could be loose and so on. There are many other possible causes for a misfire, but since the work was just done and it ran good one time, that tells me the engine isn't the problem, but rather something has failed (a part or install).

I hope that answers your questions. If you retrieve the codes, I can walk you through what to do and we can fix it together.

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, June 16th, 2019 AT 8:05 PM

BASSAM SALAH TOLBA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hey Joe,

It turns out you were right. I connected it to a computer and the problem was caused by faulty wiring and coil.

I changed them and the problem was solved. Thank God it was not an engine problem.

Thanks a lot for your help.

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Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 AT 1:50 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome back:

I'm glad you got it fixed. I had a feeling it was something with the recent work. It happens.

I'm glad I was able to help. Feel free to come back anytime.

Take care,
Joe