2002 Volkswagen Golf Start up

BRETT.BANEY

MEMBER
2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
107,000 MILES

This is a problem that started within the 100,000 mile range. Whenever it rained overnight or the weather is very humid after raining my car starts up but jerks and doesn't accelerate correctly, feeling as if it is missing sparks.
I had a mechanic change the spark plugs and wires thinking that might help, but it didn't.
After about 10-15 of driving in this condition the car warms up and the missing and jerking stops. I've asked a few auto technicians and they say it probably has something to do with condensation, but say they would have to check everything to determine the cause.

This seems like it will be expensive so I'm wondering if anyone knows of this condition and what might be causing it. A mechanic told me it might be the distributor cap or distributor coil, but it seems that the Golf IV is a Distributorless Ignition Systems because I can't find any distributor parts online.

I'd really appreciate any feedback on this issue. I've already invested almost $3000 in maintenance repairs since it reached 100,000 miles and if this issue is going to cost another $1000 or so I might be better of trading in the car instead of repairing it. It engine is still strong and I love driving the car, but it seems repair and maintenance costs aren't worth it.

4 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

I have seen many VW's have problems with the ignition coils failing. Has it ever set the check engine light? Does the problem go away after the car is warmed up?

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Friday, February 8th, 2008 AT 7:45 AM

BRETT.BANEY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for replying. Yes, the jerking and missing stops after the car has been running for 10-15 minutes and warmed up.
It also does it when it snows sometimes.

The check engine light has been on since I bought the car brand new. There are several minor reasons for it being on, but I'm sure this problem is also one of them. I had a printout recently, but the technician didn't mention any of the codes on the sheet when I told him the symptoms of my car. He said they would have to do a complete under the hood inspection.