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Intermittent Lack of Engine Power

  • 08-09-2010 3:26pm
    #1
    tk05
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭


    I have an old Polo (MkIII) that normally seems to run fine but once in a while I experience substantial difficulty getting it to accelerate. It only happens after a cold start (Usually if the car has been used for at least 24 hours) and especially if it is raining.

    When it happens, it's right after starting and moving off. When going up hill out of the estate I accelerate and get hesitation or the engine doesn't respond to the accelerator at all (RPM needle doesn't move). During this the engine runs fine without any load (If I put the clutch down it will rev normally). This usually lasts for about five minutes and then goes away (as the temp starts to go up).

    This doesn't happen often but unless the weather is bad (Two rainy days in a row and it happens two days in a row). What could be causing this and why is it related to the rain? Is it likely moisture is getting into some part of the engine?


Comments

  • #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Brake switch, electronic power control thing is a common fault on them. Basically when you hit the brake on them power is cut to the engine, when the switch wears it's an intermittent fault, car will think the brakes are applied when they're not so power is cut.


  • #3
    questionmark?
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,078 ✭✭✭questionmark?


    I had one of these a few years ago and had a similer problem.

    When you accelerate you kind of get this going to go doesnt respond and then does go.

    Not saying its the same thing but it wasnt firing right because the Distributer cap had developed cracks which meant the sparks werent doing what they were supoosed to. So changed that (very cheap talking 15 or 20 quid in autoparts and put in new spark plugs as well) she was as right as rain after it. Worth having a look at.


  • #4
    tk05
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭tk05


    RoverJames, is it possible to visually inspect this switch without taking apart the engine?

    questionmark?, distributor cap seems possible. It would explain why it's related to rain. I'll inspect it in the morning to see if it has any cracks.


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    tk05 wrote: »
    RoverJames, is it possible to visually inspect this switch without taking apart the engine?

    The switch is located just under the brake pedal, bit awkward to get at from what I've heard. As said though if it's not just coincidence it occurs in the rain it probably isn't this though.


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