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engine shuddering when idle

  • 06-02-2012 11:41am
    #1
    MB Lacey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,
    over the last few months I've noticed that when I'm in standstill traffic the engine has started to shudder in a way that builds up to a point where I think it might cut out.
    Luckily it never has, but it's an unnerving feeling and I'm starting to dread standstill traffic in case it does actually cut out.
    My car is an automatic 1.6 2001 vw golf, 67,000 miles, serviced and passed nct last nov and well looked after.
    Timing belt fitted 4 years ago - so it's not that.
    Oil is at correct level.
    I took it for a good run yesterday from dublin to wicklow, but it still shuddered in standstill traffic after engine was warmed up.
    Any ideas?
    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    It could be several things.
    Is the rpm still ok?
    Did you ever change spark plugs?

    I would start by cleaning throttle body and MAF, then check the spark plugs and coil packs.


  • #3
    MB Lacey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭MB Lacey


    biko wrote: »
    It could be several things.
    Is the rpm still ok?
    Did you ever change spark plugs?

    I would start by cleaning throttle body and MAF, then check the spark plugs and coil packs.

    Yes the rpm is completely fine - doesn't move at all when the engine does it's shuddering - actually it's more like a revving.
    (at idle the rpm is just under the number 10 on the dial and stays there until I accelerate).

    I couldn't tell you about the spark plugs, I can't remember if they were changed or not.


  • #4
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,688 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    Small vacuum leak could cause this too. It could of course be one of a million things but worth checking vacuum as if the vacuum pipe powering your brakes split, you would suddenly get a very heavy brake pedal. Happened me years ago after ignoring a shudder for a month or so, I found I had pretty much no useful brakes leaving home one morning


  • #5
    Dawn Rider
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 326 ✭✭Dawn Rider


    I have a 97 Golf that was idling poorly also. It also cut out a few times both when changing down a gear and when coming to a stop.

    Doing a few long drives didn't sort the problem out, so I got some carburetor cleaner form Motor Factors and now its fine.

    You can also get it in Halfords http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_202903_langId_-1_categoryId_212351

    A shocking amount of gunk built up on the air intake plate (Don't think that's the real term)

    Here's how to use it
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQpPcdvSBks&feature=fvwrel


  • #6
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    I did a write-up on cleaning throttle body here if you're interested.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055892927


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  • #7
    Mr Benevolent
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    Could be the mass air flow sensor too. Lots of possibilities tbh.


  • #8
    questionquick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 122 ✭✭questionquick


    I used to have exact same car, 2001 vw golf automatic... same problem.. wasnt major but it was noticable and annoying.

    I cleaned the trottlebody with carb cleaner etc, and also changed the hose thing (was about 30quid... and the old one actually was ripped)

    But it didnt help it..

    Decided to get rid of it in the end, not great on petrol, but was sold very quickly as i think automatic golfs are appealing to people who arent able to drive manuals for whatever reason.


  • #9
    MB Lacey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭MB Lacey


    questionquick wrote: »
    I used to have exact same car, 2001 vw golf automatic... same problem.. wasnt major but it was noticable and annoying.

    I cleaned the trottlebody with carb cleaner etc, and also changed the hose thing (was about 30quid... and the old one actually was ripped)

    But it didnt help it..

    Decided to get rid of it in the end, not great on petrol, but was sold very quickly as i think automatic golfs are appealing to people who arent able to drive manuals for whatever reason.

    Thanks - I think because you've all suggested several different things I'm going to take it to the garage.
    The car in all other respects is motoring fine, but I'd prefer to get this sorted than leave it.
    Thanks for advice everyone.


  • #10
    questionquick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 122 ✭✭questionquick


    MB Lacey wrote: »
    Thanks - I think because you've all suggested several different things I'm going to take it to the garage.
    The car in all other respects is motoring fine, but I'd prefer to get this sorted than leave it.
    Thanks for advice everyone.

    Just wondering did you get this sorted in the end.. ?? What was the problem?
    and how much did it cost to fix?


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