TheSamba.com :: View topic - Huge loss of power in Jetta

Wed May 28, 2008 11:12 am

Okay so i just bought a 2003 Jetta 1.8T about 4 months ago and itz running very weird..The car has a huge loss of power a 1989 Corolla can beat me no joke...bad pick up bad power..it doesn't feel like 180HP...instead feels like 50HP...i got a check engine light for a cam sensor circuit malfunction and i was wondering if anyone would know if that could b a reason for the huge power loss..Thanks i appreciate it

Wed May 28, 2008 11:26 am

Car has gone into "limp" mode to protect itself.ECM has limited the boost and fuel function to a bare minimum to let you "limp" home.

Wed May 28, 2008 11:34 am

so how do i get it out of limp mode?

Wed May 28, 2008 12:26 pm

try asking over at www.vwvortex.com register and post in the forum.

Wed May 28, 2008 1:00 pm

try Vortex, if you can post up the code, even better. Lots of issues with that motor.

Wed May 28, 2008 1:33 pm

TurtleJetta wrote: so how do i get it out of limp mode?

Fix the problem, then clear the code.

Wed May 28, 2008 7:36 pm

thankx alot..i did replace the cam position sensor no differnce so yeh..and most of the codes jus dissapeared and im jus left with the cam sensor circuit malfuntion code

Thu May 29, 2008 8:46 am

How many miles are on it? The timing belt has one foot in the grave at 60K, check your cam timing. If its off a tooth, you may get that code and it will run like shit.

Thu May 29, 2008 9:21 am

sounds like your turbo isn't boosting or you have a boost leak somewhere

Thu May 29, 2008 10:29 am

itz at 99k =/ u may b right about the timing and mayb the boost leak..thanks for the help guyz ill check it out

Thu May 29, 2008 11:03 am

If it has 99K on it and the belt has never been done, it may be missing a tooth, tenisoner failing, or stretched, or all of the above. That belt has been known to break even before 60K, they bend valves. So if its never been done, do it and the waterpump ASAP, the other possible causes of shitty running on the 1.8T is the MAF, which will usually throw a code or two, and the waste gate rod on the K03 will break also, causing the wastegate to default open, causing no boost, so check that too.

Thu May 29, 2008 11:58 am

youz shouldz tryz allz thosez thingz killaz boyz.

maybez theyz are whatz wrong.

defz the timingz beltzzz.

fasho.
z
:roll:

Thu May 29, 2008 6:08 pm

i got 2 codes on is
P0340
Cam sensor condition
The camshaft Position sensor signal is monitored for errors
1-Cam sensor defective
2-Check connector and wiring to sensor
3-Engine mechanical condition-timing belt/chain out of time
P0420
Catalyst efficiency
The oxygen sensor monitor the catalytic converters ability to store oxygen.
1-Catalytic Converter defective
2-Engine misfire or running condition
3-Large vacuum leak
4-Engine oil leakage into exhaust-valve guide seals, piston rings

Thu May 29, 2008 7:10 pm

Take it to someone with the VAG COM software and get rid of your P-code reader.

The OBD-II reader is like looking up a heath condition on WebMD, where as the VAG COM is a Doctor.

The VAG COM tool is the VW Specific diagnostic computer that will allow you to operate components and check if they're working. It also will allow you to check the timing to see if the belt is off a tooth.

If it comes back as a "camshaft adjuster", replace the Timing belt, the water pump (get one with a metal impeller) replace the adjuster, tensioner and rollers, and clear the code. It'd be a good idea to replace the serp belt while you're there.

All said and done my shop charges around $800 for this operation. If you break the belt you're looking at $3,500 to fix it IF you didn't damage a piston in the process...

Thu May 29, 2008 10:44 pm

Take the thing in and have VW replace the cat converter. its covered under emissions. and is a known problem.
as for the cam sensor code, check the cam to crank timing, see if the belt has jumped a tooth or 2. youll know if you clear the code and start the car and it comes back immediately. the cam is off time.
IF not, you could also have a failed cam chain tensioner. its in the head and they are known to fail also.
if all this is fixed, and you still have turtle power, the MAF is most likely bad. normal deal. look for too rich, or too lean codes. replace MAF and roll. :) need any other help PM me. been working with VW's since 89, and worked at the dealer for 6 years shop foreman etc etc. later dave