Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

**LeeMan** · 25-02-2011, 06:03 PM

I am not overly conerned about parts availability.

My issue is with the squeal issues affecting a number of twinchargers in both Aus and overseas, does this mean that VW would not focus on getting a resolution to the ongoing squeal problem ? The service campaign does not seem to have quelled the feedback.

**prise** · 26-02-2011, 08:13 AM

I suspect you may be right.

My assessment is that the supercharger squeal on engagement is likely due to a structural resonance which is excited for the short period the clutch is slipping when it engages (analagous to the way a violin string produces a tone when the bow rubs against it). So far as I am aware they have so far just tried a different friction material which will not eliminate the phenomena. A more reliable fix would involve modifying the surrounding components to shift the frequency at which the resonance occurs to one that is less obtrusive or addition of a tuned vibration absorber or vibration damper. These are expensive solutions both in terms of the one-off cost of design and testing and also in terms of the manufacturing changes.

**snags27** · 18-06-2011, 05:42 PM

I'm new to the site but was hoping I could get some opinions/help on a problem that I have a sneaking suspicion relates to the previous engine failures. I bought my manual 118tsi in Feb last year and had the 24S4 update done in Sept. At the time of the re-flash I asked them to look at an intermittent engine rattle which occurred under acceleration and was accompanied by fairly thick, black smoke from the exhaust. At the time I assumed this was directly related to the engine troubles widely reported. After the service I was told by the dealership that no problems were apparent and that the software update should improve it. Following the service the problem didn't show up for a while but recently I've noticed it occurring again.

When the problem occurs there doesn't appear to be any noticeable loss of power and no warning lights appear, not surprisingly when it occurs I back off the accelerator and it disappears and doesn't occur again during the trip. It seems to only occur perhaps once a week, if that. I've only ever noticed the problem in 3rd and 4th gears, between 2000-3000rpm. The only comparable reference I've been able to find so far on the site was in this thread from ozgti who referred to it as a 'death rattle'. I guess it may be useful to note that the car has only ever been run on 98 since purchase.

Has anyone else experienced this post re-flash or any ideas what this might be or the tact I should take with VW so that it doesn't get passed over again as I would really like to get this resolved as I'm certain it's not healthy for the car.

Thanks for your help!

**Mk6GT** · 19-06-2011, 11:49 AM

Hmmm. I'm very surprised how many people have had a lot of problems with their 118TSI? The only problem that I've had is the supercharger water-pump clutch assembly making the very infamous 'squeak' noise. I got mine changed recently and I'm very happy that the noise hasn't started but probably it will, but I HOPE NOT!

**Ryan_R** · 19-06-2011, 11:40 PM

The only thing close a death rattle that I've ever heard was the TCS cutting to hard and too early (sounds like axle tramp), and had one occasion when I floored it up a massively steep hill in 2nd gear (sport mode DSG) when the car made a bit of a bang without going, which sorted itself out after reapplying the accelerator, but nothing quite like what you describe. Besides those rare events my car has been fine. I wouldn't hesitate to call or email your VW service department in your case though.

**Alok** · 22-07-2011, 09:31 AM

Hi all,

I'm doing research on a new 118 tsi. These issues I have read about are quite worrying. Can anyone confirm that they have been resolved in MY11 models?

Thanks

**Corey_R** · 22-07-2011, 09:38 AM

If you're purchasing a new 118TSI, and it hasn't been sitting in the dealer since 2010, then it'll likely be a MY11.5. If you order one from the factory, it'll at least be a MY12.

The 24S4 update has been around since well before the MY11 spec change.

**darkfriend** · 22-07-2011, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by snags27

I'm new to the site but was hoping I could get some opinions/help on a problem that I have a sneaking suspicion relates to the previous engine failures. I bought my manual 118tsi in Feb last year and had the 24S4 update done in Sept. At the time of the re-flash I asked them to look at an intermittent engine rattle which occurred under acceleration and was accompanied by fairly thick, black smoke from the exhaust. At the time I assumed this was directly related to the engine troubles widely reported. After the service I was told by the dealership that no problems were apparent and that the software update should improve it. Following the service the problem didn't show up for a while but recently I've noticed it occurring again.

When the problem occurs there doesn't appear to be any noticeable loss of power and no warning lights appear, not surprisingly when it occurs I back off the accelerator and it disappears and doesn't occur again during the trip. It seems to only occur perhaps once a week, if that. I've only ever noticed the problem in 3rd and 4th gears, between 2000-3000rpm. The only comparable reference I've been able to find so far on the site was in this thread from ozgti who referred to it as a 'death rattle'. I guess it may be useful to note that the car has only ever been run on 98 since purchase.

Has anyone else experienced this post re-flash or any ideas what this might be or the tact I should take with VW so that it doesn't get passed over again as I would really like to get this resolved as I'm certain it's not healthy for the car.

Thanks for your help!

This has happened to me. I believe it has been mentioned before in this or some other thread- I don't remember as it was some time ago. There was speculation that the noise came from a 'waste gate' or something opening?? Sorry, I don't really remember. Have had a service since and apparently all is fine. I forgot to mention this noise though so they didn't check for it, but the computer interrogation was all OK with no faults. I haven't heard it for a while... I had actually forgotten all about it!

Sorry I can't be more help, but at least you know that you are not alone...

**Alok** · 22-07-2011, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Corey_R

If you're purchasing a new 118TSI, and it hasn't been sitting in the dealer since 2010, then it'll likely be a MY11.5. If you order one from the factory, it'll at least be a MY12.

The 24S4 update has been around since well before the MY11 spec change.

Thank you Corey_R for that information. I guess I am asking about the MY11.5/MY12 then, as I am looking to purchase a new one.

To be clear, what I really wanted to know was, if anyone can confirm that the 24S4 update fixed the issue? Otherwise I'd probably look at downgrading to the 90TSI, which to my knowledge wont have this issue due to the lack of a supercharger.

Thanks