2003 GTI AGU surging and stalling

[Dan4096]

Hi guys,

New on here.
I recently bought a 2003 GTI with the cable-throttle AGU engine - 180000km.
I've had the car fully serviced - all filters, new plugs, 2.0TSI coils and new timing belt kit and water pump.

It's got an intermittent surging under load - at partial to full throttle the car gradually starts surging which causes an almost-violent bucking which makes a loud clunking from the engine area. If I gradually increase throttle input nothing happens - RPM will stay 900-1000. When I release the throttle the engine will immediately stall. Restarts fine, and the problem seems to go away for a day or so. Really strange.

From doing some reading online, it could be a faulty MAF sensor, N75 valve, fuel pressure regulator... it goes on. Before I start sinking money into it I'd rather get a few opinions and experiences here!

Thanks all

[Sirocco20348]

How can you be running 2.0tsi coils on an agu? Is that possible?

Ok I notice there are are ICM delete kits available. Do you have a 034 Motorsport bypass kit? Why would anyone want to do this unless your changing over to me7...

[Sirocco20348]

Btw I had the same experience and it was the maf, unplug your maf and see if you have any further problems.

[h100vw]

Intermittent airleak after the maf. Do you have a boost gauge, is it over boosting?

[Dan4096]

Why would anyone want to do this unless your changing over to me7...

I read that the 2.0TSI coils are more reliable and produce a stronger spark, as I plan on a remap/boost increase down the track. The coils that were in the car were original so it was part of maintenance and eliminating any potential coil or ICM issues.

Btw I had the same experience and it was the maf, unplug your maf and see if you have any further problems.

I will try this, seems to be one of the more popular tests.

Intermittent airleak after the maf. Do you have a boost gauge, is it over boosting?

So between MAF and throttle body? No boost gauge yet, it's on the shopping list though.

[Sirocco20348]

So are you bypassing your ICM with the new coils?

[Dan4096]

Yes, ICM is eliminated and it's running 07K905715G coils. I installed them with new plugs a month ago and they've been running nicely.

Drove the car to work this morning with MAF sensor unplugged, seems to drive fine but will need to leave it off for a few days to ensure the random problem doesn't come up. New sensors from VW (exchange part) are readily available which is nice.

[Dan4096]

Had the MAF sensor off for a few days now and it's behaving itself overall, just really sluggish obviously in a 'safe mode'. Going to order a new MAF sensor today.