MK4 GTI (1.8T AGU) with an puzzling misfire.

[veggiemight91]

My name is Casey, I own a MK4 Golf GTI, I have encountered a misfire that seems highly suspicious of an electrical/ignition problem. However in the last 3 months I have replaced the spark plugs (NGK Platinum Series) and replaced the coil packs (made in Germany, aftermarket). I was told earlier today by a mechanic friend of mine that the problem is likely to be a faulty MAF sensor. Has anyone encountered this problem? Or does anyone agree/disagree with my friend's solution?

Regards Casey

[Swainey32]

My name is Casey, I own a MK4 Golf GTI, I have encountered a misfire that seems highly suspicious of an electrical/ignition problem. However in the last 3 months I have replaced the spark plugs (NGK Platinum Series) and replaced the coil packs (made in Germany, aftermarket). I was told earlier today by a mechanic friend of mine that the problem is likely to be a faulty MAF sensor. Has anyone encountered this problem? Or does anyone agree/disagree with my friend's solution?

Regards Casey

I've got same car, same engine.
Although I don't have an answer for you I can say I had to replace my MAF last year, and my symptoms were engine shutting down whilst driving, inability to start car after this and blowing smoke.
So I'd assume if you were having MAF issues your symptoms would be somewhat similar as your ecu wouldnt be able to receive accurate data on air flow and would shut it self down to ensure nothing goes wrong, can't see how this would cause a misfire?
I could be completely off track but though my experiences might help

[veggiemight91]

That's what I would have thought, it seems logical. My mechanic friend said the same thing, but in past experience had been proven wrong, hence the 'puzzling' of my brain haha.

I'm thinking of just giving it a go, it's stock and 13 years old, and I'm running an oiled filter. I would expect some serious wear & tear over this time.

What did it cost you for the MAF, if you don't mind me asking?

[Swainey32]

$600 in parts alone, i got owned, worth sourcing the part online, found it in america for ~$200ish after mechanic ordered without consult.
Because it's another one of those "bosch" parts it comes with an excellent premium for such a small section

Hope that isn't the case for you, it would seem logical to have the engine cut itself out for MAF errors as a first warning sign in my opinion.

[veggiemight91]

I picked up a replacement MAF sensor from an auto parts distributor in rocklea for $258, it was Bocsh. The misfire has disappeared, thankfully. There is some surging every-so-often, but I think that can be attributed to my intake piping lined with oil from my filter, hence my throttle body mustn't be too clean. An injector/fuel system clean should fix that. Thanks for your input

[Swainey32]

awesome, good to hear it's better $258 sounds much more reasonable!

[JustCruisn]

auto parts distributor in rocklea

Who was this ? I've not had much luck with wreckers in Brisbane having any VWs since 1973.

[veggiemight91]

Who was this ? I've not had much luck with wreckers in Brisbane having any VWs since 1973.

K & M auto parts. They're great, have everything, or it takes a couple hours to arrive. I highly recommend them.

[veggiemight91]

K and M auto parts

[Golf Loon]

There is an ignition control module on the side of the airbox. I keep them in stock if you cant get one out your way. It controls the coils and spark. Common problem.