QuestionHello!
I have a 1999 VW Beetle. It's a GLS, manual transmission, 4 cyl, 2.0 Liter engine/model.
And the Check Engine Light is on. The car is a bit jumpy when changing gears, especially when going to third or fourth gear. And the problem started - that is, the light turned on - when I was in first, puling out of an intersection and revving the engine. I don't know what RPM it got to, or if it's at a specific RPM that it happens at. But it's definitely driving jerkily. I had it hooked up to the computer and got back three codes:
P0300 Random/multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0302 Cylinder no. 2 misfire detected
P0303 Cylinder no. 3 misfire detected
About a month ago my car was in the shop for some massive (and ridiculously expensive) repairs. The stuff they did was:
Compression test
Replaced the head gasket
Repaired a crack in the cylinder head
Replaced the timing belt and water pump
Change/replaced the temperature sensor (temp. sending unit), the coolant temperature switch/sensor, the radiator cooling fan temperature sensor/fan switch and the thermostat (I don’t know if I repeated myself there, I’m just copying down what’s on the invoice)
Replaced the radiator
New spark plugs
Replaced/new radiator cap and coolant
Repaired some faulty wires leading to the temperature sensor
New air filter and an oil change
I’ve got two questions: 1) What’s wrong with my car?! And 2) Could whatever it is be due to something the mechanic did, and if so, what?
ANY help you could send my way would be much, MUCH appreciated!
Thanks!
AnswerFrancesca,
Wow! From the list of repairs, the first thing that seems evident is the car severely overheated at some point, which is one of the most catastrophic failures an engine can have(even worse is loss of oil/oil pressure). Overheating usually causes gaskets to blow and heads to crack. Some of the repairs seem to have been related and/or precautionary, but I do not believe all these components would have failed simultaneously. However given the scope of repairs I do not believe it was too out of line, and yes, in this situation they will be expensive.
Now, the misfires. Unfortunately there is no easy answer. It could be many things, including some of the formerly repaired items. Yes, it could be that some of the repairs were less than perfect, but you'll be hard pressed to prove it. Without a professional engine analysis, I would start with the simple things and work up from there; try the tune up items, plugs, wires, cap, rotor. I know these were done before, but they are relatively cheap and easy. The coil packs are another item that can be swapped or replaced easily. Moving up the list, something that will tell a lot about the condition of the engine is another compression test. Also on the list could be the fuel system/fuel injectors.
Sorry, I can't be more specific, sounds like you and your Beetle have gone through a lot already.
- Rick
