VW golf starting and stalling problems

[ilm]

got a Y reg golf, 1.6 unleaded basic model. 60K miles
have to press accelerator when turning ignition to make sure it starts, sometimes stalls when sat at lights in neutral, but oddly car seems to Purr with the lights dimming with each purr (if that makes sense) and going back to normal when sat at lights in neutral

any ideas??
could this be more than just needing a new battery??

 

[^neo^]

Id get the battery and alternator checked out.
If it's stalling on idle, then the idle stabiliser valve is probably in need of a clean.
Temp sender could also be causing starting problems.

Go to a decent independant VW specialist rather than main dealer. All easy, cheap jobs so make sure you don't get screwed!!!!

 

[Belle427]

are we talking carb or injection here? it could need a basic tune up

 

[^neo^]

are we talking carb or injection here? it could need a basic tune up

I'm guessing it's the newer Y reg so injected............. if not then a Mk1 golf with only 60k on it..... i'll have it

 

[djheath]

This is a common problem for the 1.6 VW engines. I have a Seat Leon 1.6 2001 model (same engine, same car really!)and it is caused by a faulty or dirty mass air flow MAF meter in the throttle body.

My car starts fine, but then at the lights or junctions etc, it will "bounce" on the idle -revs up then down then up then down. sometimes it doesn't do it, some times it does and stops, then sometimes it gets really bad its like the car will stall. I can usually cure it for a month or two by spraying carb cleaner down the throttle body throat but it always comes back.

If yours wont start properly, then it sounds like its got quite bad and the only remedy is either the MAF sensor to be remove and cleaned or a replacement throttle body or MAF sensor

I would book it into VW and see what they say.

 

[jigga]

Thats a very common fault
Sounds to me like a job for removing and cleaning the throttle body, then restoring the basic setting with diagnostic software

 

[wotan]

You should never depress the accelerator pedal when starting a fuel injected car, the mass air flow meter will send the wrong signal to the ecu, resulting in overfueling of the engine.

 

[libby lou lou]

You should never depress the accelerator pedal when starting a fuel injected car, the mass air flow meter will send the wrong signal to the ecu, resulting in overfueling of the engine.

how do you not depress an accelerator?