1.4 TSI 160, misfires story

[r4v]

Hi

I'm writing here, cause I have noone left to ask. I guess it all started with broken pistons one and a half year ago (MY2009, pretty normal it seems). They fixed it and after a year (and 20kkm) flywheel fell apart. But there was something much worse. Misfires in ecu log, burned valves and turbo and some other things. They put new head, new turbo, new software and then it started. Misfires all the way. Last 6 months it's 4 weeks in workshop, 2 weeks on road and back for repairs. Changed coils, spark plugs, and hell knows what else. 3 weeks ago they finally swapped engine, for a new one. Nothing's changed! They know nothing, they have no knowledge about this car (or any other actually...), only thing they can do is to read some stupid suggestions from VW service computer, which is useless. I told them to check spark plugs. "They are fine, they've come with an engine". I wanted them to downgrade ECU software. They need to consult that. I just want this car fixed, to sell it and forget about it. Anyone can tell me what's wrong with this piece of junk?

[montstable]

I had a similar story, apart from I had the stupid idea of putting a bluefin on which made things even worse; I then promptly removed it.

In the end I got the dealer to go over everything, update the ECU, replace the clutch due to juddering, ran it for a week without a misfire (driving very very carefully), then traded the car in for a Scirocco R.

Believe it or not they gave me an amazing price, more than I would have got privately. Been reading What Car? recently, and the Scirocco 1.4 tsi is listed as number 2 best buy at the moment for coupes. Try to get the car sorted as much as possible by the dealer then offer them a silly trade in price for a second hand 2.0 or R and just see what they give you.

The 1.4 tsi engine in the higher power variants seem to have some real issues. It's even making it into mainstream magazines now - Evo page 128 Polo GTI having oil consumption issues and people having multiple engine replacements. I realise that people are much more likely to post about bad news with engines rather than good, however the percentage of these engines that are having issues seems to be relatively high.

[skippy]

I had a similar story, apart from I had the stupid idea of putting a bluefin on which made things even worse; I then promptly removed it.

In the end I got the dealer to go over everything, update the ECU, replace the clutch due to juddering, ran it for a week without a misfire (driving very very carefully), then traded the car in for a Scirocco R.

Believe it or not they gave me an amazing price, more than I would have got privately. Been reading What Car? recently, and the Scirocco 1.4 tsi is listed as number 2 best buy at the moment for coupes. Try to get the car sorted as much as possible by the dealer then offer them a silly trade in price for a second hand 2.0 or R and just see what they give you.

The 1.4 tsi engine in the higher power variants seem to have some real issues. It's even making it into mainstream magazines now - Evo page 128 Polo GTI having oil consumption issues and people having multiple engine replacements. I realise that people are much more likely to post about bad news with engines rather than good, however the percentage of these engines that are having issues seems to be relatively high.

Yes- we also have a Polo GTI and have had oil consumption issues you refer to. VW replaced the piston rings for us (after extensive tests) and the consumption has moderated drastically. Apart from that all is fine, mind you it is a MY2011 so I think some of the earlier misfire issues have probably been addressed.

There have been a few engine replacements for the Polo, where the piston ring replacement does not appear to have worked but overall I would say these are few and far between and obviously a 'last resort' option.

[salsajoe]

Sorry to hear about your problems. I have a 1-4 TSI 160 MY 2011 and so far 7500 miles have not had any problems. No misfire, no oil used. Queried the spark plugs with VW UK (heard there was a change to plug gap for the 160 from end Sep 2011 on this forum)

Their qote was

('I have liaised with our Technical Department who have informed me that the correct spark plugs for this vehicle do have an electrode gap of 0.8 - 0.9 mm. The size of the gap is dependent upon the type of engine in the vehicle. In your case the gap is the larger size.
It cannot be confirmed which spark plugs have been fitted at factory. However if you would like confirmation that the correct plugs have been fitted the correct part number of the spark plugs for this vehicle is 101 905 626 and your local Volkswagen Retailer would be able to remove one of the plugs to ensure these match.)

This does not match with other information found on this site.

All comments/responses etc welcome!!

PS Have a Golf GTI TSi coming up for 2 years old and not a single niggle.

[RW1]

This does not match with other information found on this site.

Salsajoe, I find it interesting what they have stated to you......

the correct spark plugs for this vehicle do have an electrode gap of 0.8 - 0.9 mm.

Agree and that has always been stated on Scirocco Central as it is drawn from the VW workshop manual and has been that gap setting since 2008. It has remained unchanged.

The size of the gap is dependent upon the type of engine in the vehicle. In your case the gap is the larger size.

There is nothing in VW's documentation that indicates the setting is specifically at 0.9mm for the 160ps engine variant as in the Scirocco with engine code CAVD (this being the engine code for all 160ps engines since being fitted in the Scirocco in late 2008 and remains the same to date in production).

the spark plugs for this vehicle is 101 905 626

My comment here is perhaps they should read a post September issue of an ETKA VW parts catalogue where the 160PS spark plug has been changed to part number 03C 905 601A, which has superceded - 30.09.11. The ETKA makes no mention of the above spark plug 101 905 626 being applicable to the CAVD engine code by engine serial number production range, ie. earlier engines. The new revised spark plug 03C 905 601A is applicable to all engines back to the introduction of the 160PS engine as fitted to the Scirocco. This revised spark plug is gapped to 0.80mm as opposed to 0.90mm. Even by NGK's own information states the new plug is 0.8mm. The Bosch alternative spark plug is 0.80mm gap setting.

-----------

Also to clarify, the gap that I have mentioned and now use, ie. 0.70mm is not a VW setting but one determined by usage which has resulted in much improved engine running. There are other Scirocco forums who have read & picked up on this setting and found the same results, so not a one-off experience.

As another 1.4TSi 160PS Scirocco owner commented today in my Scirocco, how smooth the engine is when compared to their own. Interestly their Scirocco, we have just measured the spark plug gaps and unlike mine just two weeks later in production, their plug gaps were 0.84mm consistantly (no wear taken accout of, so it was probably a tad narrower when new towards 0.80mm originally). Where as mine were originally 0.9 - 0.92mm.

C.

[xiaohong]

Hi Guys,

Just to share my experiences with you all and maybe I can solve it one day too......it has been more than 6 months now of changing almost everything I can think of but still did not do much help

Just to share my experience on misfiring:

1) All coil packs changed
2) All new plugs - BKR8EIX - Gapped to 0.65
3) New OEM injectors - Old injectors were covered with carbon buildups and crapped
4) Full engine clean and de-carbonize - stripped the entire engine and cleaned everything out - especially the intake valves
5) New piston rings
6) New gaskets
7) New hoses for supercharger & hoses for intercooler (CTS Turbo)
New turbo gaskets
9) New DP gaskets
10) New Belts
11) New Engine oil - Using Motul 300v
12) New coolant G13
13) New DSG oil
14) On Eurosports Performance Tunning - Custom Stage 3+ map with WMI at 70%
15) New fuel filter
16) New Coil Pack Connectors
17) New Breather Valve
18) New DV Rev. D
19) New Hybrid Turbo (Just in case, mate has got my old hybrid)

On a side note, the fuel injectors rarely spoils and if they do, replacing should do the trick but that didnt work out for me. Damm costly injectors

However, upon starting the car, it was fine for like 5 mins until the misfiring came back on idle. WOT on 4th gear to 6.2rpm will indicate CEL flashing and signs of misfiring.
Random multiple misfire and if I push it harder, it will register an EPC and then cylinder will shut down. *sounds like a boxer at that moment*

Few things that I have noticed, even when flashed back to stock map, it is still misfiring but not as bad but the same symptom remains.

It has been 6 months now and I am still trying to figure out what is wrong.

Normal drives, it will not misfire and smooth as a brand new car, depends on the car's mood, at times under WOT it performs beautifully and no issues if I keep the rpm at 5.8k limit and manually shift the gears.

The MAF sensor has been cleaned and also replaced still no avail ans on misfiring on all cylinders

The last resort I have in mind is to replace the entire wiring from the CAN Gateway till the engine bay area as I suspect that the wires are old and with heat buildup, probably the circuit is not 100% and snaps at a few places but not totally dead yet. Even with a multi-meter, the wires seems ok but with hand feel, it seems hard and tough which wiring should be slightly more flexible.

Welcome to the misfiring club guys........

Hopefully I can solve it and share my experiences with all and solve it together too......

-1 Misfiring.......


Then I decided to do an entire clearing of DTCs and also reset learning values:


Thursday,30,January,2014,21:47:51:23029
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator
VCDS Version: 12.12.0.0
Data version: 20130910


VIN: XXXxxxXXXxxxXXX License Plate: xXxXxXxX
Mileage: xxK Repair Order: xh0001



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Gateway Installation List: xXx xXx xXx XX

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
02-Auto Trans -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000
75-Telematics -- Status: OK 0000
77-Telephone -- Status: OK 0000

[xiaohong]

Solved....

[matt71]

Hi xiaohong

Have been reading your story, I own a golf 1.4 tsi 160, started to misfire with lights on on dash, have replaced with all new genuine coil packs and plugs, runs fine but the cat light is on!

You mention you `solved` the problem, any advice please?

cheers

Matt.

[mtj2k]

yeh - what was solution?

Its happening on my mk5 1.5TSi - just replaced N75, Spark plugs, Coil Packs, Injectors.

Still the same ;(

[xiaohong]

I replaced injectors and did the i injector adaptation and its running fine now.

[xiaohong]

Just for info sake, there will be misfires in range from 1 to 5 counts only at idle from time to time but thats normal.

On the high rpms, it does not misfire and shut down the cylinder

[xiaohong]

Hi xiaohong

Have been reading your story, I own a golf 1.4 tsi 160, started to misfire with lights on on dash, have replaced with all new genuine coil packs and plugs, runs fine but the cat light is on!

You mention you `solved` the problem, any advice please?

cheers

Matt.

If it is your cat, i suggest you disable the sensor linking to your cat. Not really needed if you have a down pipe.

[Rawcpoppa]

Recently encountered misfires and cylinder deactivation from WOT in 3rd but mostly 4th gear.

What does the injector adaptation do? So far I have replaced spark plugs which were due for changing anyway.

My mechanic is thinking of cleaning the injectors and replacing the fuel filter. Thoughts?

[Gurmeet1987]

Hi. Having misfire issues on cylinder 1 on my 1.4 tsi 160bhp. Anybody been to a garage where they can rebuild this engine and fix the damage? Noticed there's alot of cowboys out there repairing g engines but not doing a good job. Would like my rococo in good hands. I'm from Birmingham. Thanks.

Gurmeet1987 1 Tue Mar 22, 2016 2:15 pmI drive a: 1.4 TSI 160 Candy White Manual box

[Stefano82]

What is your MY ?

[greg7728]

Is it under warranty? I'm from Essex and used a garage I trust. Have u asked VW for a quote and if they'll offer goodwill at all given as its a known issu?


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[Ironnike]

can anybody help with some info why im getting the fallowing errors?
just changed the coil packs for the Audi ones (part no A06E905115E) and put in new OEM vw plugs gapped at 0.7.
this is the VCDS log. Any help is greately appreciated.
Monday,14,November,2016,12:05:20:57777
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 10 x64
VCDS Version: 16.8.3.1
Data version: 20161010 DS267.0




Address 01: Engine Labels: 03C-906-027-CAV.clb
Control Module Part Number: 03C 906 027 AT HW: 03C 907 309 B
Component and/or Version: MED17.5.5 G 5447
Software Coding: 0000072
Work Shop Code: WSC 00028 028 00001
VCID: 73E528AF125499DAB1-8026
4 Faults Found:

000768 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 - 000 -
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100000
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 91209 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.14.20
Time: 11:56:38

Freeze Frame:
RPM: 2909 /min
Load: 18.8 %
Speed: 0.0 km/h
Temperature: 39.0°C
Temperature: 18.0°C
Absolute Pres.: 1020.0 mbar
Voltage: 14.224 V

000770 - Cylinder 2
P0302 - 000 - Misfire Detected
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100000
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 91209 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.14.20
Time: 11:56:38

Freeze Frame:
RPM: 2909 /min
Load: 18.8 %
Speed: 0.0 km/h
Temperature: 39.0°C
Temperature: 18.0°C
Absolute Pres.: 1020.0 mbar
Voltage: 14.224 V

004874 - Cylinder Disabling
P130A - 000 - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 91209 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.14.20
Time: 11:56:46

Freeze Frame:
RPM: 2564 /min
Load: 16.1 %
Speed: 0.0 km/h
Temperature: 40.0°C
Temperature: 18.0°C
Absolute Pres.: 1020.0 mbar
Voltage: 14.224 V

000769 - Cylinder 1
P0301 - 000 - Misfire Detected
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100000
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 91209 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.14.20
Time: 12:03:30

Freeze Frame:
RPM: 680 /min
Load: 31.0 %
Speed: 0.0 km/h
Temperature: 48.0°C
Temperature: 19.0°C
Absolute Pres.: 1020.0 mbar
Voltage: 14.224 V

[blower]

Need to do a compression test next - to rule out the dreaded piston failure :|

I assume its idling badly and/or hesitating under load?