Help!

[TheLemming]

Hoping to pick someones brain on this.

My little sister has a E reg 1.6 Golf Driver. she has just shown up, with the car still running while the keys are in her hand...

Its chugging at a very very low engine speed, and I have no idea what on earth is causing it.

Any ideas? Would be very much appreciated if someone did....

[ErnestM]

1. if it is standard transmission, stall it to stop the engine. (Emergency Brake on Please)
2. I would have the key ignition checked out?

Sorry that's all the help I can offer as I don't know the Golf (or any VW for that matter) intimately...

ErnestM

[TheLemming]

Thanks Earnest, Ive stalled it to stop it (first thing I did.) but beyond that, im stumped. As its a cheap barely running runabout, hopefully we can fix it without big bills being involved!

[ninja_eli]

I remember a friend of mine having a similar problem but as I was too young to drive I didn't take too much of an interest in what he did to resolve it. But from what I do remember, I think his dash lights were all off, but the engine was still running. I think something to do with the charging /electrical system. It was still feeding the engine with a charge and not cutting it off. Something like that I think. Do the dash lights stay on or off?

Sorry I can't help much more. But, test the key cylinder to see if that is not switching it off properly. Consider a haynes manual for the car if you don't want to spend too much resolving it, as most problems are covered there, and you can do it yourself. PH is pretty quiet on weekends. Unfortunately I'm at work having a bloody slow day, so this is my only solace :frown:

[filmidget]

Was it running slowly in a really nasty shuddery (?) rattling chuggy way? 'Cos that could be 'running on'...

Something to do with ignition/fueling settings I think? (and possibly a well carboned up engine?)

I'm not an expert - can you tell?

Cheers, Phil

[TheLemming]

Lol neither am I, but yes, that describes exactly what its doing

[Simonelite501]

You may be experiencing a problem called "Pre Ignition" I dont know how long the engine runs on after you turn the ignition off, but if it runs on for a short while and sounds like a bag of shite, coughs, splutters then revs up before it dies, this may be it. Caused by the Ignition timming being out, which causes the engine to run hot, valves expand enough to not seal, and allow fuel/air mixture into ther combustion chamber, the over heating engine causes the sparking plugs to become hot and ignite the fuel/air mix, et volia! Check the timming and adjust acordingly. A timming light and a haynes manual required, approx cost £25.00. + a pint for me, if this is the problem . If not, best of luck. Simon.

>> Edited by Simonelite501 on Saturday 23 November 15:25

[filmidget]

Hey Simon that's what I said!

Though not quite in such detail

If Simon gets a pint, I at least deserve a diet Coke

Cheers, Phil

[Simonelite501]

Phil, It took me a few minutes to look it up in my AA book of the car(1970) so I was either reading or typing (also takes an age with one finger) when you jumped in and stole my thunder . I always consult this book before posting any technical help, as I can no longer trust my memory .

[chrisx666]

Sometimes known as 'dieseling' where the engine runs without sparks. A new set of plugs (or maybe cleaning the old ones) often cures it as the crap built up on them can 'glow' hot after the ignition is cut off.

[TheLemming]

Thanks very much everyone, Its really appreciated

From the descrptions you guys have been giving, it matches the symptoms perfectly.

I Will be checking the timing and plugs in the morning.

Big thanks again

[ultimapaul]

The car may require a de-coke. Removal of the head and cleaning off the build up of soot and shite on the valves, head and piston tops. The valves will need re-grinding. Should take a weekend to do.

[deltaf]

Hi.
All of the above ideas plus check for split air pipes, such as vacuum piping, and/or intake manifold leakage.
Often causes other faults besides the aforementioned "running on".