VW Polo Advice Please

BM-AK

Owned several 1.4 Polo's including the model you have - which is known as a 6N2.

It really needs to go on a computer to see what fault codes are stored - any reputable garage should do a diagnostic read for you between £40-50. Alternatively, you can buy a good fault code reader from Argos for about £60 and you can do the job yourself (which may be a better option as you can use it again and again.

Its just the case of plugging it in and it will tell you what is causing the light. Then reset the light and see if it comes back. Otherwise you will start replacing/cleaning so many bits its only going to make things expensive for you! I have had a lambda probe go on mine but it only increases the emissions (doesn't run lumpy).

A couple of things which:
- Replace the HT leads (your car won't have coilpacks, apart from a ignition coil - coilpacks were only in the newer 9N models).
- Clean the throttle opening with spray in carb cleaner
- Reset your ECU. Many modern cars throttles e.t.c. adapt to the way you drive. If It was driven slow, it will adapt that way. To reset ECU, disconnect the negative pole of your cars battery and leave it disconnected for approx 1 - 2 hours. Reconnect the battery, start it up and take it for long drive on the motorway, ideally going steady at 70mph in 5th gear.

toby_puppy

Thank you for the helpful advice.

So if the garage says it needs new coil packs, then this won't be right as it doesnt have them?

Lambada sensors seems a bit less likely as it wouldnt make the car run lumpy.

Someonelse says possibly not the egr valve as it would likely have more problem idling, which it doenst.

Makes me think it's the cat but then again, it passed it's MOT a month ago but I suppose that means nothing.

I can't get in anywhere to check it til next Monday - they are all booked up. Might look at cleaning throttle and getting an argos tester.

toby_puppy

forgot to say its on a y reg plate, polo match 2001.

NEH

jostenning wrote: »

Thank you for the helpful advice.

So if the garage says it needs new coil packs, then this won't be right as it doesnt have them?

Lambada sensors seems a bit less likely as it wouldnt make the car run lumpy.

Someonelse says possibly not the egr valve as it would likely have more problem idling, which it doenst.

Makes me think it's the cat but then again, it passed it's MOT a month ago but I suppose that means nothing.

I can't get in anywhere to check it til next Monday - they are all booked up. Might look at cleaning throttle and getting an argos tester.

Exactly the same thing happened with my Polo, 2003 registered...Mine was an automatic, but mine was also a Friday afternoon car...You need to find a good reputable electrical garage as they'll be the only ones to be able to diagnose the fault for you and might know a way to fix it....

toby_puppy

Hello NEH, did you manage to sort the problem and what was it if you dont mind me asking?

LandyAndy

jostenning wrote: »

Thank you for the helpful advice.

So if the garage says it needs new coil packs, then this won't be right as it doesnt have them?

Lambada sensors seems a bit less likely as it wouldnt make the car run lumpy.

Someonelse says possibly not the egr valve as it would likely have more problem idling, which it doenst.

.

Sorry, I've nothing helpful to add:( but that typo made me smile.:D

BM-AK

jostenning wrote: »

Thank you for the helpful advice.

So if the garage says it needs new coil packs, then this won't be right as it doesnt have them?

Lambada sensors seems a bit less likely as it wouldnt make the car run lumpy.

Someonelse says possibly not the egr valve as it would likely have more problem idling, which it doenst.

Makes me think it's the cat but then again, it passed it's MOT a month ago but I suppose that means nothing.

I can't get in anywhere to check it til next Monday - they are all booked up. Might look at cleaning throttle and getting an argos tester.

No problem.

Yes, your car will almost definetely be HT leads and not coilpacks.
EGR will give you lumpy idling which I see is not the case.

I'd personally take it to a VW specialist, who will be able to help that extra bit further. But personally, it can't be much else and I'd personally get it on a computer as first port of call and then take it from there. Usually this will pin point the problem as the warning light will only have triggered if something is wrong.

Where abouts are you based?

toby_puppy

Hi I am in North Wales - about 10 miles from Chester.

toby_puppy

LandyAndy wrote: »

Sorry, I've nothing helpful to add:( but that typo made me smile.:D

Oops, yes thats a dance isnt it.

toby_puppy

Just wondered if breather tubes could cause this fault.

I remember my mum having blocked breather tube on her astra, although it didnt cause a fault code but it was all white sludge in it.