Why does my Volkswagen Golf keep cutting out?
Engine stuttering is not common and is usually caused by a lack of fuel, vacuum, air, or a faulty sensor. If you have recently started working on your car, you should go back over the areas you worked in to see if an electrical supply or a hose became loose.
Here are some reasons as to why it’s been cutting out:
- You could have a faulty electrical connection in your engine compartment.
If your check engine light is illuminated, it is likely that an electrical supply or a sensor has failed. These two parts send data to the ECU, and if that data is intermittent, such as a connection that occurs and disappears the ECU will shut down the engine as a safety precaution. Examine to see if you can detect a disengaged cord or a loose battery cable.
- You could have a faulty vacuum line connection.
Vacuum hoses play an important role in the engine of your car. They help to maintain the proper pressure within the engine, allowing the fuel, air, and spark to work together as they should at precisely the right times. Check the hoses to ensure that they are all linked, then start the motor and listen for whistles or hisses that indicate a hose leak. You can even try wiggling a hose to see if the engine sound changes, but use extreme caution because the engine seems to be hot and has moving parts.
- Your diesel engine filter is filthy.
The primary function of a diesel fuel filter is to protect the engine's fuel system components. To prevent premature failure of these components, a diesel fuel filter must be created to remove extremely small particles. Having a dirty diesel engine will prevent fuel from reaching the engine and must be replaced. If it becomes this dirty, you may be unable to start the engine at all, so replace it as soon as possible.
While there are several causes for an engine to shut down while you're driving, the most common is a defective sensor of some kind. If your vehicle breaks down on the highway or in traffic, you may be able to restart it while still coasting. This would be the most secure way to get back up to speed. Otherwise, pull off the street and away from traffic safely before attempting to restart it. Whether you need help with maintenance or repairs around the Oceanside, CA area, the talented technicians at Oceanside Motorsports are here to help. With our Time Saver Service, we can get your car and deliver it to your doorstep once fixed. We can even help arrange to tow if needed. You can also have our free loaner car while your car is serviced!