2001 Volkswagen Polo epc & engine check light (flashing)

Car: Volkswagen Polo
Year: 2001
Variant: 1.0
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
This problem first started off in heavy rain - the car was jerking forward almost as if it was going to stall (yet I was doing 70mph on dual carriageway). All lights on dashboard flashing.

Didn't happen again for a while until last month, same weather conditions, all lights flashing and car jerking despite at high speed.

Had engine running on drive the next morning and the car was jerking at standstill (no rain). We noticed that there was sparking at the connection of the 4th HT lead. Garage replaced all 4 spark plugs with platinum spark plugs.

However the car still jerks as if it is going to stall - but only the engine check light flashes and at lower speeds around 30-40mph without rain.

This morning at around 30-40mph car is jerking and both the engine check & EPC light flash. No rain.

Could this be something simple like a new HT lead or could it be more expensive?
Posted: Feb 21, 2012 (12 years ago)
It does sound like the HT lead(s) are shorting out but it may be worth getting it code read in case its a coil breaking down
Posted Feb 22, 2012 (12 years ago)
I have spoken to an old friend who is good with cars, he said it might be the o2 sensor as that can cause loss of power/surges due to the mix of air and fuel? If that is the case he has offered to fix it if I order the part.
I am not sure whether that could cause the HT lead to spark at its connection though?

But - the light came on today (not flashing) and stayed on the full journey to work. It's booked in the garage tomorrow but they couldn't solve it from diagnostics last time.
Posted Feb 23, 2012 (12 years ago)
They said it's the post cat sensor that has gone, £133 to fix including parts labour and tax. Hopefully it won't do it anymore now!!
Posted Feb 24, 2012 (12 years ago)

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