Questions and Answers
Jetta Dies On The Road
Q. HELP!!! I have had a problem with my 1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL since last year. I'm driving along at 60 kmh (37 mph) and suddenly the car slows down, idle drops, she sputters and dies. However, she starts again and continues driving as before and then, intermittently, slows down and picks up again a few times.
My mechanic has not been able to figure out what the problem may be. I need to mention too that the car does not do this during the summer and it only happens when the engine is hot.
This morning, November 22, I took the car to my mechanic again. He consulted a Volkswagen "expert" next to his shop and this genius decided to disconnect the oxygen sensor to see if that may be causing the problem. He asked me to drive the car for a few days or as long as I feel comfortable. Should the problem occur again it most likely is not the oxygen sensor, so he says. He also said that I don't really need the oxygen sensor for the car to function.
I have done a little research and found out that a faulty oxygen sensor can damage the catalytic converter, however, my car passed an emission test 2 months ago with a mileage of 251,000 kilometers (155,963 miles).
I would really appreciate any help or insight you can give me, as this problem can be extremely dangerous!!
Thank you.
A. Okay, I'm going to play mind reader here for a while. If I do good, Miss Cleo may give me a job. Okay, you live in Canada, it is winter, it is cold with a little humidity. How did I do?
There was a recall on your vehicle issued in 12/97 concerning the intake air pre-heating system. From the recall bulletin:
Update intake air pre-heating system
DATE:
November 1997Subject:
1987-92 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta Vehicles Equipped with Digifant Engines Update Intake Air Pre-heating System (CANADA ONLY)Problem Description:
It is possible that in some vehicles with high kilometer readings and operated under certain climatic conditions of very low temperature combined with high relative humidity, a non- functioning intake air pre-heating system could allow the formation of ice particles within the throttle system.Remedial Action:
Check the function of the intake air pre-heating system and install new components, including an improved warm air deflector plate.So there it is, your engine is icing up. As the ice forms it slowly chokes off the air supply to the engine. When it dies, the heat of the engine melts the ice and it will start up again and go along until the ice forms again. The intake air pre-heating system heats the incoming air to prevent this.
So I would take it to the nearest VW Dealer and have the recall performed as soon as possible.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
