[jillh929]

Hi, I have a 2000 Beetle GL with 75k miles. I was driving up a very steep hill yesterday and the car began stuttering and almost died on the middle of the hill. But it made it up, however, the check engine light came on. I was going to get my oil changed that day, so the guy did the computer thing and it said that the 3rd cylinder is misfiring.
And if you couldn't tell, I am a girl and I don't know anything about cars. So my question is, what the heck do I do? The oil change guy said it would cost $150 for a full computer diagnostic. Should I just take the car to the dealer?
I appreciate any help! But please make it in layman's terms.

 

[kobe82]

Re: Help! 3rd cylinder misfire (jillh929)

what year is the car there could be a nuber of this wrong with it

 

[randallhb]

Re: Help! 3rd cylinder misfire (jillh929)

I think you should have your spark plugs and wires changed first. It can't hurt to use the newer number wires 06A-905-409-L and use spark plus BKUR6ET-10.

Quote, originally posted by kobe82 »

what year is the car

Quote, originally posted by jillh929 »

Hi, I have a 2000 Beetle GL with 75k miles.

 

[digitalhippie]

Re: Help! 3rd cylinder misfire (randallhb)

Quote, originally posted by randallhb »

I think you should have your spark plugs and wires changed first. It can't hurt to use the newer number wires 06A-905-409-L and use spark plus BKUR6ET-10.

I agree... order plugs and wires from http://www.germanautoparts.com They sell the OEM plugs, and an upgraded version of the OEM wires for a great price... then have a local mechnic install them, shouldn't be more than 1hr labor.
If that doesn't solve the problem, I'd bet its the MAF (airflow) sensor. This part is covered under an extended warranty by VW because its known to be faulty. When it goes bad, it will often cause misfires.

 

[jillh929]

Thanks for the replies! I definitely will look into the plugs and wires.

 

[BlackSunshine]

Re: (jillh929)

if that fails i guarentee its the MAF, had the same problem and the MAF fixed it http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif about $55 new from the dealership

 

[FL 2.0L]

B.S.: When you had your problem, was your misfire cylinder specific or random?

 

[digitalhippie]

Re: (FL 2.0L)

MAF tends to throw both a specific cyl, and a multiple random code, in my experience.
Plus, if it is indeed the MAF on her car... it is covered under warranty thru 80k miles... so she should be able to have it replaced for free http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[FL 2.0L]

Re: (digitalhippie)

Good to know.

 

[J.Owen]

Re: (FL 2.0L)

I have a '99 new beetle and when replacing the plugs and wires I found the coil was fried on the post for cyl #3. Just a heads up.