Alright, so my car has this REALLY annoying issue lately, I've had it diagnosed by quite a few mechanics and I seem to get different input from them all... I've replaced pretty much everything they've all suggested. I've also brought the thing to the dealership thinking they may have a better idea, so maybe someone else has had this problem and can enlighten me...

PROBLEM: Under load, over a duration of driving, or generally over 65 mph the car goes into a bucking issue... Error codes show cylinder misfire (of course) but everytime the computer is cleared and it happens again its a completely different set of cylinders. After the car starts to misfire and act how it does, simply turning off the car and restarting it resumes it back to normal operation for a duration of time (aprox 10-20 mins) and it will happen again.

DIAGNOSIS I'VE GOTTEN: Bad cats (FIXED! this wasa confirmed as one of the cats was completely clogged), bad spark from wires and/or plugs (REPLACED), computer issue (not done yet, dealership says that is NOT the issue), intake clogged (REPLACED but wasn't needed in my opinion), fuel injectors clogged (DIDNT replace but threw in some injector cleaner, didnt see a difference), fuel filter (DIDNT replace yet, as I think its in the tank?), bad O2 sensors (FIXED with the new cats)

OBD II SCAN CODES (as of 4/11/08): P1101 - mfg controled air/fuel metering, P1106 mfg controled air/fuel metering, P0304 - cyl 4 misfiring, P0306 - cyl 6 misfire, P0300 - random/multiple misfires detected

Now... The error codes kind of tell me not enough fuel? So maybe the filter is going? Maybe the injectors are having issues? The intake is aftermarket, is it taking in too much air? In theory, best I know, more air = more fuel, so wouldnt make sense... But, if there is an issue with the fuel delivery, I could see where more air and not enough fuel would cause trouble...

I'm babbling a little but, anyone have similar issues? Or some idea? I'm really sick of sinking money into the car, I just want to throw my rims on, wax it and enjoy it...

 

could be the fuel pressure regulator going bad, just a guess though.

i'd like to think if you were having air/fuel issues another code would tell you that you were running to rich/lean.

pm techbod, he is a tech and hopefully he can answer your question in detail.

 

coil packs/spark plugs/ICM

 

Do you have a VAG COM? What is data block 32 say?
Whatis the throttle valve angle, MAF sensor data, IAT temp say?

I would definately replace the fuel filter, but thats not the problem.
If turning the key off and on solves the problem for about 20 minutes, then the ECM could be it,MAF. Log some data and post it.

 

The coilpacks were checked, all of them show good spark. Plugs were replaced.

I don't have a VAG-COM but from what I read of the software, its fairly inexpensive and might help me.
Is the crap they sell on ebay good enough? Because if it is, I'll get the software from ebay and post the info asap.
(http://motors.shop.ebay.com/items/VA..._nkwZVAGQ2dCOM)
The OBDII scanner I used was a cheapo thing from Autozone and only really shows error codes, so sensor data isnt really an option from that kind of stuff. Would the MAF sensor shorting cause it to do what its doing? I'll have the fuel filter changed as it does make some sense... I really hope its not the ECM, I figure this will be an expensive part...

Lemme know if the VAG-COM software on ebay will be of any help to me and I'll order it...

 

the ebay cables are fine. just make sure you buy it from a seller called alpha-bid. make sure you follow the directions on the seller's page. you can probably get an ECM from a salvage yard since you have a 97. yes the MAF sensor shorting could mess up your car. the fuel filter is not in the tank, it's tucked between the tank and the body on the passenger rear but you can see one side of it. http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng.html

 

If the 10-20 min. is under steady load I would be looking at the fuel filter. Slowing and turning the engine off and on would allow the fuel press. to stabilize. As for anything else,?? B.

 

Maybe the fuel pump is not putting out its rated flow? B.

 

Ok...

So I've replaced the fuel filter. Put NGK plugs instead of bosch, ran new wires and it's still doin its thing... Same codes except misfire on 2, 4, and 6 now.

I'm still lost, and starting to think heavilly on trading it in which I REALLY dont wanna do.