Hi,

I have an 05 USP (1.8T) and while driving (usually 6th gear at 2500 RPM) I sometimes get a very noticeable power drop and the car starts to slow down dramatically. Getting on the gas doesn't help; the only thing that does is downshifting at which time the power comes back.

Could this be a boost problem? The car is stock...

I don't get any lights and I have not checked the codes yet. Would this show up in the codes?

Can you guys recommend anything?

Thanks!!!

 

Yes, there will most likely be codes, and we need them.

 

So I went to AutoZone and borrowed an Actron CP9175 OBD-2 scanner; I tried pulling the codes and it said no codes were found. Talking to the guy in the store, he mentioned this would be a scanner for CEL - so shouldn't this boost problem show as well? I thought the boost and engine are linked together in terms of codes.

Right now I get no CEL light at all. Strangely I get an ESP light intermittently but that didn't show up in the OBD-2 scan either.

Is that the right scanner to use?

Thanks!

 

Nah, the actron scan tool only scans the ECU. But there should have been at least a code or two even with the actron scanner. Its a strange problem too, i would try and find someone with a vag com or purchase one yourself.

 

Hi, what's needed for the VAG-COM and what's the cheapest way to get into one? Would a software license ($99?) and a cheappie eBay-type cable? Or something else?

Thanks!

 

I have a hacked version of VAG-COM, and an eBay cable, and it works great. Just MAKE SURE you get a dual K-line.

I got mine for like thirty cents or so lol

 

Guys, strangely enough my car was due for 55K service where the air filter is replaced and the spark plugs changed.

I also had an intermittent ESP light which some people suggested it was related to a malfunctioning MAF sensor.

Anyway - to make a long story short; I decided to do the 55K service myself since the dealership was a ripoff ($800?). I put in copper plugs instead of platinum (cheaper but I'll have to change them more often) and also cleaned up the screen in front of the air filter and changed the air filter element.

Since then I've had no hesitation nor ESP light so I am hoping that was the issue? Would it make sense that a somewhat clogged airway would cause these two things?

Thanks!

 

Have you replaced the coil packs?

 

No, I did not replace the coil packs; that doesn't look like it's part of the 55K service (?)...

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

So I spoke too soon -- right now I didn't get a power drop on the highway but driving home today I got the ESP light again which was rock solid until I turned the car off...

Any thoughts on what might be the cause?

Thanks!