96 Jetta Hiccups when driving and stalls when starting, sometimes...

[dan_james6_6]

I have a 96 Jetta with 135,000km that has 3 problems which I think may be connected. First, sometimes (well, it's happening more often now) when I'm driving, the car stutters/hiccups especially when I'm driving slower, but still noticable when I'm driving faster. Next problem I have with the car is, the car stalls when I try to start it up, sometimes. When I start it in the morning, or when left unused for a long period of time it starts fine, but if I'm running errands and starting it every half hour or so it stalls. If I start it holding the accellerator and keep the revs up for a while it'll eventually hold when idle. The last problem I have is when I'm driving the check engine light will come on sparatically, usually when I'm accelerating, especially uphill. When it comes on and I notice it, if I press the accelerator more, or just let it go, the check engine light always comes off. So the check engine light will never be on for more than about 5 seconds. I have recently had the fuel injectors cleaned, both my plugs and wires changed, and I don't know if this helps or not, but my water pump was replaced recently too. Any and all help will be appreciated.

[Doug Tatham]

It sounds very much like an ignition coil. When they start to fail, they fail when the engine is hot. You get misses and most of what you described. When you run short errands, the engine tends to stay fairly hot while sitting.

[Ironray]

Originally Posted by Doug Tatham

It sounds very much like an ignition coil. When they start to fail, they fail when the engine is hot. You get misses and most of what you described. When you run short errands, the engine tends to stay fairly hot while sitting.

I have had this problem, too. Do you think the aftermarket coils are okay?

Edit:

Mine seems worse in the wet weather. It actually gets worse as the car warms up.

I have been thinking about the O2 sensor. Most recommendations say it should be changed every 60K. Does that sound feasible?

[etien1981]

my speed sensor is not working and i dont know how to fix it

[Doug Tatham]

I wouldn't hesitate to use an after market coil. I've had very good luck with parts that I've ordered off the net. The car running worse when hot is very typical of a bad coil. The problems with it in wet weather support it as well.