Cylinder Misfire '00 Golf 2.0

[darwinsplato]

2000 Golf 2.0 GLS 4 DR 113K Miles


The trusty Golf is getting a little rusty and I need a couple of answers. I've been having some hard starts lately...lets say for the past two weeks, but nothing during driving or anything, or anything noticeable. However, this morning, as I was driving home, my check engine light began flashing. The car began to hesitate, and was almost fluttering. I pulled over and lifted the hood; there was a noticeable ticking sound, a single click that seemed to be in time with the engine turning. I was able to drive a couple of miles to AutoZone, and pull my engine codes. There were 5:

P1255
P030
P303
P0301 x 2

I know the P03XX are cylinder misfires, I just have no idea what to do to fix them. Is this a common problem? I just changed my spark plugs, air filter, oil, oil filter, and fuel filter. I am going to get a vacuum gauge so that I can see if it is related to a vacuum leak per Chilton's, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it is something else.

Any ideas or fixes?

Thanks a ton,

Jon

[veedubmechanic]

common issue with aeg 2.0 is the piston rings and oil consumption. Fouled plugs from oil contamination can cause misfires.

also spray water on the coilpack (where all the plug wires go to) when the engines running and if it arcs than replace it.

[darwinsplato]

How can I curb the oil consumption?

[FemaleVwTech]

Originally Posted by darwinsplato

How can I curb the oil consumption?

New piston rings. I would suggest aftermarket ones.

[darwinsplato]

So I just replaced my spark plugs as step #1. Luckily, its the last step. upon removing the cyl. #3 plug, I found that it was about ready to fall out. I replaced and it (along with the other 3 plugs) and everything is back to normal. Woo hooo!

thanks for all your help.