engine is dieing on every intersection

[thomas12]

Hi,
I have 98 passat and recently my car started shaking. the next day when i tried to start cold it started and died few times, until the engine begin to work like normal. However, when I reach the intersection I felt that engine is still missing. Next intersection died. I started again and it was runing to the next intersection close to my home. I started one more time and was able to reach my house. Engine light is on steady. could you please advise if it could be ICU. Car is dieing on every intersection but there is no problem to start up because is warm.

[veedubmechanic]

could be many things, just get the codes frm the ecm and it will help alot

[thomas12]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

could be many things, just get the codes frm the ecm and it will help alot

i had the engine scanned couple weeks ago by vw dealer when the symptoms occured for the first time ( car didn't die just strted shacking so I drowe to the closest dealer) there were misfire codes on cyl 3 and 4 PO300, PO303, PO304. My ABS do not work so they said thet they can't read because there is no connection I have to fix ABS module first. They didn't do anything and let me go I just spent $100. Now it's even worse because the car is dying. Should I fix ABS first and than fix the rest? ( the car was runing good without ABS whole summer).

[veedubmechanic]

have you replaced your power output stage, also called ignition module? its on the top of the airbox and is common problem for misfire codes (normally on cyl #2).

[miteshg]

I hate to say it but I think the problem is in your transmission. I had the same problem on my 2002 Passat (automatic) before my warranty expired.
The car was stalling when turning at intersections, sometime it would stop and I would have to restart it. The dealership toldme that the gasket in the transmission had been broken. I had to wait 2 weeks while the dealership was haggling with VW to put in a new transmission. VW refused to provide new transmission for my car and they asked the dealership to simply install a new gasket. The warranty on that was a loust 20000 mi.

I have now put on around 30000mi after that and now my car is giving similar problems again. This time I have to pay out of my pocket.

Passat sucks. I shoudl have gone with Honda or Toyota instead.

[miteshg]

Another test for transmission problem

Assuming you have an automatic, try this:
On an empty road, cruise up to around 35 mph and slam the brakes hard.
After the car comes to a complete stop you will notice the gear will downshift and it will again try to push the car forward after complete stop(this is very irritating), and then the engine will die.

[thomas12]

my car is fixed now. mechanic changed ignition coils $180 and spark plugs. It runs like new. I am so happy because I love this car.
if I would fix my ABS at low cost I would be even happier. Thank you foe advise anyway!