Amarok Power Loss: Fuel System Troubles Revealed

I had a very similar issue with my 2017 Touareg, sounds exactly like what you described. Have some experience working on VAG engines, and this particular problem was quite memorable. The check engine light and rough running turned out to be faulty fuel injectors. After checking the basic components, my mechanic diagnosed a failing injector that was causing uneven fuel delivery. The symptoms match yours perfectly, power loss, stuttering during acceleration, and rough idle. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic testing of the fuel injectors, Replacing two faulty fuel injectors, Reprogramming the ECU to recognize the new injectors, Testing fuel pressure and intake manifold for any related issues Total cost was 515€ for parts and labor. Since getting it fixed, the engine runs smoothly again with no power issues. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage on your Amarok? Any recent fuel system maintenance? Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the problem get worse when the engine is warm? This additional info would help confirm if your issue matches what I experienced with the injectors. The EGR valve and catalytic converter should also be checked, as they can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

Had my last service at 125000km where they checked most components. Running rough persists even after basic troubleshooting. The fuel injectors diagnosis makes sense, especially since the symptoms started gradually. When checking the OBD readings yesterday, got error code P0171 which confirms the lean condition. Issues definitely worsen after the engine reaches operating temperature. The stuttering seems more pronounced compared to when I first posted. Will have my mechanic focus on testing the injectors and fuel delivery system as suggested. The repair cost you mentioned is reasonable if it solves these issues. Just to confirm, was the ECU reprogramming absolutely necessary after replacing the fuel injectors? Want to make sure this is factored into the repair estimate.

The ECU reprogramming was definitely necessary after the injector replacement on my Touareg. The new fuel injectors need proper calibration to work correctly with the engine management system, skipping this step would likely result in continued rough running and potential damage. Looking at your P0171 code and symptoms, its very similar to my situation. The worsening performance at operating temperature and progressive deterioration matches exactly what I experienced with the faulty fuel injectors. The oxygen sensor readings were also out of range due to the lean condition caused by the inconsistent fuel delivery. One additional thing I learned during my repair, the throttle body was also cleaned as it had carbon buildup affecting the air-fuel mixture. While the main issue was the injectors, addressing the throttle body helped achieve optimal performance after the repair. Quick note: Make sure your mechanic performs a complete intake manifold pressure test along with the injector diagnosis. In my case, there was also a minor vacuum leak contributing to the lean condition that needed fixing. The total 515€ cost included the ECU reprogramming. The actual repair took about 4 hours, and the car has been running perfectly since then with no check engine lights or performance issues.

Thanks for sharing your experience and the cost breakdown. The P0171 code definitely confirms my engine is running lean, and your repair path seems logical given the similar symptoms. Based on your input, I will have the mechanic do a complete diagnosis focusing on: Fuel injector testing and replacement if needed, ECU reprogramming, Throttle body cleaning, Intake manifold pressure check, Mass air flow sensor testing since it affects the air-fuel ratio The fact that my symptoms match yours, especially getting worse at operating temperature and the gradual decline in performance, makes me confident this is the right direction. Good to know the ECU reprogramming is mandatory for proper air-fuel mixture control after injector replacement. Will schedule the repair next week and expect around 515€ for the complete job including parts and programming. Thanks for confirming that cost covers everything. The comprehensive fix you outlined should restore proper fuel delivery and resolve these frustrating performance issues.