T-Cross Engine Stalls: Fuel System Sensors May Be Faulty

Had the same symptoms with a 2016 VW Polo TSI. The check engine light kept coming on and the engine would stall, particularly during idle. After multiple diagnostic tests, it turned out to be a failing activated charcoal filter in the emission control system. The charcoal filter was completely clogged, preventing proper fuel tank ventilation. This created irregular pressure in the fuel system, which caused the stalling issues. The purge valve was also affected due to the excessive pressure buildup. The repair involved replacing both the activated charcoal filter and the purge valve. These components work together as part of the evaporative emission control system. When they fail, fuel efficiency drops significantly and the engine runs rough. This was not a major repair in terms of complexity, but leaving it unfixed could lead to more serious fuel system damage. After replacement, the stalling stopped completely and fuel consumption returned to normal. Worth having the workshop specifically test the charcoal filter and purge valve operation. These components often get overlooked during basic diagnostics despite being common failure points in TSI engines.

Thanks for sharing this info about the EVAP system repair. Had exactly the same issues with my T-Cross last winter. The check engine light was driving me crazy and the stalling at idle was really annoying. Changed the charcoal filter and purge valve as you suggested and it fixed everything. Been running smoothly for 6 months now with no stalling or warning lights. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much the repair cost you? Also, did you have any other fuel system issues pop up since getting it fixed? My air flow readings still seem a bit off according to the last diagnostic scan.

Had the repair done just last month actually. The mechanic found and fixed the fuel tank ventilation system leak by replacing the defective activated charcoal filter. Total cost was 275€ which seemed reasonable considering it resolved both the stalling and check engine light issues. The EVAP system has been working flawlessly since the repair. No more engine stalling at traffic lights and fuel efficiency is back to normal. Regarding your air flow readings, this was not an issue in my case. The emission control system has been operating properly with no additional fuel system problems. If your readings are off, might be worth having the mass air flow sensor checked separately, as this is a different system from the EVAP components we had replaced.

Thanks for the input. I finally got my T-Cross sorted out! Took it to the mechanic last week, armed with the knowledge about charcoal filters and EVAP systems from this thread. Turns out the diagnosis was spot on, my charcoal filter was completely blocked, messing with the fuel tank ventilation and pressure sensor readings. The mechanic also noticed the purge valve was starting to fail. Got both parts replaced for 320€, bit more than expected but worth every cent. Car runs like new now. No more stalling at lights, check engine light stays off, and fuel efficiency has improved noticeably. The air flow readings have normalized too, which was a bonus. Definitely learned my lesson about not ignoring these symptoms, could have caused more serious fuel system damage if left unfixed. Really grateful for the advice here. Saved me from multiple unnecessary workshop visits trying to diagnose the problem.