VW Amarok Check Engine + Idle Issues: Expert Help Needed

As a VW Golf GTI 2015 owner, I encountered nearly identical symptoms. The check engine light and irregular idle speed pointed to a vacuum leak in the air intake system. The connection between the brake booster pump and intake valve had deteriorated, causing inconsistent air supply to the engine. The symptoms match what you describe, engine running rough, especially at idle, due to unmetered air entering the system. While not immediately dangerous, prolonged driving with a vacuum leak can affect fuel mixture and engine performance. Common failure points on these engines include: Cracked vacuum lines, Loose hose connections, Failing PCV valve, Damaged intake gaskets A proper diagnosis requires checking all vacuum lines and performing a smoke test to identify the exact location of any air leaks. My repair required replacing the connection hose and recalibrating the throttle body position sensor. This issue is relatively common on VW engines from this era, though not typically at such low mileage. Have a qualified technician perform a complete intake system inspection before replacing individual components.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Had almost the exact same issue on my Amarok last year. The check engine light and poor idle ended up being caused by cracks in the vacuum hoses. The mechanic also found the air intake manifold gasket was starting to fail, so we replaced both. How much did your repair end up costing? Also curious if youve had any engine stalling or other problems since getting it fixed? Mine has been running smoothly but I keep a close eye on the air supply system now just in case.

After my initial post about the vacuum leak issue, I took my Golf GTI to a certified mechanic who properly diagnosed the problem. The manifold pressure readings confirmed my suspicions about the air valve system. They found the hose connection from the pump to valve was defective, causing the inconsistent air supply. The total repair came to 175€, which included replacing the connection and testing the system. Since fixing the air valve issue, the engine has been running perfectly with no stalling or irregular idle. The check engine light hasnt returned either. Regular monitoring of the air intake system is smart preventive maintenance. These vacuum-related problems can recur if the components start wearing out, but with proper repairs using quality parts, the fix should last. The key is catching these issues early before they affect other engine components.

Thanks for the input. I finally got my Amarok fixed last week. Found a reliable mechanic who specializes in VW engines. They did a complete vacuum system inspection and found multiple issues affecting the manifold pressure. The main problem was exactly as discussed, deteriorated vacuum hoses and a failing intake manifold gasket. The mechanic showed me where air was leaking during the smoke test. Total cost came to 230€ for parts and labor, including a full system check and calibration. Been a week now and the engine runs perfectly, no more stalling or rough idle. The check engine light is gone and the air supply seems properly regulated. Looking back, should have addressed these vacuum leaks sooner, but at least its sorted now. Thanks again for helping me understand what to look for. Will definitely keep monitoring the intake system and vacuum hoses for any future issues.