VW Caddy Stalling: Common Engine Shutdown Problems

I had a similar issue with my VW Golf 2002 gasoline model and can share my experience as someone with basic car maintenance knowledge. The symptoms you describe match exactly what happened with my car, unusual stalling, start-stop system malfunction, and difficult restarts. The idle stop feature became unreliable, which was the first sign something was wrong. After diagnosis, it turned out the battery was heavily discharged and damaged beyond repair. The failing battery was causing the engine control unit to receive inconsistent power, triggering the check engine light and affecting the start-stop system operation. The repair involved: Complete battery testing, Replacing the old battery, Resetting the engine control unit, Testing the charging system Total cost was 290€ including parts and labor. Since the fix, all systems including the eco mode and engine start functions work perfectly. To provide more specific advice, could you share: What error codes your scan showed, Battery age and last replacement date, Whether stalling occurs more frequently during cold starts, If you notice any electrical issues like dim lights, Whether the battery warning light appears on the dashboard This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or points to a different problem.

Thanks for sharing your detailed experience. After my recent service done at 30165km, I decided to check the error codes more carefully. The scanner showed P0171 (System Too Lean) and P0507 (Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected). My engine stalling happens mostly during normal driving, not just during idle stop situations. Unlike your case, I noticed no battery warning lights or electrical issues. The car battery was replaced 2 years ago and tests show its still holding charge well. Based on these codes and symptoms, Im thinking this could be related to the Mass Air Flow sensor or vacuum leaks rather than a battery issue. The engine start behavior feels different from a weak battery situation. Would appreciate feedback from anyone who has dealt with these specific error codes in a similar gasoline engine setup.

These error codes actually point to a different issue than what I initially suspected with my VW Golf. While the symptoms seemed similar at first, your P0171 and P0507 codes suggest air/fuel mixture problems rather than the battery-related start-stop system issues I experienced. From dealing with my own vehicle, I learned these codes often indicate vacuum leaks or MAF sensor problems. In my case, after ruling out the battery issue, I discovered cracked vacuum lines near the intake manifold which caused similar stalling symptoms. The repair involved: Cleaning the MAF sensor, Pressure testing the intake system, Replacing damaged vacuum lines, Adjusting idle control settings Total repair cost was 180€, significantly less than the battery replacement scenario I first described. The idle stop feature and eco mode might be shutting down as a protective measure due to the unstable air/fuel mixture. Since your battery tests good, focusing on the intake system components would be the logical next step. Consider checking: Intake boot for cracks, Vacuum lines for leaks, MAF sensor contamination, PCV system integrity, Throttle body cleanliness These match the error codes better than my initial battery-focused diagnosis.

Thanks for the comprehensive follow-up. My mechanic inspected everything today and found significant vacuum leaks around the intake manifold gasket, exactly matching what you described. The pressure test revealed multiple small cracks in the vacuum lines that werent visible during regular inspection. The automatic restart system was indeed shutting down as a safety feature due to the inconsistent air readings, not because of any hybrid vehicle or car battery problems. After replacing all vacuum lines and cleaning the MAF sensor, the engine runs smoothly again with no more stalling. Total repair ended up costing 210€, which included: New vacuum lines, Intake manifold gasket, MAF sensor cleaning, Labor costs The check engine light is now off and the idle stop feature works perfectly. Really glad it wasnt a more serious engine or electrical issue. Will definitely keep an eye on these components during future maintenance to catch any deterioration early. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction with those error codes. This forum advice saved me from unnecessary parts replacement and helped target the actual problem.