VW Fox Stalling: EVAP System & Valve Issues Decoded

As a DIY mechanic with some experience, I dealt with nearly identical symptoms on my 2006 VW Polo 1.4. The check engine light kept illuminating and I had similar stalling issues. After inspection, the problem was traced to clogged ventilation hoses in the emission system. The fuel tank pressure sensor was sending faulty readings because the EVAP system was blocked. Even checked the gas cap, but that wasnt the issue. Took it to my regular workshop where they cleaned out the whole ventilation system and replaced some brittle hoses. Total cost was 175€ which included diagnostic work and parts. Car has been running smoothly since then, no more stalling or warning lights. Could you share some additional details about your Fox: Have you noticed any fuel smell? Does the problem get worse after refueling? Have you scanned for specific error codes? Any modifications to the fuel system? This info would help determine if youre dealing with the same underlying issue. These symptoms can have multiple causes in the EVAP system, so its better to narrow it down before repairs.

My latest service was just 2 weeks ago but this issue started appearing right after. The tank ventilation and EVAP system was not checked during the service from what I can tell from the invoice. I do notice a strong fuel smell, especially after filling up the tank. I borrowed a basic OBD scanner from a which showed error code P0441 related to the emission system. The engine light stays on constantly now, not just blinking. The stalling mostly happens during the first few minutes after a cold start, particularly when the engine is idling. Once warmed up, it runs better but the check engine light remains on. No modifications were done to the fuel system, everything is stock. Looking at different repair options since the first diagnosis at my regular shop would cost 95€ alone.

Thanks for those additional details, your symptoms match exactly what I experienced with my Polo before getting it fixed. The fuel smell and P0441 code definitely point to an EVAP system issue, just like in my case. The timing after your service visit and cold start issues are key indicators. When my automotive repair shop did the diagnosis, they found that disturbing the emission system during routine maintenance sometimes causes these ventilation problems to surface. While the 95€ diagnostic fee seems steep, it probably saves money in the long run. My initial attempt to fix it by just replacing the gas cap and checking simple connections ended up being wasted effort. The proper repair required specialized equipment to test the fuel tank pressure and trace the exact location of the EVAP system failure. Since youre getting similar symptoms to what I experienced, constant check engine light, fuel odors, and cold start stalling, Id strongly suggest having the complete emission system tested. In my case, the full repair with cleaning and hose replacement solved all these issues in one go. Before taking it in, try inspecting around the fuel tank area for any obvious cracked hoses or loose connections. But based on my experience, professional diagnostic testing will likely be needed to properly resolve it.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the VW Polo repair. After hearing about your similar case, I decided to have my Fox checked by a professional. The purge valve was actually stuck open, allowing too much fuel vapor into the engine. This explained both the fuel smell and the cold start stalling. The complete diagnostic test revealed several cracked ventilation hoses near the fuel tank. The repair shop replaced the faulty purge valve, installed new EVAP hoses, and performed a complete system test. Total cost came to 320€ including parts and labor. The engine light is now off and the car runs perfectly, no more stalling or fuel odors. While the diagnostic fee seemed high initially, it helped identify the exact problem and saved money on unnecessary parts replacement. Glad I didnt try fixing it myself by just changing the gas cap or other basic components. Going to keep monitoring the emission system during future services to catch any potential issues early. Really appreciate the detailed feedback about your repair experience as it helped confirm I was dealing with a similar EVAP system problem.