VW Lupo Diesel Rough Running & Jerking During Acceleration

Had similar issues with my 2008 VW Polo TDI. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, rough running, jerky acceleration, and check engine light. The initial diagnosis pointed to fuel injectors, but after thorough testing, we found a combination of problems. The main culprit was clogged fuel injectors, which were not delivering proper atomization. This caused uneven fuel distribution and the jerky performance. The diagnosis also revealed a failing crankshaft sensor, which contributed to the rough running. It turned out to be a serious issue requiring proper attention. The repair involved: Full fuel injector cleaning and calibration, Replacement of the crankshaft sensor, Fuel system pressure testing The engine misfire symptoms disappeared completely after these repairs. Unlike basic maintenance tasks, this required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify the failing components. Would strongly recommend finding a shop that specializes in VW diesel engines, as proper diagnostic equipment is essential for accurate troubleshooting. These symptoms shouldnt be ignored as they can lead to more severe engine damage if left unaddressed.

Thanks for your detailed response about the injector and sensor issues. The problems you described match mine exactly. After your reply, I took my Lupo to a VW specialist who did find multiple clogged fuel injectors and a failing oxygen sensor causing my engine misfire. They fixed it and the car runs smoothly now. Just curious, what did the full repair end up costing you? And have you had any similar issues pop up since getting it fixed?

Thanks for the update on your Lupo. Glad to hear the specialist was able to diagnose and fix the problems. My repair experience with the Polo turned out well too, after addressing the clogged injectors and crankshaft sensor, the uneven engine running completely resolved. The mechanic also found a small leak in the exhaust system near the oxygen sensor that needed attention. Total cost for my repairs came to 265€, which covered fixing the exhaust leak. Since getting these issues sorted, the engine has been running perfectly smooth with no engine misfire problems returning. Regular maintenance has kept the fuel injectors clean and everything working as it should. The investment was worth it to prevent more serious engine damage down the line. These VW diesels are generally reliable once you get the fuel system properly sorted out.

Good to hear back from everyone. After dealing with this frustrating issue, I finally got my Lupo fixed last week. Found a certified VW specialist who really knew their stuff. The total repair came to 320€, a bit more than yours but included the oxygen sensor replacement and a new air filter they recommended during inspection. The diagnosis process was thorough, they hooked up their computer, tested fuel pressure, and checked all sensors before starting any work. Much better experience than my previous mechanic who just wanted to replace parts without proper testing. Car runs like new now, no more jerking or rough idle. Even getting better fuel economy. Really glad I asked here first and followed the advice about finding a VW specialist. Will definitely stick with them for future maintenance needs.