VW Lupo Stalling: Tank Ventilation System Alert

I had an almost identical issue with my 2003 VW Polo 1.4. As someone with some hands-on experience working on VWs, this sounds very familiar. The check engine light and stalling symptoms perfectly match what I encountered. After initial diagnosis, the workshop found multiple clogged hoses in the emission system, which was causing the purge valve to malfunction. The pressure sensor was giving false readings because of this blockage. They had to clean out the entire ventilation system and verify the purge valve was functioning correctly. The total repair came to 175€, which included cleaning the system and testing all components. The issue never came back after this fix. Getting it sorted was definitely worth it, as these symptoms can lead to larger problems if left unchecked. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Have you scanned for error codes? Does the problem get worse after refueling? Is your gas cap sealing properly? How long has the check engine light been on? These details would help confirm if your issue matches what I experienced. The ventilation system problems often show similar symptoms across VW models from this era, but its best to verify the exact cause.

I had an almost identical issue with my 2003 VW Polo 1.4. As someone with some hands-on experience working on VWs, this sounds very familiar. The check engine light and stalling symptoms perfectly match what I encountered. After initial diagnosis, the workshop found multiple clogged hoses in the emission system, which was causing the purge valve to malfunction. The pressure sensor was giving false readings because of this blockage. They had to clean out the entire ventilation system and verify the purge valve was functioning correctly. The total repair came to 175€, which included cleaning the system and testing all components. The issue never came back after this fix. Getting it sorted was definitely worth it, as these symptoms can lead to larger problems if left unchecked. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Have you scanned for error codes? Does the problem get worse after refueling? Is your gas cap sealing properly? How long has the check engine light been on? These details would help confirm if your issue matches what I experienced. The ventilation system problems often show similar symptoms across VW models from this era, but its best to verify the exact cause.

Last serviced 2 months ago, currently at 52338km. Just checked for trouble codes and got P0441, evaporative emission control system incorrect purge flow. The problem definitely gets worse right after filling up the fuel tank. I cleaned around the gas cap but it did not help. The check engine light started flashing about a week ago. Based on what you describe, looks like Im dealing with the same automotive repair issue. Was the purge valve visibly dirty when they removed it? Did they need any special tools to access the emission system components? Trying to gauge if this is something I could tackle myself to save on labor costs.

Last serviced 2 months ago, currently at 52338km. Just checked for trouble codes and got P0441, evaporative emission control system incorrect purge flow. The problem definitely gets worse right after filling up the fuel tank. I cleaned around the gas cap but it did not help. The check engine light started flashing about a week ago. Based on what you describe, looks like Im dealing with the same automotive repair issue. Was the purge valve visibly dirty when they removed it? Did they need any special tools to access the emission system components? Trying to gauge if this is something I could tackle myself to save on labor costs.

Thanks for those additional details, those symptoms are exactly like what I experienced with my Polo. The P0441 code confirms what we suspected about the tank ventilation system. When they removed my purge valve, it was completely gunked up with carbon deposits and debris. The ventilation lines were also badly clogged. While cleaning the emission system components is possible as a DIY job, accessing everything properly required some VW-specific tools, especially for disconnecting the pressure sensor and fuel system connections safely. In my case, attempting to clean the purge valve myself actually made things worse because I couldnt properly test the system pressure afterward. The workshop used specialized diagnostic equipment to verify the emission system was working correctly after the repair. Some specifics from my repair that might help you decide: Labor time was about 2 hours, Required pressure testing equipment, Needed special fuel line disconnect tools, Full system diagnosis was necessary to prevent repeat issues Given the similarities to my case, and considering the check engine light is flashing, Id recommend getting it checked professionally. When mine started flashing, it was a sign that the emission system issue was beginning to affect engine performance more seriously. Also, while youre at it, have them check the gas cap pressure seal. My mechanic discovered mine was slightly warped, which contributed to the problem.

Thanks for those additional details, those symptoms are exactly like what I experienced with my Polo. The P0441 code confirms what we suspected about the tank ventilation system. When they removed my purge valve, it was completely gunked up with carbon deposits and debris. The ventilation lines were also badly clogged. While cleaning the emission system components is possible as a DIY job, accessing everything properly required some VW-specific tools, especially for disconnecting the pressure sensor and fuel system connections safely. In my case, attempting to clean the purge valve myself actually made things worse because I couldnt properly test the system pressure afterward. The workshop used specialized diagnostic equipment to verify the emission system was working correctly after the repair. Some specifics from my repair that might help you decide: Labor time was about 2 hours, Required pressure testing equipment, Needed special fuel line disconnect tools, Full system diagnosis was necessary to prevent repeat issues Given the similarities to my case, and considering the check engine light is flashing, Id recommend getting it checked professionally. When mine started flashing, it was a sign that the emission system issue was beginning to affect engine performance more seriously. Also, while youre at it, have them check the gas cap pressure seal. My mechanic discovered mine was slightly warped, which contributed to the problem.

Based on your description and the codes, I think we can conclude its definitely an EVAP system issue. I appreciate the detailed info about your repair experience. The P0441 code matches my symptoms, and hearing that the purge valve was badly clogged in your case makes a lot of sense. Since my problem also gets worse after refueling and the check engine light is flashing, I should probably skip the DIY attempt. The special tools and testing equipment needed for proper automotive repair of the emission system components make it less practical as a home fix. Ill take it to a workshop and have them check both the purge valve and pressure sensor. Considering the mileage and age, a thorough system cleaning sounds like the best approach. Will make sure they inspect the gas cap seal too, since that could be contributing to the tank ventilation issues. The 175€ repair cost seems reasonable for the work involved. Better to fix it properly now than risk more engine problems. Thanks for sharing your repair experience, helped me avoid wasting time on temporary fixes.

Based on your description and the codes, I think we can conclude its definitely an EVAP system issue. I appreciate the detailed info about your repair experience. The P0441 code matches my symptoms, and hearing that the purge valve was badly clogged in your case makes a lot of sense. Since my problem also gets worse after refueling and the check engine light is flashing, I should probably skip the DIY attempt. The special tools and testing equipment needed for proper automotive repair of the emission system components make it less practical as a home fix. Ill take it to a workshop and have them check both the purge valve and pressure sensor. Considering the mileage and age, a thorough system cleaning sounds like the best approach. Will make sure they inspect the gas cap seal too, since that could be contributing to the tank ventilation issues. The 175€ repair cost seems reasonable for the work involved. Better to fix it properly now than risk more engine problems. Thanks for sharing your repair experience, helped me avoid wasting time on temporary fixes.