VW Polo TDI Check Engine Light & Rough Idle Fix

Had a similar situation with my 2010 VW Golf TDI. The check engine light started flashing and engine stalling became noticeable at idle. Turned out the vacuum hoses connecting to the pump were deteriorating, causing inconsistent air supply to the engine. The initial symptoms match what you describe, rough idle and potential air delivery problems. The vacuum hoses inspection revealed multiple connection points where the rubber had hardened and cracked, creating small air leaks. A thorough check of the throttle body also showed carbon buildup affecting proper air flow. This was a serious issue requiring immediate attention since faulty air supply can damage other engine components if left unchecked. The repair involved replacing all vacuum hoses, cleaning the throttle body, and recalibrating the air intake sensors. Your symptoms strongly suggest checking these components, particularly the vacuum system and air intake assembly. Worth having a qualified technician perform a smoke test to identify any air leaks in the system. The repair took about 5 hours at the shop due to the complex routing of vacuum lines in TDI engines. Recommend getting this checked soon as these symptoms typically worsen and can lead to more extensive engine damage.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Golf TDI. Your description of the vacuum hoses problem and manifold pressure issues sounds exactly like what I am dealing with. I ended up taking my Polo to another shop and they also found cracked vacuum lines causing engine stalling. Currently waiting for parts to arrive. Can you remember roughly how much the full repair cost in the end? Also wondering if you had any related issues pop up since getting it fixed?

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. After getting the repair done, the engine stalling issue was completely resolved. The vacuum hoses and air intake system have been working perfectly since the fix, which cost 175€ for replacing the faulty hose connection from the pump to the valve. The manifold pressure is now stable and the engine runs smoothly at all speeds. Unlike before, there are no more rough idle problems or check engine warnings. The repair was definitely worth it as proper air flow through the throttle body is crucial for engine performance. No related issues have appeared in the months since the repair. Just make sure they do a thorough check of all vacuum hoses while they have it apart, as replacing just one section might miss other potential weak points in the system. The cost you pay now for proper repairs could prevent more expensive damage down the line. Based on your description of similar symptoms, you should see the same positive results once your parts arrive and are installed properly.

After getting the parts and repair done, I am happy to report everything is working perfectly now. The repair cost came to 210€ total, which included replacing multiple vacuum hoses and cleaning the throttle body. The check engine light is gone and the rough idle problems have completely disappeared. The new mechanic did a thorough job finding all the deteriorating hoses rather than just fixing one section. They showed me the cracked pieces they removed and explained how the vacuum leak was affecting engine performance. The air intake system is now working properly and the engine runs smoothly at all speeds. I would definitely recommend getting a complete inspection of the vacuum system rather than quick fixes. The investment in proper repairs now definitely helps avoid bigger engine issues later. Three weeks after the fix and no warning lights or engine stalling issues have returned.