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jonas_schmid7

VW Scirocco Stalling: Fuel Tank Vent System Alert

Having issues with my 2016 VW Scirocco lately. The check engine light keeps coming on and the engine stalls when idling. I suspect a fuel tank ventilation system leak might be causing these problems. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Interested in hearing about your experiences with diagnosis and repairs, especially regarding leak detection procedures and what the actual fix turned out to be. Also wondering about typical repair costs and workshop time needed to fix this type of issue. Currently trying to determine if its worth getting this checked immediately or if its safe to drive for a few more days.

4 comment(s)

johannesbaumann90

I had a very similar issue with my 2014 VW Golf GTI. As someone with moderate car repair experience, I can relate to your concerns about the fuel system problems. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, check engine light and stalling issues. My problem turned out to be a defective activated charcoal filter in the EVAP system. The purge valve and pressure sensor were functioning correctly, but the degraded filter was causing improper air flow through the system. The workshop did a complete leak detection test of the EVAP system to pinpoint the exact issue. The repair took about 3 hours total and cost me 275€, including parts and labor. The investment was worth it, as the problem was completely resolved after replacing the charcoal filter. While it might be technically possible to drive for a few days, these symptoms can worsen and potentially cause additional fuel system damage. The stalling issue particularly concerns me from a safety perspective. To provide more specific advice about your case, could you share: Have you noticed any fuel smell? Does the check engine light flash or stay constant? Are there any issues when refueling? Have you scanned for specific error codes?

jonas_schmid7 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed response. I havent noticed any fuel smell, and the check engine light stays constant rather than flashing. Since my last service at 130000km, error code P0456 keeps appearing, pointing to a small EVAP system leak. The stalling seems worse during cold starts, which makes me think the charcoal filter might indeed be the culprit affecting proper air flow through the system. I noticed reduced fuel efficiency lately too, getting about 1.5L/100km more than usual. I will schedule a workshop visit this week. The symptoms match your Golf GTI case too closely to ignore, and I dont want to risk further system failure by waiting.

johannesbaumann90

Thanks for those additional details about your Scirocco symptoms. The P0456 code alongside the cold start issues definitely reinforces my initial thoughts about the EVAP system being the root cause. When my Golf GTI showed similar symptoms, the fuel efficiency drop was actually one of the first signs something was wrong. The degraded charcoal filter was disrupting proper air flow, which directly impacted the fuel-air mixture and overall system pressure. After fixing the charcoal filter, my fuel consumption returned to normal within 2-3 tank fills. The pressure sensor readings normalized immediately, and the cold start stalling completely disappeared. The repair has held up perfectly for over 40000km now. The fact that your symptoms worsen during cold starts is particularly telling. This matches the behavior pattern I experienced when the EVAP system was struggling to maintain proper pressure during temperature changes. Based on my experience, getting this addressed quickly is the right call. While my repair was 275€, prices can vary based on parts availability and labor rates. The 3-hour workshop time should be similar though, since the diagnostic and repair process is fairly standardized for these EVAP system issues.

jonas_schmid7 (Author)

Thanks for all this helpful input. You definitely convinced me to get this sorted soon. After reading about your similar experience with the EVAP system leak in your Golf GTI, I feel more confident about what to expect at the workshop. The matching symptoms, especially the fuel efficiency drop and cold start issues, make me pretty sure its the charcoal filter. The fact that my P0456 code specifically points to a small EVAP system leak supports this theory too. I will book an appointment tomorrow morning. The 275€ repair cost seems reasonable considering the potential for more serious system failure if left unchecked. Plus, the stalling is getting more frequent, and I dont want to risk any safety issues. Really appreciate the detailed explanation about your repair experience and outcome. It helps to know the fix should take about 3 hours and that the fuel consumption should return to normal after a few tank fills. Will update the forum once I get it sorted.

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