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matthiaskrueger78

VW Transporter: Power Loss + Rich Fuel Mix Symptoms

My VW Transporter (2022, gas engine, 146k km) is acting up with power loss and rough running. The engine light is on and fuel consumption has gone through the roof. Based on my research, I suspect a rich mixture causing these issues. The car jerks when I hit the gas. My last mechanic visit left me skeptical of their diagnosis. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms? I am particularly interested in what components were faulty in your cases and if you can recommend reliable fixes. Were issues typically related to the intake manifold, spark plugs, or something else?

4 comment(s)

luisaraven34

Had the same symptoms on my VW Golf GTI 2019 last summer. The check engine light came on during highway driving, accompanied by significant power loss and jerky acceleration. The fuel economy dropped dramatically, consuming about 30% more fuel than usual. After thorough diagnostics, the problem was traced to a faulty fuel injector. The injector was stuck partially open, causing excess fuel delivery and creating a rich mixture. This explained both the poor performance and increased fuel consumption. The oxygen sensor readings confirmed the rich condition. The repair required replacing the defective injector and cleaning the intake manifold, which had carbon buildup from the rich running condition. The air filter was also replaced as a preventive measure since it was contaminated with excess fuel residue. This is considered a serious issue because: Continued operation risks damaging the catalytic converter, Unburned fuel can wash cylinder walls, causing internal engine damage, Failed injectors often indicate potential issues with other injectors Post-repair, the engine returned to smooth operation with normal fuel consumption. Recommend getting proper diagnostics done, as these symptoms typically worsen if left unaddressed.

matthiaskrueger78 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with that faulty injector. I had similar issues affecting my air-fuel ratio on my Transporter last month, and your description matches what I went through. Check engine light came on while the engine ran really rough. After checking the spark plugs and air filter myself, I took it to a shop and they found one bad injector plus carbon deposits. Both needed fixing to get everything running smooth again. Did you remember what the total repair cost was for your fuel injectors and intake work? Also curious if you have had any related problems pop up since the fix?

luisaraven34

After getting the repair done on my Golf GTI, the total came to 515€ for replacing the faulty injector and addressing the related issues. This included cleaning out the carbon deposits that had built up from the rich mixture condition. The fix completely resolved the problems. The check engine light went off, and the engine has been running perfectly since then. Fuel consumption returned to normal levels once the injector was replaced and the oxygen sensor readings showed proper air-fuel mixture. No related issues have occurred in the months following the repair. The smooth idle and consistent power delivery confirm the rich mixture problem was fully resolved. The intake manifold cleaning done during the service also helped restore proper air flow, which was important for maintaining the correct fuel mixture. The investment was worth it considering how a faulty injector can lead to more expensive problems if left unchecked. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to check engine warnings help prevent these kinds of issues from developing into bigger problems.

matthiaskrueger78 (Author)

I took my Transporter to a different mechanic last week after reading your fuel injector experience. They did a full diagnostic scan and found a failing injector that was flooding the cylinder, similar to your case. The intake manifold also needed cleaning due to carbon buildup from the rich mixture condition. The total repair came to 480€, which included: New fuel injector, Intake manifold cleaning, Labor costs, Basic system check After the fix, the engine runs perfectly smooth again. No more jerking when accelerating and the fuel economy is back to normal levels. The check engine light is off and the oxygen sensor readings show proper mixture now. Very glad I got it sorted quickly before it could damage other components. Will definitely keep an eye on the fuel consumption and engine performance to catch any future issues early. Thanks again for helping point me in the right direction with your similar experience.

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