P0303 - Cyl 3 misfire

"BJ" (benjamin-bignell) 01/05/2019 at 16:17 • Filed to: Halp!, Shade Tree Mechanic

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The Passat gave us a nice gift this morning. My wife said it started rough, but after punching the throttle a bit, everything was fine.

I took it for a short drive and had no issues. It ran smooth enough and wasn’t limping. Maintenance is all up-to-date but I’d need to check what’s next. It may soon be time for a major service (plugs, etc). The car has been more or less just sitting for a number of days in cold winter weather. It's a 2008 with the 2L turbo. 

So, what do I do? Just drive and wait for it to happen again? Run straight to the garage? Throw a ton of parts at it and see what happens?

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > BJ 01/05/2019 at 16:28

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What year/engine? FWIW the 2.0 ABA in my Golf likes to miss when I start it for the first time after a few days below freezing. I’d take a peek at the plugs first, then distributor if the all look good.

66P1800inpieces > BJ 01/05/2019 at 17:23

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2.0 AEG engine ignition coil (no distributor) in my 1999 Golf seems to last about 80,000 miles before cracking. First symptom is single misfires and then random misfires. Normally an issue when it rains a lot. I find with my Golf OEM ignition parts are the only way to go. Even the plugs, I get the generic NGK version (same as dealer).  

BJ > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 01/05/2019 at 17:58

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2008, 2.0T (FSI I think)

I suspect the shitty weather, it’s been a rollercoaster of cold/mild weather with lots of humidity.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > BJ 01/05/2019 at 18:01

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I’ve never touched one of those, only the 2.slow and 1.8 turbos. They’re coil on plug, right? P lugs, wires, coils, dizzy is the best place to start.

BJ > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 01/05/2019 at 19:22

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Yes, coil on plug I believe. Since it's gone away it'll perhaps be tricky to diagnose.

66P1800inpieces > BJ 01/05/2019 at 20:10

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Maybe switch the plug pack on cylinder 3 with the one on cylinder 1.  If it comes up again and is on 1 it should help you diagnose a faulty coil. 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > 66P1800inpieces 01/05/2019 at 20:27

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Yup, that's the best way to do it. Move stuff around til you find the faulty part. Also worth asking- what's the mileage and have plugs/packs/wires every been replaced?

BJ > 66P1800inpieces 01/05/2019 at 20:38

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Good idea, I might try this.