Exhaust System Light flashing

[omaqsood]

Hi Guys,

New Golf GTI MKV owner and first time poster but long time lurker!

I've only driven my GTI twice and after filling the tank up with fuel (BP Ultimate), I've noticed a problem.

It seems when I put my foot down, after a few times the Exhaust System light starts to flash and the car seems to lose power when accelerating.

Any ideas?

Cheers
Oz

[cmdrfire]

Exhaust light or check engine light?

How old is your GTI?

Could be DV (as a first thought).

Edit: Does the light go out again?

[omaqsood]

Hi mate,

Thanks for the quick response. Especially on Xmas day!

It's the Exhaust System light that flashes and some misfiring definitely occurs. If I drive normally for 5 mins or so, it disappears and the car drives as normal. However if I try to accelerate too sharply, the same problem occurs again and the light starts flashing.

According to the manual, I should drive slowly and take it to a dealer to investigate.

My GTI is an early 2005 model.

Apologies for my ignorance but what is the DV?

It could be related to the particular type of fuel I've used? The car has quite high mileage (>100K) and I'm wondering if a particular type of petrol has been used. Perhaps the change to BP Ultimate has caused the problem?

[rdfcpete]

I experienced this problem with the exhaust light but not in the manner you describe Omaq. Mine was on randomly but when it was illuminated, it didn't flash, just stayed on for the rest of the journey.

The problem I had turned out to be a Turbo valve and it was replaced under used car warranty.
Been fine ever since. My cars just covered 61k.

I think cmdrfire means the Dump Valve  
HTH  

[cmdrfire]

It's a Diverter Valve (recirculation rather than atmo dump).

They're prone to failing on earlier cars; revisions earlier than C or D as I recall.

If you're misfiring could be a dodgy coil - best to check it with VCDS.

One more thought before I go to sleep: is your car modified? Could be a fuel pump issue, but they're good for loads of bhp before you need an aftermarket one.

Best to get VCDS on it really.

[SteveS]

i got this CEL light when i put my foot down. probably due to remap. been told a TBE fixes. thats what i am having fitted on thursday

[omaqsood]

The situation got worse last night.

Driving back home from South London, the car decided to lose all power, without warning, in the middle of the road and wouldn't restart. Luckily I pushed it to the side of the ride and called Green Flag to come and investigate.

The engine kept turning and wouldn't start at all - it seemed to be in some fail safe mode.

The mechanic from Green Flag was absolutely useless and didn't have a clue. So after 3 hours was finally towed back home!

The ESP, Exhaust System and Battery light is now on when the ignition is turned on.

No idea where I'm going to find a good VW mechanic today or tomorrow!

Was thinking about joining the RAC and getting them to do a home start.

Absolute nightmare!