cuts out into limp mode

[biffytoe]

hi all. ive got a really annoying problem with my mk4 1.4 ibiza. its intermittent but it cuts into limp mode randomly, ive taken it to the garage about 5 or 6 times now to have it on there computer but it only says that cylinder 3, so they keep fixing that prob but a few days later its doing the same again, this time they said it may be the timing chain but have now told me it hasnt slipped.

has anyone got any ideas or experiences with similar issues?? any help is extremely welcome.

thanks in advance for any help.

 

[cheshire cat]

well my next step would be a compression test ask for wet AND dry are they using vag com?

 

[Arkaig]

The 1.4 has a belt rather than a chain and they aren't known for causing problems unless past the change interval.

Could be as simple as the wiring to the coils and spark plugs. How old are the spark plugs?

Changing the coils around to see if the problem moves to another cylinder would narrow that down.

 

[biffytoe]

sorry its a 1.2, 55reg would this still be a belt or chain? we have moved the coils around and also bought new ones, but its always cylinder 3. we have not yet done a compression test though. thanks for replies so far.

 

[britishsligean]

the 1.2 is a chain driven engine, being a 05/06 model is should have the less troublesome bme engine in whch i believe they sorted the stretching/slipping chain issue

 

[RUM4MO]

So, the plugs have been replaced, still no change, coils have been swopped over, still no change, how about swopping injectors over?

Edit:- if the logged fault is always miss firing cylinder 3, then if the ignition side of things is not the cause, it must just be the effect, ie fuelling issue worst in that cylinder or wiring to either ignition or injection, failing that as said go for a compression check.