I am sure I will get some good advice & help regarding my mother in laws, 2008 VW Polo 1.4, 6 speed Automatic.

She bought the car a few months ago (September) after her husband passed away & his Motability car was returned, but she hates manual cars, so she had to have an automatic. The car was high mileage (134,000 miles) but I know VW are supposed to be good strong cars, so we thought it would be worth looking at. The test drive of the car went fine, the car drove well, & pulled through the gears ok & my brother in law checked everywhere else & all looked good. But just before christmas I was told that the car was struggling with power delivery & struggling to get in to 5th gear, I was also told that there was an engine management light on, which showed as 'P0420', the O2 sensor bank 1. So we replaced the sensor, eventually, after having 3 different ones sent out from different suppliers, but she decided in the end to just go get one from VW, which was fitted yesterday.

However, even after having the new sensor fitted, the car is still having power issues, I have just tried it for the first time, as my brother in law normally drives it, but he failed to give me any update regarding its performance. The car started ok, but you could tell it had not been driven for several weeks, as the brakes seemed frozen (it's been cold up here) & the heater was a bit noisy until I ran it faster.....but getting back to the driving.....I put the car in drive & headed out of the street & the car did seem sluggish & struggled to change gears in automatic drive mode, it felt like it did not want to go beyond 3rd/4th gear, even while it seemed to have a lot of revs as the engine sounded noisy. So I tried for a few minutes to see if it would improve, but it would not, so I thought I'd make sure the gears themselves were ok & put it in to manual mode, which did seem to help the car. However, even though I could change gears ok, there still seemed to be no pull & the car struggled to get up to 30mph going up a slight hill, & just got to around 50mph going downhill, again while still in manual mode, but just testing all gears changed ok so went up to 6th, they also went down by themselves as I was braking.

So I am hoping that someone on here might be able to give me an idea of what is causing these issues, I must add, that my brother in law did have a look at the transmission fluid & he said it looked black, but never said if it was thick or thin consistency, but this had us wondering if it could be a transmission issue, though apparently the manual says it should never need changing (I personally doubt that) as we know it should not be black.

There is one other slight issue, being that the rev counter sometimes goes straight beyond max & stays there so does not work, but then again sometimes it works fine, but I read somewhere about a possible fault at a connection with the alternator, though I don't know for certain if that is correct, so if you know what could cause that & have a cure, again I'd be grateful for the advice.

So is there anyone who can offer any advice, as the car cannot be used properly until this issue is sorted.

Any help or advice would be very gratefully appreciated & I give Thanks in advance for any help.

I hope this all makes sense.

Thanks for looking.

Edited 21 January, 20233 yr by 00Dash

Is the engine management light on after changing the sensor, or has that cleared? If it’s still on you could be in ‘limp home’ mode which won’t get you above 30mph. 
 

If it’s off then clearly there’s an issue elsewhere. Unfortunately I’m no expert on the later Polos,so my experience is pretty limited of your car, but I’d say your auto transmission fluid shouldn’t be black. This might be a daft question, but  it’s definitely the auto fluid and not the engine oil you are looking at?

Edited 21 January, 20233 yr by mk2tastic

1 hour ago, mk2tastic said:

Is the engine management light on after changing the sensor, or has that cleared? If it’s still on you could be in ‘limp home’ mode which won’t get you above 30mph. 
 

If it’s off then clearly there’s an issue elsewhere. Unfortunately I’m no expert on the later Polos,so my experience is pretty limited of your car, but I’d say your auto transmission fluid shouldn’t be black. This might be a daft question, but  it’s definitely the auto fluid and not the engine oil you are looking at?

Hi

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

The light has now gone off, so that looks to have cleared. I had a car go in to limp mode a few years back with a sensor issue & that kept the car below 30mph, so I'm guessing it's not stuck in limp mode, but I never thought to double check for any other codes, but as you can gather I'm no expert myself with VW's.

 

It is definitely the transmission fluid that he looked at, as he also checked the oil, when they bought it & it was nice & clean. We have been told of a garage that can check the transmission & service it, which is looking like our next option, unless someone can offer some different advice. I just don't understand why the gears were struggling to change in automatic mode, but worked ok when switched to manual, though I don't know if my brother in law tried driving it too hard in manual mode, but hasn't said anything, as he is a crap driver who thinks you have to screw everything out of each gear....he thinks every car he drives has to be driven as if he's in a race, but the most powerful car he has driven is this 1.4 auto, everything else has been either an old 1.2 or 1.0, with 75hp max.🤣

 

But I'll go recheck for codes, though not expecting any & I'll update if any change.

 

Thanks again for your reply, it is appreciated.

I have just speaking with my mother in law, & apparently my stupid brother in law did not like driving in automatic mode & only drove the car using it as a semi automatic. So god knows how badly the poor car has been treated by him, as he rings the neck out of each gear & quite possibly went down a gear instead of up, while at high revs, but he won't admit to driving it badly, all he likes to say is "I don't like automatics, or cars with any electrical stuff, & I hate fuel injection systems, as they are a waste of time & aren't needed"......his words often said to anyone near a car.

 

Anyway, I checked & the car showed no other issues, other than a possible A/C issue, nothing to do with limp mode. So i am going to contact a few local transmission specialists to get some more advice.  

It seems some VW’s with the DSG require oil changes at 40k and some don’t, it all depends if it has a dry or wet clutch system.

I’d still be surprised if the fluid should be black, it seems to be a straw colour when new. Overheating can cause oil to ‘burn’ and change colour, so as you say, it’s maybe a good idea to talk to a specialist auto transmission specialist, particularly one with VW DSG espereince.

 

It would be interesting to hear what how you get on with this. It seems the internet is full of DSG stories!

Edited 22 January, 20233 yr by mk2tastic

15 hours ago, 00Dash said:

"I don't like automatics, or cars with any electrical stuff, & I hate fuel injection systems, as they are a waste of time & aren't needed".

No electrical stuff? haha

  

No spark plugs and coil, no starter motor, no windscreen washer, no heater fan blower, no rear screen demister, no headlights, no brake lights, no indicators, no interior light, no temperature gauge, no fuel gauge.

Sounds like a horse and cart.

(actually a Hillman Imp screen washer was  a little rubber bulb operated with your thumb)

 

Don't get me started on carbs in winter.

 

32 minutes ago, dvderlm said:

No electrical stuff? haha

  

No spark plugs and coil, no starter motor, no windscreen washer, no heater fan blower, no rear screen demister, no headlights, no brake lights, no indicators, no interior light, no temperature gauge, no fuel gauge.

Sounds like a horse and cart.

(actually a Hillman Imp screen washer was  a little rubber bulb operated with your thumb)

 

Don't get me started on carbs in winter.

 

Haha,

 

Like I'm sure I said, he's a fool. He drives an old Vauxhall Nova 1.2 normally, but he started messing around with it, to the point where he has somehow caused a problem with his carb, & if you have to go in it, you need windows open or you'll choke on  fumes that are getting inside the car.

 

The Polo was bought, as said for my mother in law to use mainly, but he was going to use it over the winter & to take her shopping, but I'm sure the way he's been driving it has caused these problems.

12 hours ago, mk2tastic said:

It seems some VW’s with the DSG require oil changes at 40k and some don’t, it all depends if it has a dry or wet clutch system.

I’d still be surprised if the fluid should be black, it seems to be a straw colour when new. Overheating can cause oil to ‘burn’ and change colour, so as you say, it’s maybe a good idea to talk to a specialist auto transmission specialist, particularly one with VW DSG espereince.

 

It would be interesting to hear what how you get on with this. It seems the internet is full of DSG stories!

I actually found out yesterday, what he was looking at & saying was the burt fluid, is actually the power steering fluid, which was the correct colour, & not black as he said.

 

I think it is best to get it to someone who knows how to deal with the transmission, as I read it should have the fluid changed every 50,000-60,000 miles & couldn't see that it had been done when it was serviced.

 

I'll give an update after I've seen the specialist, but thanks for the reply.

On 23/01/2023 at 10:03, 00Dash said:

He drives an old Vauxhall Nova 1.2 normally, but he started messing around with it, to the point where he has somehow caused a problem with his carb, & if you have to go in it, you need windows open or you'll choke on  fumes that are getting inside the car.

Likely filler neck rust, rather than the carb, same as on 1980s Polo

(unless he has cut away the engine compartment bulkhead, any engine fumes should not normally enter the cab)

https://www.pngclub.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-216565.html

 

Make sure he sorts it before someone lights a cigarette in the back or has a loose vape battery touching their keys in their pocket.

https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/03/e-cigarette-battery-explodes-in-womans-pocket-and-sets-her-on-fire-15713450/

Edited 24 January, 20233 yr by dvderlm

On 23/01/2023 at 10:09, 00Dash said:

I actually found out yesterday, what he was looking at & saying was the burt fluid, is actually the power steering fluid, which was the correct colour, & not black as he said.

 

I think it is best to get it to someone who knows how to deal with the transmission, as I read it should have the fluid changed every 50,000-60,000 miles & couldn't see that it had been done when it was serviced.

 

I'll give an update after I've seen the specialist, but thanks for the reply.

 

Might be a stupid question, but... It's not got a brake rubbing/ binding has it? Always start with the easy stuff. 

2 hours ago, Yeti said:

 

Might be a stupid question, but... It's not got a brake rubbing/ binding has it? Always start with the easy stuff. 

Hi,

 

The brakes can be a little noisy at first, but they aren't binding, but thanks for your help 👍

 

I have spoken to a gearbox specialist who said worse case it could be a replacement gearbox, as he thinks my brother in law may have put strain on some plastic bits inside it, & cost could be over £3,000. 😲

 

But I'm taking it to a garage which is closer tomorrow who are going to do a diagnostic check & a test drive with me, though I don't hold out much hope of better news.☹️

 

I wouldn't care but the car itself is in good condition, interior & body wise, it even has a new full exhaust.....but I could kill my hopeless brother in law for not driving it as it should have been.....as a regular automatic.🤬

 

 

It doesn't smell like gearbox to me, for a start, as long as you're using a decent scanner, DSG (actually, is it DSG on a 2008?) is generally pretty good at telling you when somethings not right. 

 

I know you say there's no brakes binding, and I'm probably banging on about something you've tried, but I'd jack each wheel up in turn and give them a spin to see what they feel like.

 

Does it rev freely in neutral?

 

And yeah, I know what you mean about people that take a car that changes gear for you as an affront to their massive driving ego, I'm related to one and live next door to another. Apparently you're lazy and not a "real driver" if you don't drive a manual.😆

On 30/01/2023 at 18:10, Yeti said:

It doesn't smell like gearbox to me, for a start, as long as you're using a decent scanner, DSG (actually, is it DSG on a 2008?) is generally pretty good at telling you when somethings not right. 

 

I know you say there's no brakes binding, and I'm probably banging on about something you've tried, but I'd jack each wheel up in turn and give them a spin to see what they feel like.

 

Does it rev freely in neutral?

 

And yeah, I know what you mean about people that take a car that changes gear for you as an affront to their massive driving ego, I'm related to one and live next door to another. Apparently you're lazy and not a "real driver" if you don't drive a manual.😆

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in replying.

 

I had the car taken in to a local garage, who checked the gear box & said it is all ok, but when they checked emissions, they were way to high, & he seemed to think it was something inside the engine, as there was a small pool of oil in the air filter, on the rubberised area.

 

But to answer your question regarding it revving freely in neutral, it did seem to, but after we got the car back from the garage, I had a quick look online & it was mentioned that the throttle body could be dirty, so I removed the air box & had a look  while someone revved it for me. At first there seemed to be little movement in the butterfly valve, so I gave a few squirts with a throttle cleaner, & the valve did seem to start moving more, so I decided to remove it completely. After cleaning the valve did seem to move better, but the problem with accelerating is still there. 

 

When I test drove it after cleaning the throttle body, the car still failed to drive ok, if accelerating gently it would go through 1st to 3rd & up to 30mph, but as soon as you put any sort of power down, the engine would rev & struggle to jump in to 4th, 5th & never really gets enough speed for 6th. So I done a bit more digging on the internet & now have started thinking it could be related to the torque converter, as I have seen a few bits on Youtube which describe similar issues, but I'd love to know what people on here think, because the car is a non runner as is.

 

I was unsure if it is possible to refill the transmission fluid in the gearbox/torque converter, though I'm guessing not, but again I'd love some advice if possible.

 

I have to add, when we were told of emission problems, a new Cat was bought & fitted, as there was no mention of that being changed in any of the documents/paperwork that came with the car, even though the main exhaust under the car had been replaced. 

 

So thanks again, to all who have helped so far & to all who might be able to offer any more help/advice.....it is much appreciated. 

Edited 14 March, 20233 yr by 00Dash

Just to add, the injectors have all been checked & all are showing a good flow, so no blockages in them.

 

I have been given the use of an icarsoft scanner, which I know does list the car, though I'm not 100%on how to use it, but I thought I might check the throttle position sensor, just to make sure that's not part of the problem.

 

But again any advice appreciated.

DSG's don't have a torque convertor, so if it is DSG, we can rule that out. Are you sure it's DSG and not the older tiptronic box though? I think the tip was a 5 speed, but they're not one i'm up on. 

1 minute ago, Yeti said:

DSG's don't have a torque convertor, so if it is DSG, we can rule that out. Are you sure it's DSG and not the older tiptronic box though? I think the tip was a 5 speed, but they're not one i'm up on. 

To be honest I have no idea what type of gearbox it is, other than I know it's a 6 speed auto, the sticker in the engine bay says a 9N BUD (see pics), if that helps. 

Here's what the engine looks like, if it helps.

I've just realised I forgot to put the breather pipe back on, so I'll do that in the morning.😳

 

I have to say this car has become a nightmare.😭

If it is the torque converter I think I've found a possible second hand replacement, but it will be an awkward job to do at home, in the garage.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114996113884?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vhUtxUwGRlm&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=6DFjqPz2Rvy&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

See if the scan picks up anything.

 

I can/will look up your transmission type after I've eaten in about an hour.

Your transmission code is JUF, which is a member of the 09G family of gearboxes.

 

For what it's worth, this seems more like an engine problem to me.  

 

15 hours ago, Pete1 said:

Your transmission code is JUF, which is a member of the 09G family of gearboxes.

 

For what it's worth, this seems more like an engine problem to me.  

 

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

 

I tried the icarsoft to see if there were any error codes & if I'm correct, I think at least one point to the ECU (see pic), but there were a few other odd bits, which I'll try to show or list.

 

But am I correct in thinking that this could have, possibly been altered by someone to get the emissions or fuel economy sorted?

That suggests, I think, that there is one or more fault codes logged in the engine ECU.

Not sure why it isn't just telling us what they are. Or perhaps your next post will.

There's this code 00819, which I think is an air-con pressure sensor, from looking online, but only about £10 - £15 for the replacement, but not urgent, compared to getting it running properly. 

 

 

This scanner is really good, but all codes come on separate screens, but there are a few, so bare with me.