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paulaschmitz8

VW Atlas Power Loss and Jerky Acceleration Fix Needed

My 2016 VW Atlas started acting up recently, lost power, rough running, and check engine light on. When accelerating, it jerks noticeably. From what I understand, it might be running too lean. Had a bad experience with my last mechanic, so I want to know if anyone has dealt with similar symptoms. Could it be the throttle body or oxygen sensor causing these issues? 95500km on the clock, and its the gas engine model. Anyone faced something similar and can recommend what to check first?

4 comment(s)

ninadunkel4

Recently dealt with nearly identical symptoms on my 2019 VW Tiguan. After scanning, it turned out to be a faulty fuel injector causing improper fuel atomization. The check engine light was definitely a key indicator, along with the same jerking during acceleration you described. The lean condition triggered similar concerns about the oxygen sensor initially, but the diagnostic revealed the injector was the core issue. The garage determined this through monitoring fuel trim values and conducting cylinder balance tests. The repair involved replacing two fuel injectors, as the second one was showing early signs of failure. This ended up being a serious repair since bad injectors can potentially damage the catalytic converter if left unchecked. The mass air flow sensor readings were also affected by the faulty injectors, which contributed to the lean running condition. Worth checking these points first: Fuel pressure test, Injector electrical signals, Cylinder compression, Spark plugs condition The symptoms cleared completely after the injector replacement. Given the mileage on your Atlas, its worth having a proper diagnostic done by a VW specialist who can properly test the injection system.

paulaschmitz8 (Author)

Really appreciate sharing your Tiguan experience, the symptoms sound exactly like what I am dealing with. I will definitely have those points checked, especially the injectors since they seem to have been the culprit in your case. Before I book it in with a specialist, would you mind sharing how much the injector replacement cost you? Also curious if you have had any other issues pop up since the repair was done? I am particularly concerned about the catalytic converter you mentioned, as my check engine light has been pretty persistent and I dont want to risk any additional damage by waiting too long. My local parts store can do a free scan, but I am thinking I should skip straight to a VW specialist given the possible fuel system issues.

ninadunkel4

Since my last post, I took the Atlas to a VW specialist and the diagnosis was spot-on, a defective injection valve was causing the lean fuel mixture. The repair cost came to 515€ for replacing the faulty fuel injector, and I am happy to report the engine is running perfectly now. The air-fuel ratio has returned to normal and the check engine light has stayed off. The jerking during acceleration completely disappeared once the new injector was installed. The throttle response is smooth again, and the oxygen sensor readings are back within spec. Getting a proper diagnosis from a specialist was definitely worth it. They ran comprehensive tests on the fuel system and spotted the issue quickly before it could affect the catalytic converter. The original spark plugs were also inspected and found to be in good condition, so no additional repairs were needed. No other issues have surfaced in the weeks since the repair. The engine performance and fuel economy are back to normal. Based on my experience, I would recommend going straight to a specialist rather than just getting a basic code scan, as these fuel system problems need proper diagnostic equipment to pinpoint accurately.

paulaschmitz8 (Author)

Following up on my initial concerns about the Atlas, I finally took it to a VW certified shop last week. The intake manifold and fuel injectors were tested, revealing a clogged injector that was causing the lean condition. The total bill came to 490€ for diagnostics and replacing the bad injector. The mechanic also cleaned the throttle body while they were in there, which helped smooth out the idle. After the repair, the check engine light cleared and the jerking during acceleration is completely gone. They showed me the old injector, it was pretty gunked up. Makes sense why the engine was running so rough. The oxygen sensor readings are now normal and the engine pulls strong through all gears. Really glad I got it sorted before any damage occurred to other components. No issues since the repair was completed. The car feels like new again and fuel economy has improved noticeably. Definitely worth spending the extra money on a proper diagnostic rather than trying to chase problems with just a code reader.

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