VW Beetle EVAP Stalling, DIY Troubleshooting Guide

Had similar symptoms on my 2010 VW Golf with the 2.0 TSI engine. The check engine light came on and the car would stall at idle, especially after refueling. The issue turned out to be a clogged EVAP system with multiple failing components. The main problem was debris blocking the purge valve, preventing proper tank ventilation. The hoses in the emission system were also severely contaminated. This required a complete cleaning of the EVAP system pathways and replacement of the purge valve assembly. The gas cap was also not sealing correctly, which contributed to the ventilation issues. This is often overlooked but can trigger similar symptoms. A proper diagnosis revealed multiple fault codes related to the emission system. This was a serious repair that required specialized equipment to test the EVAP system pressure and identify all failed components. While time-consuming to diagnose, fixing these issues prevented potential fuel delivery problems and improved overall engine performance. Worth checking the gas cap seal first and having a professional scan for specific EVAP-related codes before proceeding with major repairs.

Thanks for sharing your Golf experience. My Beetle had identical symptoms, especially the stalling at idle and constant engine light warnings. Had it fixed last month and the automotive repair shop found multiple issues with the EVAP system and fuel tank ventilation components. Just curious, do you remember the total repair cost for your car? Also, has everything worked properly since the fix or have you noticed any other problems?

After getting my Golf repaired, the tank ventilation system has worked flawlessly. The pressure sensor readings are normal and the engine light has stayed off. Total cost was 175€ to clear and fix the clogged hoses, which was reasonable considering the complexity of EVAP system repairs. The automotive repair shop did a thorough job testing the system after cleaning. No issues with the gas cap or other components since then. The car runs smoothly at idle now, and I have not experienced any more stalling problems. Getting it fixed early likely prevented more expensive damage to related components. This type of repair typically solves the problem long-term when done correctly. Just make sure to keep the gas cap properly sealed during refueling to prevent future ventilation issues.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. After going to my local repair shop, they diagnosed similar EVAP system problems. The purge valve was completely clogged and several emission system components needed cleaning. The mechanic found debris blocking proper fuel tank ventilation and replaced both the purge valve and some deteriorated hoses. Total repair came to 220€ which included diagnostic testing. Really glad I got it checked out, the car runs perfectly now with no more stalling or engine light warnings. Definitely learned to take tank ventilation issues seriously and not wait too long when these symptoms appear. No problems since the repair was completed about 3 weeks ago.