VW Bora Diesel Surging and Stalling: MAP Sensor Alert

Had similar issues with my VW Passat 1998 Diesel at 140k km. The symptoms match what I experienced, engine misfire, rough idle, and poor acceleration with check engine light illuminated. The root cause was a failed intake manifold gasket that created an air leak, causing incorrect readings from the manifold sensor. The scorching around the gasket area indicated it had been leaking for some time. This also explained the strong exhaust smell, as the engine was running with improper air-fuel mixture. This repair requires complete manifold removal to replace the gasket and check for warping. The mechanic also had to clean the air intake system and reset the engine management system. Not a quick fix, but essential to prevent further engine damage. Make sure the shop: Performs proper diagnostic testing, Checks both the manifold and related sensors, Inspects for additional heat damage, Uses OEM gasket parts, Tests the repair under load conditions This is considered a serious repair that affects engine performance and efficiency. Continuing to drive with these symptoms risks more extensive engine damage.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the manifold gasket leak repair. That sounds exactly like what I am dealing with now, the vacuum leak symptoms and poor engine performance match up perfectly. I am planning to take it to a different shop this week since my previous mechanic seemed unsure about the proper diagnostic approach. Could you remember roughly how much the full repair cost you? Also, have you experienced any related issues since the fix? Just want to make sure I budget correctly and know what to expect for long-term reliability. The check engine light and rough running are getting worse, so I need to address this soon before risking more damage to the engine.

Got good news to share, took my car to a reputable shop and confirmed it was indeed the intake manifold that was causing all those problems. The repair cost came to 1180€ total, which included replacing the defective manifold parts and fixing the scorching damage. Since getting it fixed, the engine performance is back to normal with no vacuum leaks or check engine lights. The rough idle and acceleration issues are completely gone. The manifold sensor is now getting accurate readings, and the engine runs smoothly even under load. The price might seem steep, but considering the comprehensive work needed to prevent future engine damage, it was worth every cent. The repair has held up perfectly for several months now with no related problems whatsoever. Your decision to switch repair shops sounds smart, proper diagnostic testing is crucial for this type of issue. Make sure they thoroughly check the manifold pressure and surrounding components to catch any additional damage that might have occurred while running with the leak.

Thanks for the helpful advice. After reading about your experiences, I finally got my car fixed at a new repair shop. The total bill came to 1350€ but it was completely worth it. The mechanic found multiple issues with the intake manifold system. There was a significant vacuum leak from a cracked gasket and the manifold sensor was giving faulty readings. They replaced the damaged parts, cleaned the entire air intake system, and recalibrated everything. The difference is incredible, no more jerking during acceleration, the engine runs smooth as silk, and that nasty exhaust smell is gone. The check engine light has stayed off and the car feels like new again. Really glad I switched mechanics and got it properly diagnosed before causing more engine damage. Should have done this weeks ago instead of letting it get worse. But at least now I know what to watch for if similar symptoms ever come up again.