VW polo engine cutting out

Droolinggimp · 25 May 2011 at 07:15

Hi just a quick question. My girlfriends Polo sometimes cuts out and she loses steering whilst driving. 'Most' of the time it will happen in the morning on the way to work but recently its been happening at random times. We thought it may be due to cold weather we had a while back. Its been on off now for a good few months (Engine cutting out).

Just for reference. All electrics turn off, basically its as though its not been started.

Any suggestions to what may cause this?

denby · 25 May 2011 at 09:24

yeah mine used to do this whilst coasting up to a junction soon as the clutch is dropped it used to die....certainly wakes you up in the morning though

Dale V · 25 May 2011 at 09:32

So when it turns itself off, the lights for the dash warning lights dont even illuminate?

does it happen when idling, say at a junction? under acceleration?

Participant · 25 May 2011 at 10:18

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What Polo? It doesn't sound like a fuelling issue as if all the lights go out, then the stage one ignition isn't even being recognised. Might be an ignition switch maybe?

Droolinggimp · 25 May 2011 at 11:24

It cuts out when she's driving. All light go out on the dash. The model is a Mk3 I believe.

I was in the car once when it cut out and she was cruising at 30mph. No sign of it going to happen at all.

brightside_ · 25 May 2011 at 12:27

Faulty battery connection or perhaps an earth fault?

denby · 25 May 2011 at 12:38

oh thats even worse than mine then :eek:

mine never died when the accelerator was pressed only on slowing down

ajstan · 25 May 2011 at 12:50

Try jiggling the key while the engine is running - make sure it's not a loose connection around the ignition switch barrel.