Flashing Check Engine Light @ High RPMs only

[BetaOp9]

I'm so excited to share that I've received a misfire message on my way back down from Atlanta this past weekend. I was passing on the highway when I got a flashing CEL that went to solid, I pulled up the code via my laptop since I had it with me and this is what I got. Since the car was running fine and I cleared the code and waited to see if it happened again. It did not come back immediately, however I discovered exactly how to trigger it. It would only happen at higher RPMs [around 5k rpms] and only if I held it there for about 10 seconds. So if I would accelerate and run up to 6k or so and shift it would not happen. If I held it there for the 10-15 seconds it would start flashing. If I let off the throttle it would flash for a few moments then turn off.

I've ALREADY replaced ALL SIX Coilpacks today with brand new units, and it has not solved my issue.

I'm now concerned with a bad injector. Maybe spark plugs? (Now ruled out) The plugs were replaced at 60k miles [I'm currently at 80k]. I feel like it was a mileage triggered bomb because I hit 80k on the way up to Atlanta this weekend, lol.

Edit (3/22/12): I've since swapped spark plugs from bank 1 to bank 2 and the problem persists on cylinders 4/5/6 only. I examined the ignition wires as best as I could for any damage/breaks/shorts to no avail.

This is the code I pulled from Saturday evening.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine        Labels: None
   Part No SW: 022 906 032 KU    HW: 022 906 032 GP
   Component: R32-DQ-LEV2     G   UM10  
   Revision: 1QH02---    Serial number: VWX7Z0G83NA8U9
   Coding: 0000178
   Shop #: WSC 13363 539 411206
   VCID: 68F98BCF5B68FA3

4 Faults Found:
000768 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected 
               P0300 - 001 - 
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129039 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 15:43:09

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 4886 /min
                    Load: 38.0 %
                    Speed: 121.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 93.0°C
                    Temperature: 33.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 990.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.843 V

000773 - Cylinder 5 
               P0305 - 001 - Misfire Detected
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129039 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 15:43:09

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 4886 /min
                    Load: 38.0 %
                    Speed: 121.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 93.0°C
                    Temperature: 33.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 990.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.843 V

000774 - Cylinder 6 
               P0306 - 001 - Misfire Detected
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129039 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 15:43:09

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 4886 /min
                    Load: 38.0 %
                    Speed: 121.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 93.0°C
                    Temperature: 33.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 990.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.843 V

000772 - Cylinder 4 
               P0304 - 002 - Misfire Detected
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100010
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129040 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 15:43:30

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 4092 /min
                    Load: 85.8 %
                    Speed: 76.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 94.0°C
                    Temperature: 33.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 990.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.589 V

Readiness: 0000 0000

This is from today.

Wednesday,21,March,2012,19:43:00:53428
VCDS Version: Release 11.11.2 (x64)
Sexy Shawns' Speed Shop
                Address 01: Engine       Labels: None
Control Module Part Number: 022 906 032 KU    HW: 022 906 032 GP
  Component and/or Version: R32-DQ-LEV2     G   UM10
           Software Coding: 0000178
            Work Shop Code: WSC 13363 539 411206
                      VCID: 68F98BCF5B68FA3
2 Faults Found:

000768 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected 
               P0300 - 001 - 
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129679 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 19:03:42

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 5689 /min
                    Load: 58.8 %
                    Speed: 140.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 90.0°C
                    Temperature: 27.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 1010.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.716 V

000774 - Cylinder 6 
               P0306 - 001 - Misfire Detected
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129679 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 19:03:42

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 5689 /min
                    Load: 58.8 %
                    Speed: 140.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 90.0°C
                    Temperature: 27.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 1010.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.716 V


Readiness: 0000 0000

Newst code from today...

Wednesday,21,March,2012,20:12:22:53428
VCDS Version: Release 11.11.2 (x64)
Sexy Shawns' Speed Shop
                Address 01: Engine       Labels: None
Control Module Part Number: 022 906 032 KU    HW: 022 906 032 GP
  Component and/or Version: R32-DQ-LEV2     G   UM10
           Software Coding: 0000178
            Work Shop Code: WSC 13363 539 411206
                      VCID: 68F98BCF5B68FA3
4 Faults Found:

000768 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected 
               P0300 - 001 - 
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129703 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:04:35

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 3809 /min
                    Load: 25.1 %
                    Speed: 94.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 90.0°C
                    Temperature: 30.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 1010.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.843 V

000773 - Cylinder 5 
               P0305 - 001 - Misfire Detected
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129703 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:04:35

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 3809 /min
                    Load: 25.1 %
                    Speed: 94.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 90.0°C
                    Temperature: 30.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 1010.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.843 V

000772 - Cylinder 4 
               P0304 - 001 - Misfire Detected
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129703 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:04:35

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 3809 /min
                    Load: 25.1 %
                    Speed: 94.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 90.0°C
                    Temperature: 30.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 1010.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.843 V

000774 - Cylinder 6 
               P0306 - 001 - Misfire Detected
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100001
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 129703 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:04:52

             Freeze Frame:
                    RPM: 5338 /min
                    Load: 47.8 %
                    Speed: 132.0 km/h
                    Temperature: 91.0°C
                    Temperature: 27.0°C
                    Absolute Pres.: 1010.0 mbar
                    Voltage: 13.716 V


Readiness: 0000 0000

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Phyp1uhfuU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCQHoUPS4co

Any thoughts gentlemen?

[Slave IV]

I'd start by checking the plugs if you haven't yet, even though you recently changed them. Might have a defect or something.

Does this car use Ignition Control Modules? Probably not that even if it does but maybe check if it does since it seems to be one side that has the issues.

Then, I'd say you have to look at the injectors and cams.

[abeR]

Usually coils will fix this issue


Is the intake rubbing on anything?

Beta did he car stutter or feel rough at all when in the upper rpms?

[BetaOp9]

Doing a run to check MAF readings. Have heard faulty MAF can cause misfires? Dunno. Also checking to see if it's the same cylinder after clearing the codes.

Will get back to you shortly.

[BetaOp9]

Intake is in contact onlywith the radiator inlet hose only and I do not see that as being an issue now or anytime in the future.

Car runs well, though I can hear a difference in the engine. It's not running right. Car pulls hard and I do not notice a significant amount of power loss, but it's difficult to tell as it's been like this for several days now. When cold, it can idle oddly but does not throw a misfire code unless I hit high rpms and hold the rpms in one place. It does not do this accelerating from say 3k to 6k and shifting, no codes from just hitting high rpms.

New codes from this trip are similar to the first post. Will put them up shortly.

Edit: Added new code.

[SKNKWRX]

After a trip out west with substandard gas I had the exact same issue in the R32 (TTS) and it was plugs fouled. Car would flash a CEL at WOT but drive normally the rest of the time. Eventually it went into limp mode and the CEL stayed on until I returned home. Sounds like plugs to me. Plugs had about 20k miles on them at the time as well.

[simple_man]

Thinking out loud:
cylinders 4/5/6 as well as 1/2/3 run of the single power feed. In other words, when you check wiring harness at the coils, you will see that feed to coils 4/5/6 if via single wire. Second wire feeds coils 1/2/3.

If it is always cylinders 4/5/6 that misfire, problem maybe electrical nature. Bad connection, fried ECU control bank.

I would start with replacing all plugs, checking continuity of all wiring back to ECU. See what result you get.

[BetaOp9]

I'm torn between Drew's post about the spark plugs and simple_man's analysis regarding the different banks. It is only cylinder 4/5/6 that is giving misfires both before and after the coilpack install. How did I miss that.

[SKNKWRX]

I'm torn between Drew's post about the spark plugs and simple_man's analysis regarding the different banks. It is only cylinder 4/5/6 that is giving misfires both before and after the coilpack install. How did I miss that.

Wow that might be my first ever legitimate contribution on Vortex since its inception. Everyone write down the date. Plugs would be an easy place to start and if it continues might very well be the wiring or the ECU.

[germanbycar]

Maybe the plugs are not gaped correctly? Check the oil level too, you never know.

[Slave IV]

That's what I was getting at with the ICM's because "it seems to be one side that has the issues."
If this car doesn't use ICM's then check the wiring or whatever else would control the ignition on that side.

[BetaOp9]

That's what I was getting at with the ICM's because "it seems to be one side that has the issues."
If this car doesn't use ICM's then check the wiring or whatever else would control the ignition on that side.

Ah, you didn't mention the fact that it was one bank so I didn't connect what you said to that, sadly I've not a clue regarding the power source without more research.

[Slave IV]

Ah, you didn't mention the fact that it was one bank so I didn't connect what you said to that, sadly I've not a clue regarding the power source without more research.

haha, my bad for not calling it the "bank" because I didn't think of the term at the moment. I had to go back and scroll through your OP to confirm that it really was just "one side" that was giving you misfire readings before I posted too.

Hope you figure it out and it's nothing too serious. I know you'll post your findings so until then

[BetaOp9]

haha, my bad for not calling it the "bank" because I didn't think of the term at the moment. I had to go back and scroll through your OP to confirm that it really was just "one side" that was giving you misfire readings before I posted too.

Hope you figure it out and it's nothing too serious. I know you'll post your findings so until then

This is frustrating. I'll be sure to post up though.

[sixteen10]

Shawn, good luck. I hope you come right man

[BetaOp9]

Some feedback I had. Posting here to keep everyone on the same page.

Its hard to monitor this, but check the A/F reading using the front 02 sensors. It might be a clogged fuel filter or fuel pump going bad. Car running out of fuel at high RPM. Its not ignition related as it would show up at any RPM under high load, my assumption

Yeah fuel is my guess after reading that thread. Pump, filter, rail?

Awesome input guys. Now, the car doesnt feel like it's losing any power even when the CEL light kick on. No sputtering or anything to indicate starvation for fuel. I'd imagine if it were an issue at the fuel pump/filter I'd be having issues on both banks? Not just the 4/5/6 cylinder bank?

I am getting some odd sound when "engine braking" (ie: decelerating) in the engine and it idles loudly. Snagged some video of the idle but cant upload until tonight.

[mfbmike]

Following this thread. This is interesting. GL Shawn.

[SKNKWRX]

I'd imagine if it were an issue at the fuel pump/filter I'd be having issues on both banks? Not just the 4/5/6 cylinder bank?

I am getting some odd sound when "engine braking" (ie: decelerating) in the engine and it idles loudly. Snagged some video of the idle but cant upload until tonight.

So you dont experience a power loss just the CEL and the codes? If it was fuel I would definately think it would be across all cylinders. Have you pulled your plugs to see what they looked like?

[BetaOp9]

So you dont experience a power loss just the CEL and the codes? If it was fuel I would definately think it would be across all cylinders. Have you pulled your plugs to see what they looked like?

No power loss, it does idle loudly when cold. Pulled the plugs and swapped banks...problem persists in 4/5/6 still. Plugs look good.

[jwbekens]

Timing chain? Timing chain tensioner? Camshaft position sensor?

You have had bad luck with tensioners.

[abeR]

Timing chain? Timing chain tensioner? Camshaft position sensor?

You have had bad luck with tensioners.

were do you find this with the VCDS?

[jwbekens]

VCDS won't give you a code for timing issues. But a bad MAF sensor or dirt on it from changing intakes could do the same thing. Buy some CRC MAF cleaner and see if that helps.

[ZPrime]

OK I have to stop looking at this thread.

I went to start mine when leaving work today and it didn't start on the first crank. Second crank it didn't want to go either, but eventually it sputtered a bit and shot to life. Ran fine after that, no CEL.

Havent put the VCDS on it yet, maybe tomorrow...

[BetaOp9]

OK I have to stop looking at this thread.

I went to start mine when leaving work today and it didn't start on the first crank. Second crank it didn't want to go either, but eventually it sputtered a bit and shot to life. Ran fine after that, no CEL.

Havent put the VCDS on it yet, maybe tomorrow...

This is likely that the fuel pump did not prime. Listen for it next time you open your door. If it persists then there is a TSB for this problem which has to do with a door sensor, Mike just had it done on his R. If you're still under warranty you might want to take it in and just mention it's happened. ;-)

I have no sputtering or issues with starting with my situation, thankfully. Though, that might be easier to diagnose.

[abeR]

FYI

I went to pick up a fuel pump at the dealer and it was made in china

[BetaOp9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Phyp1uhfuU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCQHoUPS4co

[ZPrime]

This is likely that the fuel pump did not prime. Listen for it next time you open your door. If it persists then there is a TSB for this problem which has to do with a door sensor, Mike just had it done on his R. If you're still under warranty you might want to take it in and just mention it's happened. ;-)

I have no sputtering or issues with starting with my situation, thankfully. Though, that might be easier to diagnose.

I already had the door latch / sensor fail and be replaced once... and I'm pretty sure I did hear the pump prime too, but I'm not 100% on that.

It's been fine 3 starts since then, it was just really random. Pump doesn't sound any different than usual at least...

[BetaOp9]

I already had the door latch / sensor fail and be replaced once... and I'm pretty sure I did hear the pump prime too, but I'm not 100% on that.

It's been fine 3 starts since then, it was just really random. Pump doesn't sound any different than usual at least...

Mine failed, replaced it, failed again. I need a new one, but keep forgetting to look for the part #.

[Sump]

Have you checked the compression? Maybe getting blow by? That'll kill the spark everytime.

[KIDVersion 1]

were do you find this with the VCDS?

There would be timing codes.

My guesses would be plugs (gap), coilpacks, and then wires.

[mfbmike]

Mine failed, replaced it, failed again. I need a new one, but keep forgetting to look for the part #.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...1#post76511224

Part number should be listed in that picture.

[oldracer]

Shawn, maybe it's time to go to a shop or dealer for diagnosis.

Obviously it's not a common issue that anyone here has seen or experienced....

It is probably something simple but not patently obvious...

I'm assuming you've checked for cracked or broken wires etc during your basic checks...
It seems electrical to me based on the symptoms.....

I was going to ask my tech today, but he's off until Monday.....

I still have the directions to your house!!!!!

Keep me informed, I'm going to poke around and see if I can figure it out.....

[BetaOp9]

Shawn, maybe it's time to go to a shop or dealer for diagnosis.

Obviously it's not a common issue that anyone here has seen or experienced....

It is probably something simple but not patently obvious...

I'm assuming you've checked for cracked or broken wires etc during your basic checks...
It seems electrical to me based on the symptoms.....

I was going to ask my tech today, but he's off until Monday.....

I still have the directions to your house!!!!!

Keep me informed, I'm going to poke around and see if I can figure it out.....

Yes, already contemplating this.

$110 for VW to check the car, or $80 for Jeff @ Volkswurks here in Gainesville

[abeR]

Bringing this to the top

[Slave IV]

2nd on the spark gap..did you check that as well or just that they looked good?

Either way, I would not keep buying products and throwing "solutions" at it without knowing what the actual cause is. Taking it to an expert is probably the right move at this point and I'm just going to mention again that this is where a great independent tech comes in. My tech would never charge me to diagnose my cars. I've saved way more than the amount of any warranty costs I've seen just in "free" services from my tech.