8v 2.0 misfire/sputter/buck at high rpms?

[CE-13]

I bought this car a few days ago. Long story short, in 3rd and 4th reving over 4000 rpms causes it start to stutter/buck(misfire?) I get a "flashing CEL" (ignition related from what iv read). From what iv gathered new sparkplugs or coilpacks seems like the right thing to try first. Normal driving I have 0 issues what so ever. I plan on have autozone get me the CEL code tomorrow. Its a 2.0 with a garret t3 turbo w/ intercooler @ 8psi.. list goes on and on. Everything was done right and I have all receipts. Its a 1997 2.0 Gti

(This is a repost due to me putting it in the mk3 forum instead of the tech forum.. sry)

[Anony00GT]

Read the codes. VCDS is preferable to the free AutoZone scan, especially in your case since the car is heavily modified.

If secondary ignition checks out, I'd consult your tuner next.

[CE-13]

I'm back from autozone and code says there's a cylinder 2 misfire

[Anony00GT]

Is that the ONLY code? There still may be others that AutoZone's tool isn't reading.

I'd start with normal diagnosis. Check the spark plugs, wires distributor cap and rotor. Make sure you've got injectors that are capable of fueling for the boost you're running. Might want to do a compression test just to see where you're at, since you just bought the car.

If all that checks out, a call to the tuner should be next.

Has the car been doing this since you bought it a couple days ago? Do you know why the seller was selling?

[CE-13]

Well I'm taking it to a shop in the morning for ball joints. I'm going to ask them to look it over. I know there is a small boost leak. But on a side note when the engine doesn't misfire, it tends to instead rev very fast with minimal power from 5000 to 6100rpm. 3500-5000 is beautiful if it doesn't misfire. It misfires id say 60% of the time in the situation I explained.

[SirSpectre]

Boost leak. That will do it. Could also be dirty injectors if it happens and peak RPM and WOT

[Anony00GT]

Agreed. I a boost leak could definitely cause this problem as well.

[CE-13]

Mechanic found nothing wrong and said there was no indication of a misfire and he was unable to get it to misfire. So i took it home a tightened down any clamps that i could reach easily. Will report back if its still happening. My question is why would it happen in 3rd and 4th but not 1st and second?

[xbrown]

i have a similar setup and a similar problem. Didnt mean to thread jack. I am desparate for some help. I have changed fuel pump, distributor and rotor, crank sensor , maf sensor, o2 sensor , ignition coil, spark plugs. i am starting to think there is a bad wire somewhere .

[Anony00GT]

i have a similar setup and a similar problem. Didnt mean to thread jack. I am desparate for some help. I have changed fuel pump, distributor and rotor, crank sensor , maf sensor, o2 sensor , ignition coil, spark plugs. i am starting to think there is a bad wire somewhere .

Start your own thread dude

And post up a complete mod list, as well as fault codes and fuel trim data.

[xbrown]

my problem was solved by connecting the single blue /white stripe on the blue connector to pin W2 on the back of the fuse box. my ecu wasnt getting the signal from the vss .

[xbrown]

solution courtesy of Bonesaw