VCDS and OBD diagnostic device in the On-Board Diagnostics Shop
Diesel, Engine Technology and Vehicle Technology. Repair, Maintenance and Diagnostics (OBD).

Golf 4 AJM Engine: Running on 3 Cylinders Only

 
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Diesel Engine Technology
Author Message
kuestenkuddel
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post21-06-2012, 23:50    Subject: Golf 4 AJM Engine: Running on 3 Cylinders Only Quote

Hi everyone,

I just installed a new turbocharger in a Golf. I drained about 1 liter of engine oil from the intercooler and ran the engine until the blue smoke stopped.

Everything seems to be fine now, there's no more exhaust smoke, but one cylinder isn't firing correctly.
How do I find the 'dead pot'?
Idle speed regulation is normal: 1. Cylinder slightly high + approximately 0.5. 2. Cylinder slightly low - 0.5.
Does anyone have any ideas?

Best regards, Kurt.


Translated on 19-08-2026, 19:56.
Back to top
DieselBär30x
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber
Avatar-DieselBär30x

Joined: 01/17/2008
Posts: 3560
Karma: +101 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: MĂźnchen & Passau

Premium Support

Post22-06-2012, 0:06    Subject: Golf 4 AJM Engine: Running on 3 Cylinders Only Quote

Hi FischKuddl! icon_wink.gif

First and foremost, it would be extremely helpful if you could tell us about the specific error message or the exact reason for the ATL replacement.
Assuming that with 1 liter of oil in the transmission, the old unit failed and debris/fragments passed through the transmission line.
Did the engine then run without oil?
How would you determine that the AJM is running on 3 pots when the LLRR seems to be fine? ...that contradicts itself somewhat icon_wink.gif.

Please upload a MWB's 13/18/23 reading at cold and warm idle first.
(Please also add a VCDS license to the profile, as no further support can be provided without it!)

Best regards from Munich!
1. S.verlängerung: Audi A4 Avant quattro, 1,9 TDi MKB: AFN, BJ98, Vollausstattung, +VP1L
2. Moped BMW K1200RS, 130 PS, BJ98, Vollausst.
3. T5 1,9 TDI PD (AXC), BJ04 - nur Ärger!


Translated on 19-08-2026, 19:58.
Back to top Profile PM
kuestenkuddel
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post22-06-2012, 21:14    Subject: Golf 4 AJM Engine: Running on 3 Cylinders Only Quote

Hello FischKuddl! icon_wink.gif

Hi DieselBear.

First and foremost, it would be extremely helpful if you could tell us about the specific error message or the exact reason for the ATL replacement.
Assuming that with 1 liter of oil in the transmission, the old unit failed and debris/fragments were circulating through the transmission line.
Did the engine then run without oil?

The Golf started smoking heavily and lost power, so it was brought to me for repair.
The turbine and compressor wheels can be moved back and forth as if the rotor bearings are missing.
The oil was still visible on the dipstick, well below the minimum mark.


How would you determine that the AJM is running on 3 pots, even if the LLRR seems to be working correctly? ...that contradicts itself somewhat icon_wink.gif.

Any skilled mechanic can recognize it by the sound and feel.

Please upload a MWB's 13/18/23 reading at cold and warm idle first.
Please translate the following text from German to English. Provide ONLY the translation, no explanations.

(Also, please add a VCDS license to my profile, as otherwise, no further support is ALLOWED!)

'I'm not familiar with those MWB numbers (13/18/23). I use a Gutmann MegaMax 55, which allows me to access parameters. Which parameters would you like to know?'

Best regards from Munich!


Best regards from Hamburg.


Translated on 19-08-2026, 20:02.
Back to top
DieselBär30x
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber
Avatar-DieselBär30x

Joined: 01/17/2008
Posts: 3560
Karma: +101 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: MĂźnchen & Passau

Premium Support

Post23-06-2012, 0:02    Subject: Golf 4 AJM Engine: Running on 3 Cylinders Only Quote

Hi Kuddl! icon_wink.gif

Okay, there was still some oil in the engine, but the oil pressure was definitely gone.
The question primarily focused on the mechanical condition of the air intake manifold (specifically, the side where air is drawn in).
Based on your description, I assume that significant fragments and abrasive particles entered the intake air path and consequently reached the AJM (?).
Regarding the "3-Pot Run":
Quote:
Every skilled mechanic can recognize it by the sound and the feel.

Okay, then I am neither talented nor do I have feelings. icon_cool.gif
icon_arrow.gif Exactly what I was looking for, I've been searching for ages, LLRR values are OK, but the ZMS was defective. icon_exclaim.gif

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with Gutmann testers and therefore cannot assist you with their operation or interpretation of results.
In summary, it involves the simultaneous recording of values for idle speed control, power delivery engine (PDE) states, and variations in PDE switching times.
With VCDS, the mandatory measurement blocks would be numbers 13, 18, and 23.

Support for users without a valid VCDS or Bavarian (whatever-BMW-thingy) license is no longer provided, especially when an analysis in that direction is required. (Sorry.)

Therefore, if I observe subtle LLRR patterns, I would tend to look for explanations in a different direction – with or without talent/intuition icon_wink.gif.
Otherwise, check for debris in the low-pressure (LL) circuit. Then REPLACE the LL cooler!!!! *important* And use an endoscope to inspect the valves, piston rings (PDEs), pistons, etc., inside the engine for any consequential damage.

Best regards from Munich!
1. S.verlängerung: Audi A4 Avant quattro, 1,9 TDi MKB: AFN, BJ98, Vollausstattung, +VP1L
2. Moped BMW K1200RS, 130 PS, BJ98, Vollausst.
3. T5 1,9 TDI PD (AXC), BJ04 - nur Ärger!


Translated on 19-08-2026, 20:06.
Back to top Profile PM
kuestenkuddel
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post26-06-2012, 22:17    Subject: Golf 4 AJM Engine: Running on 3 Cylinders Only Quote

Hi DBear,

Today I found half an hour to check my engine's misfire issue (likely a three-cylinder misfire). I created five individual jumper cables and connected them one by one between the PDE connector to diagnose which cylinder is causing the problem.
All 4 cylinders are reacting uniformly ('icon_eek.gif').
Then I probably need to look at the clutch and the dual-mass flywheel next icon_sad.gif.

Best regards, Kurt.


Translated on 19-08-2026, 20:09.
Back to top
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Diesel Engine Technology
Similar articles and topics
Topic Forum
No new posts Doku A3 ab MJ 98, Zahnriemen läuft auf ESP nicht mittig Faults & Documentation (Audi, VW, Seat/Cupra, Skoda)
No new posts Ford with TDCi engine: rough running, stalling General Tips
No new posts Engine Idling Low: Troubleshooting & Repair Guide Faults & Documentation (Audi, VW, Seat/Cupra, Skoda)
No new posts ASZ im Golf 4 läuft nur noch 180 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
No new posts Golf GTD: High Fuel Consumption, Poor Performance Diesel Engine Technology
No new posts Golf III 1,9 TDI läuft nicht mit anderem Steuergerät? On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
No new posts Check Golf 4 VR 5 AGZ catalytic converter, engine running... Gasoline Engine Technology
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.