At 08:34 AM 5/30/98 -0400, you wrote:
>> Subject: [gti-vr6] cold start TSB#? 
>> From: Adam Newlin <axn110psu> 
>> Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 22:59:10 -0400 
>> 
>> Does anyone know the TSB# of the could starting TSB 
>> relating to late '97  and '98 VR6's?  
>> I was in at my dealer today and they couldn't find it. 
>> I also searched alldata and the archives with no luck.
>
>I don't think there is a TSB on this.   IIRC, Deecee said your dealer
>has to call VW's Tech Line with this problem....
>
>-Uwe-
>
>Uwe, There was nothing formal in print.  After contacting VW tech line in
Michigan we had to mail them the customers ECM. They are the ones who
performed the chip update. Upon receipt of the ECM and checking with a 1551
did we notice a different software version than was present before. 

So far we haven't had any complaints of cold start drivability problems. As
long as you have a willing Service Manager is the only  chance of getting
the updated fix. 

Don

There is another updated ECM for 96 and up GTI. This should address the
cold starting drivability problems. There is a split in model year 1996 vin
# TM116391 and up can use the AA ECM. To get one replaced by your dealer
might be difficult. Since they have to check out the car first and than be
willing to change the ECM if no DTC are present.  In my shop I check the
for any DTC  if none than the ECM part number will be checked to see if it
is the most current available.

Don
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> Subject: [gti-vr6] Cold start stumble/stall/high idle ? 
> From: MKranz <mkranzmindspring> 
> Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1998 22:47:56 -0400 
 
> All this talk of hot start problems has got me thinking about my cold
> start problems.
> 
> My '97 (born 4/97) does not like to start when:
>  1) it's the first start of the morning, and
>  2) the air temp is above ~65°F.
> 
> When I start it, the revs jump to 1300, then falls off to a near-stall,
> about 300-500 revs. At such low RPMs, the engine coughs and sputters and
> generally complains for several seconds. Then it recovers to a high and
> unstable idle (900 RPM).
> 
> I always thought it was a problem with my ECU, but in order for the
> dealer to diagnose it, I would have to have left the car overnight, and
> I can't part with my baby for that long!

That sure sounds like the classic AA ECU cold-start / rough idle
problem.  FWIW, my car is also a 4/97 with the AA ECU, but has only had
this problem once or twice when it's been sitting in the garage for
undriven for several days.  

> About two weeks ago, I replaced my stock chip with a Garrett chip.
> (Note: WOW!) The stumble is still there. So, logically, the problem is
> not in the computer, right? 

Wrong.  The standard Garrett AA chip is based on (or at least it claims
to be on the 1551's readout) version 01.  VW's fix for the ECU is to
install a newer software version;  V02 or V03 depending on who you
ask....  Garrett is aware of this version's existance; if I were you I'd
ask him if he couldn't make you up a chip based on that version.  

> So what else can I check? Someone suggested
> checking the security of the Mass Airflow sensor -- where is this thing,
> anyway?

It's the tube goes back from your airbox towards the throttle body that
has some wires plugged into it...

-Uwe-


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I just took my car in for the overdue 20k service. At the last service, the
dealer had gouged up the "VR6-DOHC" engine cover. They'd ordered a new one
which now only says "VR6-2.8". At least we know this one's accurate.
My car has been plagued with the intermittent cold stalling/rough idle
problem. I finally got the dealer to get off their collective butt and call
VWoA. Gee, surprise, there's updated firmware for the ECU. I was surprised at
how agreeable the solution is however: they're ordering a new ECU and then
sending that one out to VWoA for the update. They'll call me when the updated
ECU arrives. Total down time: about an hour. Much better than the 3 days I was expecting.
I think this may have been the least painless trip to the service department yet.
Chris
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At 12:47 PM 8/24/98 -0700, you wrote:
> 
>I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how the dealer is going to react
>to 
>my complaining about my car's rough idle upon cold startup, usually only in 
>the morning, with me having cutoff my suitcase?  Are they going to blame the 
>rough idle on the missing suitcase or airbox cone, or K&N dropin filter? 
>Just 
>wondering, I guess I'm a little paranoid, just want to be prepared.  My car 
>sounds fine other wise, just sounds really bad when cold, very shitty
>sounding 
>without the resonator, but when it warms up its fine. 
> 
>Any thoughts? 
>TIA... 
> 
>Sincerely, 
>Joe Silva 
>'98 Gin. VR6 
>Jus Wana Go Fast!

Joe, Depends on your dealer. There are 2 ways of handling the problem. The
first is to make you put everything back in the as delivered condition
before any diagnosis can be done. Or the second  Check with the VAG 1551
for which ECM is in your car and what software version is present.  If you
brought your car to my shop I would opt for the second plan. Which would be
take out the ECM ( Hopefully it hasn't been chipped) and send it VWOA for
the software upgrade.  If the ECM has been chipped you might be SOL as far
as obtaining the upgrade. Or you might be lucky and slip thru the cracks.

Don

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