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rob's garage

Rob,

I have a 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle with 50,000 km on it. Since 25,000 km it lurches forward if engine is still cold after stopping and then starting again. I have had a diagnostic check and they did a couple of things that cost over $500.

I don't really understand what they did, but it was fine for about a week, but now I have the same problem. Once car has been running for a while and engine is warmed up, it is fine. Since most of my driving is short trips in the city, I have a lot of lurching with starts. By the time I get back home it is fine. Do you know what to do?

Thanks, Pearl

Pearl, I need you to check with the dealer to ensure you are registered as the owner. I ask this because if you bought it used, you may not be getting recall or campaign notices.

There are two things that stick out with your New Beetle:

1. Your engine may be part of a recall several years ago that required the replacement of one or more faulty ignition coils

2. You may have a fix as easy as a software upgrade in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) that runs the engine functions

In 2009, VW identified a possible computer program issue that affected the Evaporative Emission system, causing it to purge too early. By too early, I mean purging while the engine is cold – your symptom, Pearl. There were two more concerns addressed by this new program but don't fully relate to your situation. The correction was illustrated in Technical Service Bulletin # 01 09 10, Issued April 15, 2009.

I mentioned earlier that this was an easy fix. This is simply a process of "reflashing" your on-board computer. The vehicle is connected to the manufacturer's data base, old parameters are erased and new operating parameters are "flashed," or "burned" into memory.

Hopefully you are on the mailing list with VW and have been included in the ignition coil recall, but take this bit of information to the dealer, you never know, they might have just overlooked the re-flash as a possibility.

And Pearl, if they repair or do anything on your car, have them explain what they did and what happened. You may or may not understand the lingo, but you'll have the information at hand just in case this shop – or any shop – tries to perform the same work again, wearing out the leather on your wallet and frustrating all concerned.

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