Engine shuts off on long idle?

Tiny
AKU
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
  • 1.2L
  • 3 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 50,000 MILES
I have this problem with my car. When I drive it without stopping much, the car can keep running for hours on end. But after some hours stuck in traffic, the car starts acting up and turns off by itself abruptly. But if I turn on the ignition it starts without problems, but the car continuously starts shutting off. And this issue stops after I keep the car turned off for more than 2 hours. Please help.
Friday, April 28th, 2023 AT 6:36 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

The Polo isn't offered in the US, but I will try my best to help.

What you described sounds like a failing crankshaft position sensor. When they begin to fail, heat adversely affects them. Since this happens in traffic, that leads me to think the under-hood temperature is higher causing the issue.

Take a look through this link and let me know if anything seems to mirror what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, April 29th, 2023 AT 12:12 AM

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