Q: A Volkswagen Golf Mk4 starts but doesn't rev at all

asked by on April 13, 2016

I've got a Volkswagen Golf Mk4. The car starts first time and doesn't rev at all. Any ideas why this could be happening?

Gas pedal is stuck Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Many things can cause that. Either the fuel filter is clogged or the fuel pump isn’t pumping fuel and it won’t rev. Of those things, often the MAF sensors go bad and gets covered with dirt or goes out and then it doesn’t give the correct data to the computer. This results in the computer not spraying enough gas in the engine when it tries to rev it up. These are some of the things that you really want to check out first.

If you need further assistance, a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, can come to your home or office to diagnose your acceleration issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car won't hold gas
Hello. This is a rare problem and it could be a bit difficult to pinpoint. First, an EVAP system check and a complete fuel system check would need to be done to determine what exactly is causing the gas to...
Limp mode 30 codes
Hello there, when you see that many codes it can take some work to sift through all of them. Usually only a few codes will remain once the codes are cleared and the vehicle is driven. These remaining codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau)...
Car won't accelerate.
Based on the information you gave, it sounds like you may be low on transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-is-transmission-fluid-and-what-does-it-do), or maybe some other internal transmission problem. The first thing I would check is the transmission fluid level (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-change-your-automatic-transmission-fluid-by-mia-bevacqua). This is done with...
won't go over 40 mph
This is a sign of a faulty throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement). This is a sensor that monitors the position of your foot on the gas pedal and relays this info to the car's computer which then tells it how much...
Does replacing the upstream oxygen sensor with a different brand as the down stream cause the engine to throw more codes?
Hi, thanks for writing in. This should not affect the functionality of the O2 sensors, as long as the replacement sensor is in fact the correct part for your application. If your car continues to produce fault codes, consider having...
Battery light on, alternator good, battery changed, changed starter week ago but it's missing a little cable the old one had.
Hello. Yes. The small cable that is on the battery generally is for grounding purposes. Without that cable you won't have complete connection as far as electrical goes. If you need to have this checked, a qualified professional like one...
2010 Grand cherokee getting P013C code, have replaced 4 O2 sensors, muffler, and cat convertors, should I now replace the ECM?
There are a number of possible reasons for this code to be triggered. These include things like: Defective O2 sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement), burnt, broken, or disconnected wiring and/or connectors (may be likely in your case), a defective catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement), or...
Truck runs good but if I step on the gas it chokes and rpms go crazy
This is generally something caused by a lack of fuel or air, such as a dirty or faulty idle control valve or in some cases an improper signal from the throttle position sensor. What you are describing sounds like a...
Put 2015 chevy into to drive too quick and it stalls out in reverse also then check engine light comes on. Is it going I to safe
Even though the light is not on the codes will be stored for the mechanic to see what is happening in the transmission. You may have a problem with a shift solenoid in the valve body.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen TDI
The The 2012 Volkswagen TDI is a diesel powered car that is fuel efficient while offering an affordable starting price. It comes in a two door hatchback or a four door compact style with an automatic or manual transmission. A...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
The The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg provides an appealing combination of style, performance and drivability. This all-wheel drive SUV delivers a satisfying driving experience at a more affordable price than some of the comparable options available in its class. Key Features...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re Single
When When you’re buying a vehicle that needs to meet the requirements of all kinds of passengers the process can prove to be rather tricky. However, if you happen to be single, you’re the one in control, and your list...