Revs drop without warning on my Vokswagen Polo

I hope that you might be able to help with an intermittent problem on my partner's 54-plate Volkswagen Polo with around 80,000 miles.

The engine will cut out, or the revs drop dramatically, without any warning. So far it has restarted of its own accord after a second or two, but is very disconcerting if there is a line of cars behind her. The engine has stopped once or twice whist stationary, but - again - has started immediately on the key.

She had exactly the same problem at this time of year last year, it seems to coincide with the change in weather to cold and wet - it happened this week on the first morning we had frost.

She has taken it to our trusted local garage who have plugged it in and there is nothing showing as wrong, this is exactly what happened last year and eventually the problem went away. Yesterday whilst in the garage they found a small water leak on the radiator, the radiator has been replaced, but it is assumed that this is not contributing to the problem. Needless to say being an intermittent problem the garage cannot replicate it on the road.

Asked on 21 November 2012 by Roland Earland

Answered by Honest John
Probably condensation moisture emulsifying with the engine oil. Polos are notorious for this. An oil and filter change might cure it.
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