Shudder during all acceleration

2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
130,000 MILES • 1.9L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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DON SYLVESTER
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Began Monday as a hesitation in initial acceleration. Has quickly become a shudder during all acceleration. Calms down once steady speed reached.
Engine light came on and blinks while this is going on.
Jan 30, 2019 at 4:47 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If the light is blinking, that indicates a misfire it happening. This can lead to other problems so we need to determine what is happening. The first thing I need you to do is have the computer scanned. You will need a scanner to do this. Here is a quick video showing how it is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times, a parts store will do it for you.

Now, what I believe is happening is you feel the misfire while accelerating because one or more of the engine cylinders aren't working. Thus, it runs rough, has less power, and the check engine light blinks. Once you reach speed and are lighter on the throttle, you don't notice the issue as much because there is less of a load on the engine.

Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Have the computer scanned so we can determine which cylinder is causing the problem and get it fixed. When a misfire happens, it can allow raw fuel to enter the catalytic converters and damage them. They are expensive to replace.

Let me know what you find and I will be happy to help you get it figured out.

Take care,
Joe
Jan 30, 2019 at 5:30 PM
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DON SYLVESTER
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Thank you for responding, but it seems it's more than even that.
Had mechanic acquaintance look it over and it appears the thing is falling apart one system at a time. Not worth saving at this time.
Feb 4, 2019 at 1:11 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome back:

Okay. Not sure what all is happening. However, if you decide to keep it and need help, let me know.

Joe
Feb 4, 2019 at 6:08 PM