Can a dirty airfilter cause similar symptoms to moisture in a gas tank?

Question

I drive a VW JETTA TDI and I know the air filter is dirty. I was having intermittent power issues when driving yesterday and wondered if the air filter could be the cause. I am going to replace it after work today.

Answer 1

I own a shop, and have worked on cars many years. I think your problem may not be the air filter, but could be the fuel filter. The simple way to tell if the air filter is bad is; remove it and drive the car for a little ways to see. I would vote for the fuel filter, a bad throttle position sensor, a sticking EGR valve, or a sticking and/or not working fuel injector. Try adding a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to about 3/4 tank of fuel. Use the STP (in the black bottle only) and it may fix the issue. If not then you will have to dig deeper to find the problem.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Actually in a TDI it shouldn't cause intermittent performance it should decrease bulk horsepower as it simply cuts down on the amount of air the engine gets.

A TDI with intermittent problems is a fuel and/or fuel pump-injector related event.

If it is a turbo it could be the injector inside the intake manifold as that one needs to boost the fuel flow temporarily while accelerating.

Moisture in the "gas" tank will give you white smoke out the rear and bucking.

Answer 3

yes...a dirty air filter can cause drivability issues. The TDI is known to have injector pump timing issues. See a VW specialist

Answer 4

YES!!! dirty air filters will couse a lose in power for you car and its probably taking gas mileage too so it'll be best to replace it. $8 is better then $40 $50 in gas

I just said $8 because mine cost that much but anyone will know that a air filter can run from $8 - $60 depends on how good of one you buy