Many of Volkswagen’s engine functions are controlled by the Digital Motor Electronic, more commonly known as the DME. The DME is an electrical component that is used to increase engine performance and reliability as well as reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The failure of the DME most commonly is caused by communication failure and when this happens your VW will start to experience engine trouble.

The Purpose of the DME

The DME is a collection of sensors that records necessary data to describe the function of your engine. To do this, it monitors a variety of parts, such as the speed of the vehicle, the accelerator, the position of the throttle, as well as environmental factors like the airflow and density, and the ambient temperature.

The DME is a hardworking and incredible part, collecting over 1,000 pieces of useful data each and every second. The DME sends the collected data to the ignition system and the fuel system. This information allows these vital systems to perform correctly. Conversely, if they aren’t supplied with the necessary data to function, then they can become damaged and also damage other integral parts of the engine system.

Symptoms of DME Communication Failure

As mentioned, a DME that has become faulty will usually have communication issues. These result in engine problems, because the fine-tuned systems inside your engine will not be able to correctly coordinate.

Of course, there are many different parts found under your hood, so to find out whether or not the DME is to blame for your engine troubles, you definitely need to visit a VW specialist for diagnostics and repairs. Below, we’ve listed some symptoms you might notice that indicate DME communication failure:

Illumination of Check Engine Light

All drivers know that the engine management light or check engine light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, from a loose gas cap to a crippled catalytic converter. As the DME works to improve engine function, when it develops communication issues, it may also trigger the light to illuminate. The check engine light should never be ignored, so if you’ve ruled out driver error (i.e., gas cap,) you’ll need to have a specialist undertake diagnostic work to get to the root of the problem.

Misfiring Engine

Communication failure of the DME unit can contribute to engine misfires. Like the check engine light, misfires can occur for multiple reasons. If the DME unit is the blame, the misfire will be caused by the lack of information that many parts need to function. For example, without the correct information regarding airflow and pressure, the fuel injection system may over- or under-compensate the fuel levels, resulting in misfires.

Stalling Engine

Your Volkswagen’s engine may stall without the correct information it needs to run optimally. Stalling can occur very suddenly and can make your car not only unsettling to drive but dangerous, too. While vehicles should always be trail behind you at a safe distance, suddenly stopping when at an intersection or on the freeway could result in a serious accident.

Car Refuses to Start

You know for certain that something has gone very wrong with your car when it won’t start. When the DME unit cannot work at all, your VW will likely refuse to start. This may be because it cannot regulate its systems. This problem can also be due to damage to other parts of the engine caused by the initial failure of the DME unit.

DME Replacement

Because malfunction if the DME can contribute to engine failure, a faulty DME unit needs to be replaced immediately. Many recent VW models will have a warranty that will cover the unit should it fail within a certain period. Sometimes the DME will only need to be repaired and not replaced, which of course can save you money. So this is another reason why acting swiftly at the first sign of failure is important. Issues with the DME unit can be found during a diagnostic test undertaken by your specialist mechanic.

Visit Das European Autohaus

If you’re in need of a team of specialist mechanics who are reliable and diligent in all they do then look no further than the team at Das European Autohaus of Spring, Houston, TX. We’re experts in German manufactured cars, like your Volkswagen, and will look after your vehicle throughout its life span, ensuring that you make the most of every mile. Call our friendly customer service team today to book your first appointment.