Volkswagen Golf GTI

How to Deal With DME Communication Failure in Your Volkswagen


By Bavarian Performance Specialists March 14, 2019

The DME, or digital motor electronic, controls most of the functions within your Volkswagen’s engine. This component maximizes performance, reduces emissions, maintains reliability and keeps fuel consumption low. If you experience DME communication failure, you will experience problems with your engine.

The Function of a DME

DME sensors capture the data that influences the operation of your engine. The data collected includes the accelerator and throttle position, vehicle speed, air flow, air density and air temperature. This data is then calculated and converted into commands that are sent to the ignition and fuel injection systems. If the digital motor electronic sensor fails and delivers incorrect data, this can lead to damage to the engine and other important components.

Faulty DME Symptoms

A faulty DME will have specific symptoms that you can look out for. If you experience any of these issues it is important that you take your vehicle to a certified mechanic that is highly knowledgeable with the Volkswagen brand.

Check engine light

Your check engine light can come on due to a number of different reasons. When you take your vehicle to a certified mechanic they can run a diagnostic check with a specific scan tool. When your light is triggered, a code is generated. Your mechanic can find this code, and this will allow them to pinpoint the problem.

Engine misfires

A faulty DME unit can cause your engine to misfire. Misfiring is usually random and this is due to the fact that the unit is sending incorrect information to the engine. Your vehicle will end up experiencing poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption and loss of power. If you experience misfires, you should have your car serviced immediately. Misfires can cause additional component failures.

Engine stalls

When your engine isn’t receiving the data that it needs to run properly it can stall. Having your car stall while you are driving can be very dangerous and lead to a serious accident.

Your car won’t start

If the unit is damaged and no longer has control over the engine your car might not start at all. Usually, before this happens you will have issues starting the car, but it eventually starts after a few tries.

Replacing the DME Unit

If you have a defective DME unit, you need to replace it right away. The DME needs to be working properly to keep your engine functional and to keep you safe. Some Volkswagens have an existing warranty that will cover the replacement of the part if it fails prematurely.

Some DME unit failures can be caused by a minor issue, and this will allow the part to be repaired. In other instances, the unit will have to be replaced. The cost of replacing the DME unit varies and will depend on the specific model of your vehicle.

The best way to know if you are dealing with a DME communication failure in your Volkswagen is to have a certified mechanic perform a diagnostic check. As soon as you notice any type of issue, it is important to have it checked out before it becomes a larger problem. Finding an issue early and dealing with it right away can save you time and money in the long run.

Give Us a Call

By bringing your car in to us, you can rest assured knowing that you are going to receive the best service possible. Our team of certified technicians will quickly Volkswagen DME Failure Fix diagnose your problem and provide you with a solution while trying to save you money.

We strive for customer satisfaction, and we will work with you to get your Volkswagen back on the road. Having car issues can be frustrating and inconvenient. We know that your vehicle is important to you, so we will do what we can to get it fixed as quickly and safely as possible.

Dealing with a DME unit failure can be difficult and frustrating and shouldn’t be something that you try to take care of yourself. Let us take the hassle and stress off of you. Here at Bavarian Performance Specialists, you can trust our knowledgeable technicians to take care of your DME communication unit failure and get your car back on the road.

* Volkswagen Golf GTI image credit goes to: supergenijalac.