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Question Angelo, I have an '81 Jetta with an '86 Jetta GLI engine and knock sensor ignition. The fuel injection system remains the '81 version. The car was certified by BAR to be legal and I received my sticker. This was two years ago and the car passed the emissions test with flying colors. Today, I took it in to get smogged and the car ran with over 1000ppm HC at idle. I was informed by the technician that a miss was causing the high reading. My questions: 1) What is and what causes a miss? ; 2) Where should I start in trouble shooting this problem; 3) In your experience, has it usually been a mechanical problem orignition/electrical? Thanks. Alan PS. Great page and service!

Reply 1) A miss means that one or more cylinders are not producing power. This can be caused by a number of items. ie: defective spark plug, spark plug wire, a cylinder low on compression, etc. 2) Start by having an engine analysis performed on the vehicle. This will probably cost you at least 1 hour labor at your local repair shop. 3) In my experience, the problem could be mechanical or ignition. Angelo Silverado Auto Service