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Volkswagen Jetta Starting and Stalling Issues

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Comments

  • karrs682karrs682 Member Posts: 6
    Hello bpeebles,
    my son thinks he has somewhat found hopefully the problem. One of the fuses #37
    was blown Its the one with the picture of a book on the diagram. put new fuse in
    that fuse blew before even trying to start the car. Figuring its a ground but don't know where to start to look. Oh by the way the little symbol disappeared. And I did find out the key she has is the only one, and the dealership never gave her the black tag or they didn't have it to give her.
  • mummerymummery Member Posts: 2
    it's been at the VW garage where they have now logged 15 hous of diagnostic time with no results.
    when it first occured there was a strong electical burning smell?? I would have assumed the VW tech's would have figured it out by now. with no luck I'm hoping someone out there may have come across this unique problem - thanks
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I assume you realize that starting and then stalling is *usually* due to the immobolizer kicking in.

    If that has been ruled out... suspect that the fuel-pressure may not be stable. (after a few seconds, the pressure gets so low that the engine stalls)
  • karrs682karrs682 Member Posts: 6
    ok update put another fuse in 25 amp that blew after trying to start. Needless to say no start. put 30 amp in car started. but she did show herself ( yes I am referring to the car as a she you will understand later) the ingnition coil on number 3 caught on fire. had to replace the wiring harness and to be on safe side replaced all the ingniton coils. Started right up. yea Car Finally left my back yard after 4 weeks of headaches.

    Oh I should have known better then to speak so soon My son came for a visit guess what is staying... yes the car. After all that work now there is oil in the antifreeze.
    does anybody have any clue what it could be now.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Oil in the antifreeze ususally means a blown head gasket (or worse).
  • karrs682karrs682 Member Posts: 6
    thanks for the reply but even if we just change the head casket see first message that started all of this #103. Head checked out fine. checked the block everything fine. From what the machine shop told us. But he is going to tear it down again will keep everyone updated. But I can tell you I am getting ready to start using this car as a flower bed. LOL.
  • dilbertsdubdilbertsdub Member Posts: 16
    I'll post what I have posted in another forum at vwvortex.com.

    Hopefully you guys can help point me in a direction of what to do next as i'm lost as to what my next step(s) should be.
    I have an '06 Jetta 2.5, 5sp man, pack 1, with 45,000 miles on it. I have been having intermittant issues getting it started after the vehicle has been previously recently driven. (brought to full operating temperature).

    For example; car sits overnight, 7-9, hours in a garage. Get in to go to work, car starts just fine/normal. Car then sits for 3-4 hrs before my next attempt at starting the vehicle where the vehicle cranks but refuses to "fire-up" until it finally gives in and starts after several re-attempts at getting it started. Vehicle then starts but idles quite roughly.

    First trip: I mention to dealer progressive difficulty getting vehicle started, dealer advises they do not experience the same issues.

    Second trip: Dealer agrees to replace the battery, so now instead of fast "click, click, click" the car cranks (actual engine turn over) with much more intent but still doesn't start in the above situation.

    Third trip: Dealer advises they finally experienced and/or witnesssed the problem themselves. Dealer replaces ignition control module. I get it home, decide to go to petsmart but cannot leave as my vehicle refuses to start.

    Fourth trip: Dealer replaces the Altenator on the vehicle to no prevail.

    Fifth trip: Dealer has had vehicle all week and has put 300 miles on it and cannot replicate issue once again. Dealer takes sample of the fuel to see if possible water in the gas issue? Nothing unusual found with the fuel but dealer notes they find possible mis-fire codes and rough idle issues in the computer. Dealer acknowledges they performed my $600 40k service. Dealer also sees I have never missed any service intervals. Dealer puts in a fuel additive and checks injectors to see if dirty but they are not. And to add insult to injury Dealer employs a group of greased Monkeys to finger paint on the headliner and interior of my vehicle. Dealer makes no comment but new headliner is currently on order and I still have a vehicle that starts but only when it wants too.

    What does one do next? :sick:
  • dilbertsdubdilbertsdub Member Posts: 16
    And now trip number Six to the dealer; Wouldn't start again yesterday or today. Cept today is different, I now have it all on Video and have contacted VWoA,..so we'll wait and see what they say.
  • dilbertsdubdilbertsdub Member Posts: 16
    the Regional Svc Mgmr didn't call me back after 5pm today. Why isn't that surprising?

    Dealer however did call to say that they could not replicate the issue AND also stated they have not ever been able to replicate the issue?!? I inquired about the mis-fire codes and rough idle issue AND the replication of the issue that they previously advised me they too had experienced?

    Dealer's response was, "well per Carfacts we see the vehicle has been involved in an Accident and the vehicle's paint is thicker on the right passenger side door and we're not sure if that may have something to do with it."

    I am completely unaware of any prior damage other than what my purchasing dealership advised me when they repainted my front bumper and were shocked to find no primer. They mentioned possible damage at port? They re-painted front bumper and now its flaking off again at same location as before.

    I now have copies of all service records at all locations. VAG doesn't seem to be open during any hours that most people would be able to call in and not surprisingly they over promised what they can deliver as didn't get a call back from the Regional Svc Mgmr.

    I also still have the video of the car acting up and witnesses to this vehicles intermittant issues, so I know this isn't in my head.

    I don't know what to do with this car.

    Thanks for your input.
  • karrs682karrs682 Member Posts: 6
    update torn down again- only thing that the machine shop states is that the head gasket we got was faulty- he suggested that maybe the oil coiler- so we again are at wits end... he is getting the oil coiler this week and new head casket. If this doesn't work does anyone have any ideas other then a flower bed or blowing it up.
    sorry to express my frustration, but i am really getting pissed off the sales rep that sold this car to a 19 year old as a first car should be shot. but than again money talks, i must say i am very glad that someone took the time to set something like this up. Just for people like us. But isn't it sad that no a-days you can't even trust dealerships- to be able to give you answers if the computer doesn't give a code or what ever no one knows what to do. My son even talked to a VW dealership and was told they have no clue, that they need the codes.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    It is sad that "real" automobile mechanics are hard to find.

    You are right that some have no clue how to actually troubleshoot, isolate, and resolve a problem when no codes are thrown.

    Also, it sounds as if that 19-year old could have got some better "guidance" when purchasing a 1st car that is turbocharged.
    Turbocharged VW engines *NEED* to have synthetic oil and hi-octane fuel. If that engine ever had "dyno" oil run in it, it may have suffered from sludging. (oil-passagways getting plugged up).

    Also, I assume that "machine shop" checked the planarity of the head while replacing gasket?

    At least she is hopefully learning a valuable lesson about buying a car.
  • mat311mat311 Member Posts: 1
    Hi there, I have a 2001 Jetta and I am having the EXACT same starting problem. I can't get any answers from anyone either. I've replaced the MAF sensor and fuel filter got a tune up. Nothing.

    Let me know if you get any where with this.

    good luck
  • eepowereepower Member Posts: 3
    I was message 98.

    I took off the entire air intake and fuel injector system off the car and gave it a good cleaning. Put everything back together, and it started-up again.

    I'm not sure why. But it's working again.

    Jon
  • thevwdudethevwdude Member Posts: 2
    the triangle light with a car and key symbol is the immobilizer. this should mean the key is bad or the convenience module is not recognizing it. it would need a new key or an instrument cluster(convenience module is part of it). as far as overheating goes, make sure you use g12 coolant, it's pink. green coolant will rust and clog everything. honestly, take it too the dealership. there's a lot of "VW specialists" out there that dont really know what they are doing. have a certified dealer look at it and get their opinion, they cost more, but worth it when it's fixed right. make sure your using full synthetic oil in that 1.8t or youll have a new pile of problems.
  • dimbonzdimbonz Member Posts: 1
    ok heres the lowdown,98 jetta 2.0 manual.more times then not will not start with the key,just a click and then once and a while it will.check voltages on old battery and new(2 days old)14 when it starts 12 when it doesnt.replaced starter with no avail.when it doesnt start it will not turn over at all,nothing but a click.car will start everytime when pushed off,always.
  • miltakmiltak Member Posts: 1
    dilbertsdub did you get it figure out.I have the same issue with 05.5 jetta.Also it had some previous damage on passenger side.It will run for severla minutes after sitting and then it just shut down.I have 4 codes comming up only after it happens-theu are not there while it runs.They are fuel pump rleay circuit,both O2 sensor circuits and MAF citcuit.THe car ran fine until yesterday.When it warms up in like 305 minutes it won't start,then again it will start in like 10 minutes,but will run only for few seconds or a minute max.I am confused by it.
    Dan
    miltak@hotmail.com
  • dilbertsdubdilbertsdub Member Posts: 16
    I have no damage to any part of my car; Apparently my dealer seems to think its been involved in an accident (this would be their answer to any/and or all my vehicles issues).... After they replaced the battery, fuses, ignition control module and altenator my vehicle finally starts,...however now it seems the problem is electrical as my sunroof opens and sometimes whenever it pleases.
  • bscarcellabscarcella Member Posts: 3
    my daughter called from college and said that her 99 Jetta won't start. lights come on but no crank
  • dereks1dereks1 Member Posts: 4
    A couple weeks ago my car (w/ 125,000 miles) was indicating that a door was ajar, from the drivers door I couldn't control any of the power windows, mirrors, locks or release the fuel door. Everything else appeared to run just fine about 30- 45 minutes down the road I the car stalled, I lost all power to the ignition. After the car set on the shoulder for 10- 15 minutes it started just fine, ran for another 30- 45 minutes same thing. Sometimes it run longer, sometimes shorter, the time also varies between stall and re-start with the longest being approx. 45 minutes.

    The door problem was diagnosed as bad cables to the door control system and is now currently fixed. I was also told that one of my glow plugs was bad so they were all replaced. While running my car through the diagnostics after the aforementioned maintenance the car stalled out again.

    Has anyone encountered similar problems and if so, what was the cause?

    Thanks in advance for help you may provide.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I think I know what is going on... but lets be clear on some things.

    1) There is no "ignition" on a diesel engine - as long as fuel is injected and there is air... it will run.
    2) The glowplugs have absolutely nothing to do with running the engine. They are only used during starting the engine below about 40F degrees.

    Given the above, we can make the assumption that perhaps the supply of fuel to the engine may be a problem. It sure sounds like you are describing EXACTLY what "gelling" of the fuel would do to the engine. (Start fine - run for awhile and quit)

    I would suggest you replace the fuel-filter and make certain you have added anti-gell to the fueltank. The WHITE bottle of "Power Service" available at Walmart is a very good product to use in the winter for EVERY fillup. (about 6oz per tank full)

    I would expect that to resolve your stalling problem
  • dereks1dereks1 Member Posts: 4
    I'm not understanding why the fuel "jelling" would elimate what I'm calling power to the ignition.

    When I turn the key on I don't have power to any of the Instruments and the Engine won't turn over. If you think that this would happen I'll gladly try it.

    For the record the mechanic I took it to has an '01 jetta TDI so i would think that he would be aware of the possibility of "jelling."
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    the word "ignition" specifically means power to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel in the cylinders... but the TDI does not have spark plugs so I was not clear on what you were tallking about and made the assumption that you were not able to get the engine to fire while cranking... this would be EXACTLY what gelled fuel would do.

    You did not mention power to the instrruments. Of course this would not be caused by gelling.

    With this new information, I would start at the PDU (Power Distribution Unit) which is attached to the top of the battery. Make certain all of the fuseable-links are snugged. Also verify the big red wire from the battery + to the PDU is clean and tight. I would also remove and clean the negitave terminal where it connects to the engine. While you are at it, remove and clean the big red wire connected to the alternator.

    All of these points are known to get corroded and can cause all kinds of electrical problems on VWs.

    The standard disclaimers of knowing what you are doing while working around a battery capable of 600 amps apply here. (disconect battery before doing any of this!)
  • ramanathramanath Member Posts: 3
    I'm facing the same problem. let me know how did you fix the problem. I appreciate your suggestions.
  • ramanathramanath Member Posts: 3
    'm facing a strange problem. When I cranked ignition on my 2001 Jetta I heard a click sound and complete power was gone. I tried couple of things by checking the battery voltage and couple of fuses there was nothing wrong with any of the parts but there was no power in the car and the electronics were down and I couldn't start the car. When I Checked in the evening again same thing happened. How to resolve this problem?
    Problem is same as the problem #22. But there are nor response to this post. I appreciate your suggestion.
  • dereks1dereks1 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the help.

    FYI- It turned out that my computer went bad.
  • dereks1dereks1 Member Posts: 4
    My computer was no longer working correctly.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Good thing the computer is coverd for 10 years by the Federal Emmissions Warantee.
  • peakaboo4268peakaboo4268 Member Posts: 2
    Hello! My 2006 Jetta TDI decided to be temperamental this morning and die on me on the highway. It was running fine for about 20 or so miles before it started sputtering. it almost felt like i was running out of gas although I still had a 1/4 of a tank and it was too warm for gelling to take place. i added some diesel 911 to the tank under the suspicion of water in the lines and after several tries, finally got it started again (it always cranked, but did not want to start). at that point, i had warning lights, bells and whistles going like crazy. the oil light came on, so i immediately turned off the car and checked the oil...there was plenty of oil. meanwhile, in additional to the oil light, the emmisions problem light was on, the glow plug light was flashing, and i had lost ESP (stability control) and my Tach.... i was able to drive it off the highway to a place where it could be trailered if need be. we then decided to check the fuses to see if that was an issue. we restarted the car and all the lights, bells and whistles were gone....and the car is running fine...any thoughts, we really don't want this to happen again...
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Perhaps some bad fuel... most folks with your type of complaint would change the fuel-filter and hope the gunk in the fuel was tossed out with the old filter.

    QUESTION: Do you add fuel-additive at every fillup? if not, why not?
  • biomassbiomass Member Posts: 7
    Curious to know if anybody else is having hesitation problem with their VW Jetta. I just got mine a few months ago and have what I consider a very serious hesitation problem. This is a major safety concern that to me is greater than any Toyota gas pedal problem. At least you can throw the car in neutral. What do you do when you are pulling out into traffic and you give it gas (diesel) and the car hesitates with no warning? I had my car back to the dealer once so far and they did not fix the problem. Its happened numerous times in a variety of different situations - none of which were safe. Warm or cold I've had the problem and I live in central Florida. Please help
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Are you sure that you are not just experiencing the lag which all turbocharged vehicles exibit? ... it takes some time for the turbocharger to go from virtually nothing to over 10,000 RPM - at which time your engine gets boosted. Before the turbocharger comes up to speed, your engine has the power of a briggs-n-stratton lawnmower.

    Most folks who are experinced with driving a turbocharged engine tend to "make up" for this turbo-lag by compensating for it. If you KNOW that you will need a sudden boost of accellation from a dead-stop... pre-spin-up the turbocharger a moment before you need the power.
  • peakaboo4268peakaboo4268 Member Posts: 2
    tried some new fuel from a completely different gas station, so that's not it...The only additive I put in the tank is the Diesel anti-gel stuff in the winter. we pulled a code, P0726 out of it last night which is the engine speed sensor...
  • bunchgrasserbunchgrasser Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2010 Jetta TDI and recently had what sounds like exactly the same problem. It has happened 5-6 times in past 2 weeks. Mostly when I'm stopped at a light, or pulling into traffic from a parking lot, etc. When light turned green I hit the accelerator and the car moved about 5-10 feet forward, then the accelerator just went dead. No power whatsoever for about 2-3 seconds. The engine did not turn off and the acceleration did come back, but for a few seconds there was absolutely nothing there. This is clearly not a case of the turbo not responding. It is clearly a safety problem for which I'm taking into the shop to be checked. But given the random nature of occurrences I expect they won't be able to determine the problem if not reproducible. I'm hoping that others have identified and resolved the problem so as to give me a starting point. Please advise if you have learned anything further on this.

    Regards
  • bunchgrasserbunchgrasser Member Posts: 2
    Correction, mine is a 2009 Jetta TDI (sedan). I found some info on another site that may be my problem...

    Some people report hesitation from a stop when the car has a DSG transmission. This is reported to be worst when you are stopped, foot on brake, and quickly step hard on the accelerator pedal. This is believed to be from the DSG clutches slipping. To minimize it, after you take your foot off the brake, wait before stomping on the go-pedal hard or gently press the pedal before pressing it harder.

    I'm going to try following this advice to see if the problem reoccurs.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    That kinda makes sense to me... with all the 'scares' at Toyota... the automakers are adding all kinds of 'safetys' into their products. I wonder if one of the built-in safety features is kickin in and overriding the throttle pedal.

    Did you know that VW has a 'stuck throttle' safety built in? (VW has had this for over 15 years)

    Try this... with engine idling in neutral/park put LEFT foot on brake-pedal and hold it. Then, with RIGHT foot try to rev the engine... it WILL NOT rev above a predeterminted RPM as long as the brake-pedal is applied.
  • biomassbiomass Member Posts: 7
    Do you use both feet when you drive? Before you answer the question drive around for a few days and notice. After get back to me with your answer.
  • gordon23gordon23 Member Posts: 2
    We had a 2006 Jetta 2.5 with the same problem. Would be driving along and the power would cut out for up to 15-20 seconds. First time is was on the freeway at 80 mph. Had it into the shop 3 times. I was never able to reproduce the problem. Once we drove from California to Montana and back no problems for the entire trip until we were 10 miles from home and it happened again. Use Chevron gas with occasional Costco fill up. When we took it in the dealer could never find anything wrong. The last time they "fixed it" we traded it in (at 30k miles and took a huge $$loss) before driving it off the dealer lot! I felt it was dangerous for my wife to drive.

    We did get another Jetta and so far no troubles.
  • mikedloxmikedlox Member Posts: 1
    I am having this problem with my 1999 jetta wolfsburg when it rains. It seems like when the tires splash the water puddles the water jumps up onto the engine. Once I opened the hood and realized that the water was on the lower parts of the engine I then realized that the water was puddleing on the engine. This is occuring on the driver side of the engine were there is a waffle or grid-like pattern made into the engine. THIS IS WERE WATER IS STAYING ON THE ENGINE AND CAUSEING A SHORT CERCUIT. The cars grounding seems to be weak when there is water pooling on the engine. After driving on a rainy day my car started to stall out. I opened the hood, saw the little water puddles on the engine (lower driver side belgin waffle shaped) I soaked up all the water with several paper towles and being carefull not to burn myself on the hot engine. Once all the water was out of all the puddles in this area the car started right up and didn't stall at all. Every time water pools in this area the car does the same thing untill i do the same thing. This works everytime. I feel that there should be something blocking the rain water from splashing into this area because the shape of the engine in this area is perfect for storeing water and causing a short cercuit. hope this works for you
  • svangastel1svangastel1 Member Posts: 1
    Was driving 01 jetta,2.0, It died no spark, Have tested cam sensor, eng. speed sensor,both tested good, replaced coil, did not help. replaced ecm, did not help, have tested wiring, all seem good, any ideas???
  • camille016camille016 Member Posts: 1
    I also have a '01 Jetta w/ 2.0 engine. Check Engine light came on a couple weeks ago and a few days ago the car lost power when I was coming to a stop & the battery light came on. Took it to mechanic, he tightened the ignition coil and I also had several things replaced (timing belt, thermostat, water pump) & got a tune-up & oil change.

    The same day I got it back, the car lost power again when coming to a stop & the cops had to help me push my car to the side of the road. After telling the cops what happened, even the officer suggested that it sounded like a problem with the fuel pump. The next day I took it back to my mechanic, & he diagnosed the problem as a faulty speed sensor, so he reset the memory on it, and today was my first day back with the car.

    Drove fine to my house, but a few hours later when I went to start it, it died out & battery light came on again. Restarted right after & no stalling when I drove it, but still, that dying out & battery light concerns me. Not looking forward to taking it back to the mechanic a 3rd time to pay for more work...
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    it sounds as if you already spent a lot of $$ on it (timing belt, thermostat, water pump) & got a tune-up & oil change. I estamate this was over $400.

    However, they did not fix the original problem you took it in for. If it were me, I would take it back and be VERY explicit explaining that they did not fix the original problem and expect them to fix it. (you already spent a lot of money)

    Some shops will gladly charge you so they can perform all kinds of expensive tasks on your car... but the bottom line is that you are complaining about "Engine dying". You should hold them to fixing the original problem. Fixing your car should not be a "trial and error" exercize at your expense.

    Keep in mind that the battery light is EXPECTED to come on any time the engine is not running. This may not be a problem at all and instead is normal when engine dies.

    If the battery lignt is coming on BEFORE the engine dies, that would be a concern.
  • bobalou1bobalou1 Member Posts: 1
    so my 98 jetta's engine stutters on the regular and recently its been having this wierd problem where about ever 2-7 seconds as im driving forward the gas pedal cuts out and i have to play with the clutch to get it to accelerate again. it doesnt do this when i reverse only on forward. its a manual transmission
  • cevin7cevin7 Member Posts: 1
    Ok

    my late model 99 jetta 2.0l wont start.

    If i open the door the clock and odometer start flashing. if i turn the key or turn on the head lights the dash goes blank.

    leading up to this the car randomly wouldn't start with out ether and at random times the check engine light would flash and the car would try to stall.

    battery is fully charged checked the cables etc...

    i am baffled.

    any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • ali17nicoleali17nicole Member Posts: 2
    i have a 98' vw jetta. 2.0 automatic, ran fine until a so called professional put a system in. little did i kno my anti theft system ran through it. he told me it wouldnt affect anything,. now my car doesnt wanna start. it occasionally starts but other than that it wont. i tried putting the old radio back in and the problem still continued. i replaced the starter, ignition, and many more and still nothing. Can anyone help?
  • bscarcellabscarcella Member Posts: 3
    first start of day no issues, when the car is warn, sometime have to press on gas pedal to start?
  • ali17nicoleali17nicole Member Posts: 2
    It still wont work., i think it has something to do with the anti theft system running through it,. i paid 200 to put in the system and i think the guy cut or shorted out the wire for it. tried abs everythin the car only starts sometimes wen i jiggle the key in the door for 30 mins if that.. when the little red light is on by my locks. but most of the time it wont even work
  • cz3sn1cz3sn1 Member Posts: 2
    My car died and it will not start. It turns over, but will not fire. Sounds like it is not getting gas. Any ideas?
  • cz3sn1cz3sn1 Member Posts: 2
    How do you prime the carburetor in a 1994 Jetta?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    VW has been using fuel-injection since the 1970s..... hence, there is no "carburetor" in your 1994 VW.

    However, when you turn the key on, (not starting engine) you should hear the hummmm of the fuelpump which is located within the fuel tank. (It will hummm for about 4 seconds and stop if you do not start the engine.) It is the fuel-pump which "pressurizes" the fuel-system prior to starting the engine.
  • amo327amo327 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010
    I just got a 2010 Jetta with a 5 speed manual. I've driven manual my whole life but have stalled the Jetta a dozen times getting into first gear in the two days I've had it. Anyone else experiencing this issue? Maybe I just need to get used to it but any suggestions would be great.
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