Hello,

I have a 2005 VW Golf with the 2.0 and I can't get it to start..

We bought it a few weeks ago and they said they just replaced the timing belt and water pump.

It ran good but about 2 weeks later I went out to try and start it but it wouldn't start. It turned over and acted like it wanted to start but didn't. It seemed like the battery was getting weak so I put it on the charger for a few hours and it started. Did this again about another week later, same thing, charged battery, few hours later it started. The 3rd time it wouldn't start at all though.

I've replaced the battery, found the intake manifold very dirty so thought maybe it was fuel injectors, replaced them but that didn't do it. You can hear the fuel pump wind up when the key turns on and the fuel rail spits out fuel from the pressure valve so I don't think it's fuel related.

All fuses are good..

I've connected an ODB2 reader and it has no error codes.

It has 108K miles..

Frustrating, first time I've ever had a VW and a few weeks into it with a big problem like this..
Anyone have any ideas???



Thanks!

--Mike

 

Welcome to the forum Mike.

ODB2 readers are general scanners and they are hit and miss. You need to find someone with VAG-COM\VCDS?

There is basically 3 reasons why an engine won't start.

1. Insufficient spark to ignite the fuel on a petrol engine. Insufficient heat on a diesel engine.

2. No fuel getting to the carburettor/injection system.

3. Broken timing belt.

In you case your could have a faulty 109 relay which is the main power feed to the ecu. You can crank it all day and it will never start. Check under the dash if you have one. Its always a good thing to carry a spare in the car as they can go at anytime.



https://volkswagenforum.com/forum/ne...gnature-34185/

 

Wow, thanks a lot Keith, that's some great info..

Yes, I also suspected the 109 relay and replaced it but no difference.

I do hear the fuel pump wind up and get fuel spitting out of the fuel rail with the test valve so I think fuel is ok.

I'm leaning toward weak spark also so I pulled the plugs and found three of them were the originals which looked very, very bad. The worst I've ever seen and the VW parts guy said the same. Only one plug had been changed, the only one that could accessed without removing the intake manifold and it was different than the stock ones.

Thanks

--Mike

 

The new plugs didn't do it and it is producing a good spark, still try's to start then doesn't.. :-(

 

I don't know about VWs but it sounds like your alternator isn't charging the battery if you can charge the battery and drive it but it just dies again later. ORiley's or Napa or wherever can usually test them for you.