Hi, I have a 97 Passat TDI (4 cylinder) and sometimes it simply fails to start. The starter and battery are fine and there does not seem to be any pattern to these failures. I am convinced it is not getting any fuel, or that there is air in the fuel. If anyone has any insight that would be appreciated. Also does anyone know if there is a fuel pump in the tank or if it uses a vacuum to get the fuel to the injection pump. Thanks for reading!

 

I would recommend you to get your air filters and most important the Carburetor checked. if needed get your carburetor replaced if faulty. and i dont think so there are any pumps in the fuel tank as far as my knowledge is concerned. All the best

 

Welcome to the forum.

Excuse me automanix its a TDI and therefore a diesel engine.

Does the glow plug warning light up on the dash?

If you have no record of a fuel filter change then change it so you know its new.

Draining or changing the VW TDI fuel filter and priming the fuel system

I don't think there is a fuel pump in the tank this is fitted on later models.

 

The glow plug light does come on and the car often started easily in the winter and would then fail in warm weather even after it had been warmed up so I am thinking it is not the glow plugs but I hear they are an easy job so I will try that. I have also just replaced the fuel filter because that was my original thought.

 

The car starts if you run a wire from the positive side of the battery to the injection pump shut off but i am not sure where the loose connection is.