Crazy as it sounds I've had my mechanic scratching his head for a month over an intermittent issue starting my car. It's a 1998 Jetta GLX and it won't start if it gets too hot outside. I drive the car daily, but frequently do not start it until 4 or 5PM. Without fail, if the weather is above 80 degrees, the car will not start. All the dash lights and electronics come up, and it's like it can't engage the engine. It doesn't try to turn over at all. If I wait until after 8PM when it's cool and the sun is gone, it starts up on the first try without hesitation.

This doesnt' occur if I'm able to park in a garage for the day OR if there's no sun OR if the car has been driven earlier in the day...only if it sits in the sun during peak heat.

Anyone ever experience anything like this?

 

Mine will crank but not start after sitting in the sun.
Just replaced crank sensor for the 4th time...
As long as it's cool it seems to start just fine.
Why do these particular cars eat crank sensors??