Volkswagon Jetta - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

chance · 08-21-2005, 05:39 PM

I have a friend who has a Jetta that will start up, but shut off randomly and won't start back up. He has changed the alternator, battery, starter, spark plugs and fluids. It will just shut off and that’s it. I know it could be numerous things, but at this point anything will help. He doesn't have the money for a mechanic, and is a hands on kinda guy. The car has 170,000 miles on it, so I'm guessing it could be an engine problem. I know you can't diagnose a car over the internet, but this situation is desperate. Thanks

chance

merkerguitars · 08-21-2005, 05:51 PM

What year and engine? I'll ask a friend that is a vw tech tomorrow If you tell me the details.

Borla · 08-21-2005, 06:20 PM

Does it run rough at all before quitting? When it runs, does it run ok until it shuts off? How long will it run before dying?

If it seems to be running ok then just cut out when it's being driven, I would suspect a fuel delivery issue. I would start by swapping out the fuel filter. When he removes the old filter, he could try blowing IN to the filter in the same direction the fuel flows. If he can't do that easily, the filter was plugged up.

chance · 08-21-2005, 06:21 PM

It's a 2000 Jetta with a 2.0 engine. The body style is Jetta 4, and it was made in Mexico. Thank you so much Merker. There really is nice people around.

chance

Borla · 08-21-2005, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance

It's a 2000 Jetta with a 2.0 engine. The body style is Jetta 4, and it was made in Mexico. Thank you so much Merker. There really is nice people around.

chance

My wife has one, we have about 128,000 miles on ours, it's been a solid little car.

chance · 08-21-2005, 06:41 PM

Thanks Borla! The car runs perfectly normal until it just shuts off. And like I said, when it shuts off, it won't turn back on. It all depends on when it shuts off. It could be 5 minutes, or it could be 5 hours. Your theory is something he has not thought of, and he has the car jacked up as we speak! Thank you for helping out.

chance

Borla · 08-21-2005, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance

Thanks Borla! The car runs perfectly normal until it just shuts off. And like I said, when it shuts off, it won't turn back on. It all depends on when it shuts off. It could be 5 minutes, or it could be 5 hours. Your theory is something he has not thought of, and he has the car jacked up as we speak! Thank you for helping out.

chance

I had something similar happen in a car of mine in the past. It ended up being the screen filters attached to the in-tank fuel pump, talk about a pain to change!! For him I'd start with the fuel filter though, since it's the easiest/cheapest place to start. IIRC, it should only be about $12 or so at Autozone for the new filter on that.

I actually own the service manual for that car, so if there are any specific questions go ahead and post them in here and I'll try to help as much as I can.

Turbotom · 08-21-2005, 08:19 PM

This sounds dumb, but you aren't using the valet key by any chance are you?
It'll run for 15 minutes or some short distance before shutting off.

RaDiAn · 08-22-2005, 08:38 AM

After it shuts down, check spark ... Check Fuel rail pressure... Don't Jettas have troubles with coil packs? Just something I heard from someone , not sure if its true.

Borla · 08-22-2005, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaDiAn

After it shuts down, check spark ... Check Fuel rail pressure... Don't Jettas have troubles with coil packs? Just something I heard from someone , not sure if its true.

I had to change out one of the coil packs on my wife's Jetta. However, it wouldn't run "fine" with a dead coil pack. It would still run pretty rough even when it did run. It would also likely sputter and die, not just cut off almost immediately.

chance · 08-22-2005, 12:59 PM

Thanks RaDiAn. He changed out the coil pack, or coil already. Now that the fuel filter has been mentioned (thanks Borla!), that is his next mission. He wanted to thank you all for helping him and me too.

This not only helps him, but me as well because I am the one he calls to tow him back to the house.

The last time we had a close call at a train stop. The car in front of me slowed down while I was at the top, so he rolled back and jerked the chain fairly hard. Back in my off-road days we broke a pretty huge chain as a friend was trying to pull me out the mud (it was up to the bottom of my doors in a truck that had a 4 inch lift with 31 inchers). It came back towards the truck that was pulling me and slammed into his tail gate. Thankfully it didn't go through his back glass. Man I miss those days.

Chance

Borla · 08-22-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance

Thanks RaDiAn. He changed out the coil pack, or coil already. Now that the fuel filter has been mentioned (thanks Borla!), that is his next mission. He wanted to thank you all for helping him and me too.

This not only helps him, but me as well because I am the one he calls to tow him back to the house.

The last time we had a close call at a train stop. The car in front of me slowed down while I was at the top, so he rolled back and jerked the chain fairly hard. Back in my off-road days we broke a pretty huge chain as a friend was trying to pull me out the mud (it was up to the bottom of my doors in a truck that had a 4 inch lift with 31 inchers). It came back towards the truck that was pulling me and slammed into his tail gate. Thankfully it didn't go through his back glass. Man I miss those days.

Chance

Not a problem, glad to help.

I believe there is one coil pack for each cylinder, if he's talking about the ignition coils, which are small black boxes that sit above each cylinder. The spark plug wire goes from the plug into the coil. He changed those already? My guess is if that is the source of the problem, only ONE is bad.

noodle · 08-22-2005, 05:43 PM

Man, I thought I was the only one with a testy Jetta! Mine waits until the humidity gets to the point that you walk outside and you go limp, then the battery connections go all wonky. I havw to carry around bottles of water, a box of baking soda, a wrench, and a toothbrush. Shoulda seen the sales lady's face with that purchase. But, I digress... Chance, tell your friend he's not alone and if I can ever cough up the cash to get my VW guys to try and figure it out, I'll pass along the info. Until then, I'll check all the stuff you nice TFPers suggested. I've got a few days off coming up

DEI37 · 08-22-2005, 07:44 PM

The 2.0 has one coil, with wires to each cylinder. Check the coil pack, and the ignition output stage. VW's are good for electrical problems in general, and these are good places to start. Fuel pump can be an issue too sometimes, but ignition related things more often than not. On that note, check the ignition switch, too.

Borla · 08-23-2005, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEI37

The 2.0 has one coil, with wires to each cylinder. Check the coil pack, and the ignition output stage. VW's are good for electrical problems in general, and these are good places to start. Fuel pump can be an issue too sometimes, but ignition related things more often than not. On that note, check the ignition switch, too.

Are you sure the newer ones are that way? I thought for sure they had one for each cylinder. I've worked on so many cars in the last two years I could be going

though.

I'll have to check my wife's tonight.

chance · 08-23-2005, 05:42 AM

Yeah he is kind of scared that it might be an electrical problem. He just bought a fuel filter and is about to change it to see if that helps. You guys have gave him hope! Thanks again. I will keep you all informed.

chance

merkerguitars · 08-23-2005, 05:53 AM

Talked to my friend recently, he said it could be the computer is losing rpm signal, he's gonna research a little more, any check engine light? If you could scan it then you know what to replace.

Borla · 08-23-2005, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merkerguitars

Talked to my friend recently, he said it could be the computer is losing rpm signal, he's gonna research a little more, any check engine light? If you could scan it then you know what to replace.

Good question about the check engine light. Though the O2 sensors on those things are horrible and get fouled up all the time, causing the light to come on when it's not anything major. That gets old fast.

Fortunately my brother has a hand scanner, and you can sometimes just clean the sensor w/o replacing it.

Anyway, it'll be interesting to hear if it's a fuel issue. If not, electrical is probably right, and I'm guessing coil pack.

chance · 08-23-2005, 10:29 AM

The thing is, the check engine light isn't on. That's another headache to deal with. He is in the process of changing the filter out, so we will see what happens. Hopefully this will be it, but we'll see.

Borla · 08-23-2005, 11:14 AM

If the check engine light is not one, I highly doubt it's a spark/electrical issue. If it's not the fuel filter, the next place I would look towards is the fuel pump. I'm not sure if that has an in-line pump or an in-tank pump, since I've never messed with it on that car. If he needs me to look in the service manual, post up and I'll find out, or he can just follow the fuel line, lol.

chance · 08-23-2005, 11:33 AM

Yeah cool Borla.....thanks

chance · 08-23-2005, 04:18 PM

Well it's not the fuel filter. Next is the fuel pump, and a check over of the coils.

Borla · 08-23-2005, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance

Well it's not the fuel filter. Next is the fuel pump, and a check over of the coils.

I just checked, the pump is in the tank. That means dropping the tank to check it out. Not the funnest job in the world. Not terribly technical, but a PITA.

I doubt it's the coils if the check engine light isn't coming on, but stranger things have happened.

chance · 08-24-2005, 04:48 PM

Thanks again Borla. I guess that will be the next plan. What a pain in the ass.

Borla · 08-24-2005, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance

Thanks again Borla. I guess that will be the next plan. What a pain in the ass.

When he pulls the pump out, check the strainer filters that are outside the filter very closely. I bet they are gummed up. If that's the case, he may need to have the tank flushed.

chance · 08-31-2005, 10:29 AM

Ok he changed a purge valve and a speed sensor and the car works again. Thank you for all of your help!!

Borla · 08-31-2005, 02:59 PM

Glad to hear it's back up and running!!

rogerbear · 09-04-2005, 11:41 AM

We have a 1998 GLX 2.8L VR6 that ran rough when it was damp (stopped roughness after warmup) - just applied a coating of Silicon spray lube to the top of the coil cluster with a rag and it stopped running rough and throwing check engine lights - it probably is cracked and needs replacement someday but for now we will keep the ~ $300 bucks in our pocket.

merkerguitars · 09-04-2005, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerbear

We have a 1998 GLX 2.8L VR6 that ran rough when it was damp (stopped roughness after warmup) - just applied a coating of Silicon spray lube to the top of the coil cluster with a rag and it stopped running rough and throwing check engine lights - it probably is cracked and needs replacement someday but for now we will keep the ~ $300 bucks in our pocket.

A very popular fix for that problem is to convert the car to a GM DIS coilpack setup. alot of vw guys swear buy it and its cheaper than fixing it vw parts.

Borla · 09-05-2005, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merkerguitars

A very popular fix for that problem is to convert the car to a GM DIS coilpack setup. alot of vw guys swear buy it and its cheaper than fixing it vw parts.

Really? I've never heard of that, that's interesting. I may have to try that if I ever have an issue. You probably have to swap out each pack though?

08-21-2005, 05:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Volkswagon Jetta I have a friend who has a Jetta that will start up, but shut off randomly and won't start back up. He has changed the alternator, battery, starter, spark plugs and fluids. It will just shut off and that’s it. I know it could be numerous things, but at this point anything will help. He doesn't have the money for a mechanic, and is a hands on kinda guy. The car has 170,000 miles on it, so I'm guessing it could be an engine problem. I know you can't diagnose a car over the internet, but this situation is desperate. Thanks chance

08-21-2005, 05:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
merkerguitars Buffering......... Location: Wisconsin...	What year and engine? I'll ask a friend that is a vw tech tomorrow If you tell me the details. __________________ Donate now! Ask me How! Please use the search function it is your friend. Look at my mustang please feel free to comment! http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=26985

08-21-2005, 06:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Borla Junkie	Does it run rough at all before quitting? When it runs, does it run ok until it shuts off? How long will it run before dying? If it seems to be running ok then just cut out when it's being driven, I would suspect a fuel delivery issue. I would start by swapping out the fuel filter. When he removes the old filter, he could try blowing IN to the filter in the same direction the fuel flows. If he can't do that easily, the filter was plugged up. __________________ Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde!!!!

08-22-2005, 07:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	The 2.0 has one coil, with wires to each cylinder. Check the coil pack, and the ignition output stage. VW's are good for electrical problems in general, and these are good places to start. Fuel pump can be an issue too sometimes, but ignition related things more often than not. On that note, check the ignition switch, too. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

08-23-2005, 05:53 AM	#17 (permalink)
merkerguitars Buffering......... Location: Wisconsin...	Talked to my friend recently, he said it could be the computer is losing rpm signal, he's gonna research a little more, any check engine light? If you could scan it then you know what to replace. __________________ Donate now! Ask me How! Please use the search function it is your friend. Look at my mustang please feel free to comment! http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=26985

08-21-2005, 06:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
chance Tilted	It's a 2000 Jetta with a 2.0 engine. The body style is Jetta 4, and it was made in Mexico. Thank you so much Merker. There really is nice people around. chance

08-21-2005, 06:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Thanks Borla! The car runs perfectly normal until it just shuts off. And like I said, when it shuts off, it won't turn back on. It all depends on when it shuts off. It could be 5 minutes, or it could be 5 hours. Your theory is something he has not thought of, and he has the car jacked up as we speak! Thank you for helping out. chance

08-21-2005, 08:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
Turbotom Tilted	This sounds dumb, but you aren't using the valet key by any chance are you? It'll run for 15 minutes or some short distance before shutting off.

08-22-2005, 08:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
RaDiAn Addict	After it shuts down, check spark ... Check Fuel rail pressure... Don't Jettas have troubles with coil packs? Just something I heard from someone , not sure if its true.

08-22-2005, 12:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Thanks RaDiAn. He changed out the coil pack, or coil already. Now that the fuel filter has been mentioned (thanks Borla!), that is his next mission. He wanted to thank you all for helping him and me too. This not only helps him, but me as well because I am the one he calls to tow him back to the house. The last time we had a close call at a train stop. The car in front of me slowed down while I was at the top, so he rolled back and jerked the chain fairly hard. Back in my off-road days we broke a pretty huge chain as a friend was trying to pull me out the mud (it was up to the bottom of my doors in a truck that had a 4 inch lift with 31 inchers). It came back towards the truck that was pulling me and slammed into his tail gate. Thankfully it didn't go through his back glass. Man I miss those days. Chance

08-23-2005, 05:42 AM	#16 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Yeah he is kind of scared that it might be an electrical problem. He just bought a fuel filter and is about to change it to see if that helps. You guys have gave him hope! Thanks again. I will keep you all informed. chance

08-23-2005, 10:29 AM	#19 (permalink)
chance Tilted	The thing is, the check engine light isn't on. That's another headache to deal with. He is in the process of changing the filter out, so we will see what happens. Hopefully this will be it, but we'll see.

08-23-2005, 11:14 AM	#20 (permalink)
Borla Junkie	If the check engine light is not one, I highly doubt it's a spark/electrical issue. If it's not the fuel filter, the next place I would look towards is the fuel pump. I'm not sure if that has an in-line pump or an in-tank pump, since I've never messed with it on that car. If he needs me to look in the service manual, post up and I'll find out, or he can just follow the fuel line, lol. __________________ Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde!!!!

08-23-2005, 11:33 AM	#21 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Yeah cool Borla.....thanks

08-23-2005, 04:18 PM	#22 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Well it's not the fuel filter. Next is the fuel pump, and a check over of the coils. __________________ be nice to nice people

08-24-2005, 04:48 PM	#24 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Thanks again Borla. I guess that will be the next plan. What a pain in the ass. __________________ be nice to nice people

08-31-2005, 10:29 AM	#26 (permalink)
chance Tilted	Ok he changed a purge valve and a speed sensor and the car works again. Thank you for all of your help!! __________________ be nice to nice people

08-31-2005, 02:59 PM	#27 (permalink)
Borla Junkie	Glad to hear it's back up and running!! __________________ Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde!!!!

09-04-2005, 11:41 AM	#28 (permalink)
rogerbear Upright	We have a 1998 GLX 2.8L VR6 that ran rough when it was damp (stopped roughness after warmup) - just applied a coating of Silicon spray lube to the top of the coil cluster with a rag and it stopped running rough and throwing check engine lights - it probably is cracked and needs replacement someday but for now we will keep the ~ $300 bucks in our pocket.