Author Topic: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬  (Read 5180 times)

Offline Storm1995

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 3
VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« on: 26 January 2018, 10:10 »
Hi I have a 1997 mk3 golf 8v which has been stood up a year and I’m trying to put back on the road. It has new tried battery and earth connections and turns over but won’t fire up. All spark plugs are working and getting wet with fuel. I’m a bit stuck and wonder if anyone can help? I don’t have acces to any diagnostic gear but maybe someone with more experience of these could suggest a common fault? Many thanks

Offline WatchThis

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 74
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #1 on: 26 January 2018, 14:01 »
Are you using fresh fuel?
Enjoying: Atlantic Blue 5 door GTI PP DSG Brescia's-Art Velours-Park-Camera-Voice-Excite-Airbags-Keyless-DCC-Traffic Jam-Climate Windscreen-Dynamic lights-Rear tints

Offline Storm1995

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #2 on: 26 January 2018, 22:07 »
Yeah it was on virtually empty anyway and I put 10 litres in.

Offline Storm1995

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #3 on: 26 January 2018, 22:09 »
After doing some reading it seems that the crank sensor is common fault and could cause non starting issues like this. I can see where it is on the engine. Does anyone have any more knowledge on this and how to test it?

Offline sharki786

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,708
  • GOT BOOST??
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #4 on: 05 February 2018, 21:26 »
Best way would be to get it diagnosed. What area are you in? Alot of users have vagcom etc. If no codes then it could be the ignition switch at the back of the barrel which is VERY common.
*****MK3 Anniversary*****
*****MK4 GTI T*****

Offline itavaltalainen

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,689
  • VCDS and VCP - fault codes, coding, VIM activation
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #5 on: 07 February 2018, 09:02 »
Where in the country are you?

The ADY/AGG has a crank and hall sender (unlike earlier 2E which only had the hall effect). Testing is easiest with VCDS.

Even if you get a spark on all 4... coil pack could be faulty. Another very common issue on the aging fleet of mk3s.
2019 Seat Leon ST FR DSG 135kW - eclipse orange - 23k miles

Offline madmanmart

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 938
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #6 on: 10 February 2018, 15:24 »
Is the fuel pump priming? Make sure.


Mk3 Golf 3dr GTI 16v
Mk3 Golf Cabriolet TD
20vt Corrado track car project

Offline S-Quinn^^

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 1
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #7 on: 20 April 2018, 21:46 »
Best way would be to get it diagnosed. What area are you in? Alot of users have vagcom etc. If no codes then it could be the ignition switch at the back of the barrel which is VERY common.

Having similar issues and have recently purchased new ignition switch. I removed the wiring from the back of the switch and connected the new one up and tried that. Still not starting.

My question is does the switch have to be fitted the barrel for the immobiliser to work as there is a ring around the top of the barrel?

Offline itavaltalainen

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,689
  • VCDS and VCP - fault codes, coding, VIM activation
Re: VW Mk3 GTI won’t start!😬
« Reply #8 on: 21 April 2018, 23:15 »
Yeah, immo coil will only pick up if key is very close.
2019 Seat Leon ST FR DSG 135kW - eclipse orange - 23k miles