GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: BlackGT on 05 May 2018, 17:20
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Hi all, wondering if anyone might be able to offer some advice - my Mk3 GTI 16v (ABF) is failing to start - it spins over OK but there's no spark, the RAC man tried changing the coilpack and ECU relay, neither of which made a difference. He reckons it's the ECU, there's also this fault code:
System Type: ENGINE SYSTEM TEST/VALUES
Name: ABF - DIGIFANT - 2.0L - 110 (150)
DTC: 17978,Engine control unit blocked
Aside from replacing the ECU, are there any obvious things I should check? Thank you for your help, it's much appreciated.
Cheers, James
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Immobiliser issue, not ECU.
Where are you?
I can help with that.
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Interesting, that would make sense - although doesn't the immobiliser stop the fuel pump rather than the spark? I tried starting it again this evening after being towed home... and the stupid thing started up first time!
Thanks, I'm in West London.
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Sounds like a fault on immo pick up coil. They are quite notorious on mk3.
Check fault codes in immo control box (25).... they will tell you why it blocks engine start.
I would guess it's 'signal too low'.
I can scan it for you (and even reprogram key transponders if need be).
Send me a PM with your mobile number and I'll WhatsApp you.
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Thanks, will do. Do you know if the coil, transponder, ignition control box and engine ECU are all coded together or can any of them be swapped out individually? Don't have a decent reader unfortunately, only got the code from the RAC's reader.
Cheers, James
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Reader coil and lead can be replaced without recoding (it's just a simple coil and a bit of wiring).
Transponder is matched to immo box and immo box is matched to ECU, any of those will need to be recoded if replaced.
I sent you a message to your mobile number.
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So I haven't made much progress on this, left it in the garage for a few weeks. I noticed that the insulation on the crank sensor had all disintegrated, and unplugging the sensor resulted in the same behaviour, ie. spinning over but not catching.
Interestingly, it seems sensitive to temperature - when the weather's hot and the car's outside it won't start, but seems ok in the evening when it's cooler...
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Just in case anyone else has the same problem, it was the crank sensor - been fine since it was replaced.
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That makes sense, if it was immobiliser issue it would have started and run for 2-3 secs before cutting out
Glad you got it sorted :)
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Hi mate, im having similar issues. After much research on why my golf drives and cuts out and wont start 1 in 25 times 75% of internet reported started issues are down to this crank shift sensor.
Im just about to buy and fit one myself.
So common there should be an internet shop dedicated to it ha. Call it 'SoYourMk3GolfWontStartRUs' All as you sell is crank sensors.
It must be murder for the guys who have had Mk3s / been on forums many years as there just going over the same stuff all the time. But I think they forget how big a deal it is to us newbies. Nowt worse than your pride and joy being broken, what ever the reason.
I honestly think this forum needs a sticky 'So your Mk3 won't start?' FAQ type of thing. Then people (like myself) can be pointed to it warmly rather than be ignored by the masses or 'do a search' or whatever. Just a suggestion not being hostile. I for one really like this place.
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Hi Kola, hope you managed to get out sorted. It's a horrible job, I tried and failed as the Allen bolt holding the sensor round off... Garage did the job for 60 quid