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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: newlad on 08 November 2013, 13:09

Title: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 08 November 2013, 13:09
hi all,
the car will just turn over but wont fire, any advice on where I should start? I read up about a hall sender so I changed the distributor today, the timing is correct, I'm no mechanic but am quite competent with tools, just don't know where to start  :cry:
cheers
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: oakgreener on 08 November 2013, 13:25
First off check that there's fuel there by taking a plug out. If you've been cranking for any  time they will be wet.
If so take the king lead out of the dizzy, the one in the centre, and hold it a few mill from the block while cranking. You should get a fat spark. Try that then come back
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 10 November 2013, 10:15
Hi, ok I turned he over a couple of times today, no start again, :sad:
I checked each plug, all have petrol on them, also there is a spark to the block,
Thank you for your help so far
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: oakgreener on 10 November 2013, 15:35
If you have a spark to the block from the king lead next try each plug in turn by holding the plug body to the block.
You should have a nice fat spark. If you haven't, fit new plugs and a new dizzy cap and rotor arm. Not a bad idea to do this  if they've done 5 or 6K anyway.
If the spark cracks nicely you may have a timing issue. :huh:.Good luck
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Wayne on 11 November 2013, 00:06
Is the fuel pump working as it should.
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 02 January 2014, 17:13
hi all, been through the mill with this car now, new symptoms are - turn key and hear the rear pump engaging and nothing happens after that, no turn over, nothing,
its had new - plugs, leads, distributor, timing is done (including ignition)
don't know whats next! :(
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Sgt_Lemon on 02 January 2014, 17:21
So nothing happens when you turn the key? If your still getting a spark on every cylinder and the timing has been done then check the fuel pumps properly. You might be getting the pump prime on ignition but not pump when you go to start (just because a pump is making a noise doesn't mean it's doing anything). Get a big container and pull the fuel line in the engine bay. Test to see if your getting a good amount of fuel. If not then check your relay and fuse, then test the pump in the tank first. If your gunna keep trying to start as well leave your battery on charge.
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 02 January 2014, 17:36
Cheers buddy, get straight on it first thing in the morning,
Is there a second pump? Could you tell me where it's located please?
Thanks again
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Mr Blue on 02 January 2014, 21:42
If you turn the key and the starter motor doesn't engage:

Clean up the red/black wire on the starter motor - this triggers the solenoid and the contact might just be dirty or you nudged it.

If its a fault at the ignition switch. Put the ignition ON. Then just bridge the red/black connector on starter to the red on the starter. Engine should now turn over.
-------------------------------------------------
You normally have the original start issue if the ignition module is blown (sits ontop of the ECU) - test with a spare.

If the fuel pump constantly primes past 3 seconds - ECU is blown (big earth lead issue)
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 03 January 2014, 00:27
I think the ignition module has been changed, also the pump does prime constantly, so I guess it may be an ECU then!
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 03 January 2014, 10:11
Ok, I went to the car this morning, fuel pump still constantly on and no start, tried a few times and no joy, popped bonnet and played with red terminal on starter then she fired up, I suppose my main fear is the pump on constantly, what's causing it? Cheers
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Craigwilson on 03 January 2014, 14:17
if the ecu is blown the pump will run constantly and the injectors (can be) stuck open this can do 2 things:

1. flood the engine and the plugs will be soaked and it will just turn over or not fire.
2. flood so badly it gets hydro locked with petrol and cant turn over.

this happened to me a few years back but the car would start if you let it sit a while then cranked the starter straight from ign off (no delay) or bump started it which probably wasnt good for it.

my oil was loaded with petrol after this, could cheeck and smell the oil to see if this is happening?
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Mr Blue on 03 January 2014, 20:28
Yep if it constantly runs with ignition on...its blown. Not even a new replacement chip can fix it.

Make sure you have good earths. From battery to the chassis leg near battery and then goes to the gearbox. Now fit a new ecu...any digifant one works.
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 04 January 2014, 09:20
So although the car starts just fine now,
despite the pump remaining on with egnition,
the ECU is still blown?
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Craigwilson on 04 January 2014, 16:40
yes I drove for weeks with a blown ecu
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Mr Blue on 04 January 2014, 19:33
hmmm double check the pump relay first in that case. check the whole fuse box while your there. moisture
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: gazareth on 05 January 2014, 15:48
 :shocked:didnt think you could drive them with a blown ecu! must affect the fuel economy slightly :grin:
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: Craigwilson on 05 January 2014, 16:06
I drove with one and it wasn't any different and the minute I replaced the ecu everything was back to normal
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: newlad on 18 January 2014, 21:40
so the car still running fine, fuel pump still on for more than 3secs when first turning key, (I'm looking at getting another ECU soon) but as the car idles every 30-50secs the car will rev and drop, just briefly but is quite annoying, any thoughts on this?
Title: Re: mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????
Post by: notenoughtime on 19 January 2014, 13:12
I think you should sort the ecu problem first before worrying about the other problem but could be air leak