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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: stevo on 20 April 2006, 16:29

Title: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 20 April 2006, 16:29
Hi,
     Having read through the common Mk3 faults thread + archives, i thought i'd start a new thread for the problem i'm experiencing with my MK3. There doesnt seem to be any spark from the distributor to the each spark plug!

I have a new distributor cap & rotor arm and 12.6v from the HT Lead connected to the coil, the distributor rotates when the engine cranks but still nothing?

A friend has suggested the coil pack - but how could i test this to be sure?

To be honest i'm no auto Elec, so i was wondering if anybody has had something similar or other suggestions to solve this problem?

also I've checked the ECU/Fuel Pump Relays

Thanks for any advice you could offer.

Steve
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: monkeyalan on 20 April 2006, 16:58
99% likley to be your coil mate . don't know how you test it though.
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: mowgli on 20 April 2006, 17:26
I think coil packs are pretty cheap so just go buy one, as above, 99% sure thats the fault.

Symptoms on my wifes 2.0 8v ibiza (same engine) were: engine turning but not starting
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 20 April 2006, 17:29
Thanks for the replys - ill go get one hopefully tomorrow morning!!
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: nosaj26 on 20 April 2006, 20:26
sounds like coil to me too, ive had same problem, its common with mk 3's :cry:
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: vwagain on 21 April 2006, 16:17
To check if its the coil or not, simply take the coil lead off from the distributor(so its still connected to the coil) and push a plug into the end. Then rest it on the engine block and turn the engine over. If you see a spark all is well, if ya dont then you know its the coil. :wink:

Stu
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 23 April 2006, 14:54
Hi ,
       Thanks for all the responses, I tried a test on the coil similar to what stu suggested and there was no spark! Fitted a new coil and now i've got a new problem!!!!!! :angry: - The engine turns over and fires now but dies straight away, at the moment i can get it to start and run on the fourth/fifth attempt. but you have to rev it big time to keep it running.

when it finally ticks over you can smell the petrol in the engine bay so i dont think its a fuel problem.

Any ideas what is going on now?

Cheers Steve
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 23 April 2006, 16:02
Just to add more detail to the problem, i've noticed that when the engine fires and then dies, the rev counter only goes upto 1000 rpm even with your foot to the floor, and when it finally fires there seems to be like a stutter around 1000 rpm then you get the full rev range.

i was thinking about purchasing the obd2 connector (i think thats the one fitted to 1996 golfs) and getting VAGCOM or similar, Is this the sort of thing that will throw up an Error Code?

Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: kipsy on 24 April 2006, 10:05
My mk3 had a problem with no spark and it turned out to be the crank sensor!
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 24 April 2006, 10:13
Opened up my key and couldnt see any chip inside, so i dont think the VW immobiliser is in use. so i Fitted a new ignition switch to the existing loom (not in the barrel) as a quick Ignition switch test as i seem to have lost the switched live to the stereo.  :angry: still no difference! but i have noticed the oil pressure lamp flashing after cranking?  this was replaced approx 6 months ago due to oil leakage. Does the ECU cut the engine if it detects what it thinks to be an Oil pressure fault?
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 26 April 2006, 15:24
I thought i'd update this, for anybody in the future having problems!

Ran VAGCOM and it returned the following after the scan,

17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer
            P1570 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

Anybody know how to disconnect the VW Immboliser??

Steve
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: daz123 on 03 May 2006, 18:50
I thought i'd update this, for anybody in the future having problems!

Ran VAGCOM and it returned the following after the scan,

17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer
            P1570 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

Anybody know how to disconnect the VW Immboliser??

Steve
sorry but no , have you got a spare key to try
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 03 May 2006, 23:06
Unfortunately i dont have a spare Key, I've had the dash apart for most of this week testing various signals, i've overridden the VAG Immobiliser + The aftermarket one and it still dont start properly.

I have the the Pinout of the ECU and have been testing all signals and everything seems to check out.

Vagcom is now showing no faults either!! :angry:

all engine bay earths x4 have been cleaned (didnt need it)

My next step is to replace the Ignition switch with the new part and check out everything throttle related.

I will get to the bottom of this and post here for future reference.

Cheers Steve

 
Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 03 May 2006, 23:25
For information purposes :

17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer
            P1570 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

This error is usually related to connection problems between the reader(around the Ignition barrel) and the Immobiliser control unit. there is a black DATA cable which connects both and this usually is the cause of the above Error code.

Keywise there is another code which states the error is related to a weak signal or similar.

Title: Re: MK3 GTI 8v - No Spark!
Post by: stevo on 04 May 2006, 13:44
 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Fixed the b##tard! Ended up having to replace the Red/Yellow cable running down the drivers side of the Car which is the feed from fuse 18 (Fuel Pump). I wasnt happy with the readings i was getting so i tracked the cable route, and found 2 bad reconnections and 2 connections from my current Immobiliser. Bloody Alarm fitters!!!!!

while i was at it i changed the Ignition switch as i had a new one, used this thread as a guide

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=20801.0

special thanks to nitro :wink: you saved me a lot of hassle with your post

Thanks again to all who tried to help

Steve