Golf mkiii GTI 16V starts then dies

[ka]

Hi All,
My MKIII GIT 16V (1995) is driving me up the wall. I have an intermittent problem which my local garage and VAG garage have no idea what the problem is. Here it is:

Regardless of a cold/warm start the car fires up as normal, but dies immediately and the oil lamp starts to flash. I've checked the oil and all is ok. When I try to start the car again, it will start up ok. If not I normally give it about 3000 revs and that seems to do the job. However, more recently, its struggling to start even when I rev the engine to 3000 revs. When the car is running, I have absolutely no problems at all. It does not cut out or stall. It only happens when I start the car. VAG have plugged it into there diagnostics machine with no joy, I have change HT leads, spark plugs, air filter, battery cell relay, ignition switch, fuel pump.

Its been like this for 12 months. I've been waiting for it to consistently fire up and die so it will be easier to diagnose...but the damn thing is intermittent and very annoying.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks
Ka

[kniterider]

ive none the igintion coil to play up on these models due to water getting in (causing an intermittent problem then total failure in the end) just my piece, worht checking out, mr wottos golf mk3 16 broke down to a failed coil, a new coil from a scrappy for a ?5 and all probs resolved, also have another nate at work with a intermitant cut out prob and hes replaced his coil and now has zero probs.... maybe worth a look!!

Gaz

[golfvr6]

You say fires up and dies, does it keep running if you keep your foot on the gas?
If so check the throttle valve switches/potentiometer on the throttle body.

[ka]

I've changed my ignition coil as well...about 2 years back. Car kept on cutting out when I was driving. The ignition coil problem I had caused the engine to just turn but not start up. I spent ?90 on mine from VAG!

[ka]

No, the revs just drop even if I have my foot on the accelarator.

[golfvr6]

Try changing the fuel pump and ECU relays.

[ka]

I've had the fuel pump changed not to long ago. Where are the ECU relays? and do you know roughly how much they cost?

Cheers
Ka

[adyh]

On the fuse panel , and i think less than ?30 for the pair .

[ka]

Thanks. I will get them checked out and let you all know the outcome.

Ka

[hottarodz]

My 95 2.0 16v Mk3 has the same intermittent starting problem, starts briefly then immediately dies. The AA guy checked the ECU and coil and said they were performing OK. Has changing the ECU relay solved the problem? Any other helpful suggestions welcomed!!