gti 8v wont start electrical i think

[suzyGTI]

helloooo

right here gos

ive got a 98r gti 8v.  it was all running fine then one day it wouldnt start, choked up really bad and since then its been dead.  ive checked the coil pack and ive got a spark coming down the coil lead into the dizzy cap, but nothing coming out.  ive changed cap and leads but its still dead.  bought a new distributor but still nothing. im now thinking its electrical so has anyone got any ideas?  im thinking crankshaft sensor?

[Mark_H]

Hi,

I had exactly the same problem with my 2.0L 8v P reg. I only got only single spark from the coil pack and nothing to the plugs.

I'd try the ECU relay (relay 30 I think but double check) and look at the crankshaft sensor.

Mine was the crankshaft sensor, when I removed it the wires were coroded in the end. The sensors are available on Ebay for around £44. Better than the £150 VW want for one. I'm sure I can find the details of who I brought mine from on Ebay if you're interested.


Good luck.

Mark

[suzyGTI]

hi yeah that would be great thanks.  ive just been quoted 65 for a sensor non gen.  is there anyway i can check the relay without buying a new one as i hear they are about 30quid a piece too?

[Len]

The relays are only 10 - 12 quid.

Yes you can check them but only after getting car running! Once the car is warm you can take out the relay and see if its warm, if cold then its no good.

But unless you can get the car going then that info is of no use to you! Sorry!

It is worth changing the ECU relay anyway as its one of the most common faults on Mk 3's.

[suzyGTI]

ok thanks for the advice.  ill let you know how it go's

[suzyGTI]

thought id update ya all

had a mate put a vagcom on my car (cheers pete!!)  and it showed up crankshaft sensor. have cleared the fault

it showed up timing coz the distributor was removed by my dad

anyway was just about to give up coz no spark to leads still when i decided change dizzy and arm again (oh yes on my own lol)  well theres a bloody spark!!!!!!!

oh yes!  so just gonna get timing done now and see what happens!

all this and i didnt even break a nail haha

[Len]

Good old Dad messed up the timing then! Blooming oldies!

 

Hope ya get it running sweet!

[suzyGTI]

haha i give up and sent it garage!

seems it was the cam sensor and the coil pack so im £100 lighter but the cars now fianlly running.

off for an mot now!!!

and no i wont be letting my dad  look at my car again lol

[Len]

Aha! the coil is one of the common faults on a Mk 3. Oooooops! didnt anybody mention that! :embarassed:


As for Dads - well we are great people really! Just dont think we are infallible!