my mk3 won't start... plz help

[DigitalDogg]

hi guys, im new to the site so hello to everyone. I've owned my 1997 mk3 8v for 5 years now and it has never cut out and always started first time on the key... had a day off work today so decided to give it a good clean, washed and polished it then went to the shop for some cigs, the car started and drove as normal... then i cleaned the in-side and my son gave me some dash-bored shine, i try'd to keep away from the ignition with it, but i don't know if any got in there? and now it wont start, i took a spark plug out and no spark off the plug when i turn the engine over, all the lights are coming on as normal but it just wont fire?

would dashbored shine be the problem? if it is... what damage would it course and what would it affect.

thanks

[Seanl]

Welcome fella. If its turning over all ok then it wont be anything to do with the ignition tbf. Could be lots of things though, but first thing if there is no spark, could well be the ignition coil. Common failure, and very easy to change. Other than that could be distributer, relays, crank sensor, maf. etc etc......... There is a link in the Mk3 info and maintenance section for common faults if you have a look mate. 

[DigitalDogg]

thanks for the info mate i will take a look in maintenance section  i just been back out to the car... just to see if it would start but its not having none of it, it just stinks of petrol now, had a look under the bonnet and i noticed the air box pipe which fits behind where the throttle body is was disconnected so fitted it back on and left it at that, i'll try again in the morning

[dixie180]

Hi mate,just read about your problem.I had exactly the same with my 1995 8v Gti.Drove into town and left the car for about 20 minutes came back to the car and it wouldnt start.Problem was the ignition coil .Fitted a new one and problem solved.Good luck with yours.


Rob

[vwscottie]

It could be your ignition switch it`s a common fault.One way to find out is to turn the ignition on so all the dash lights are on and then bridge the two terminals on the starter or but a direct live from the battery to the spade connecter on the starter  if it starts then its the switch that is faulty.

[DigitalDogg]

thanks for all your replys  i will take everything you said on board, when the problem is fixed i will let you know.

i just aint use'd to having my car break down on me, its been absolutely bullet proof, this is why i've had it for five years.

[DigitalDogg]

All good here now  you all said about the ignition coil so went to a scrap yard and picked one up... 20 quid tho easy to fit and it fired up first time. Don't know how long it will last so going to have a look for a new one...

cheers fella's 

[dixie180]

Well done m8. .