mk3 8v starts then cuts out

[markswan]

hello, i have had a search for this found simalar things but nothing exactly the same

I have a 96 Golf gti, its starts lasts about 2 seconds then cuts out, it was driving fine, struugled to start yesterday started on 3rd attempt, drove 6 miles cut out and then had to get towed.

Ive popped out the fuel pump relay, wont start at all now ( turns over ), however i'm stuck for what it could be.

The cars done very little mileage for the last two years including being practically stood for most of the last 12 months I have bought it Tuesday, Ive put 50 quid of petrol in it, done about 70 miles and then this has happened. 

Getting married today but stressed to buggery over this car

[dan_apps]

have you checked if theres a spark or not? fuel getting to the head?
could be crank sensor, MAF, ecu relay as options to look at, do a search in maintenance as all possible causes are in there.

[markswan]

hello,

yeah theres a spark there as it ticks over fine, then cuts out, so its starting first time,

taking the fuel pump replay out and it not starting at all, its starting up as before now its back in so isnt that,m

i'm going to get my mate with the same car to bob round tomorrow and trail and error some parts until we figure it out,

ecu relay sound

failing that the fuel filter could be blocked with it being stood for ages ?

[Wayne]

Could be an ecu issue and the immob is cutting in.

[VW BUSH]

As Wayne said could be an ecu issue although you need to rule the coil out completely..
When they start to break down they tend to short as they warm up and work when they cool down..
ECU relay is worth checking/changing too

Another thing to try is taping the key chip to the immobiliser pick up on the ignition barrel, as it may be losing its perspicacity
If you have a spare key with one try using that as well.
Either is Not a permanent fix but will get you going and a clue as to the exact origin of the fault.
Do not get distressed though is its easily fixable and not expensive

One of my Mk3's used to cut out after starting in the mornings, I used to bang the steering wheel fairly sharpish once and it would fire, did this for over a year

[Rmachines]

Check the ECU Relay,  the fuel pump relay on these very very rarely fails,  the ECU relay, also activates the fuel pump relay, and a lot of manufactures have a combined ECU/FP relay, this has caused confusion over the yeas and is a common misconception that the fuel pump relay the issue,  if a relay is going to cause this,  ECU is the first one to check.

[markswan]

all fixed,

the ht lead had perished (the one to the dist cap ) from where it connects near the windscreen,

new ht leads sparks filter and oil change ( may as well do it all at same time ) and it was flying,

thanks for the help guys..

popped out the FP relay wouldnt even turn, same when popped out ecu, so had to be something past that point