Car won't start

[92Mk2Gti]

Hi

I have a 92 8v gti and she's always started first time straight away when turning the key.

Yesterday morning, after not having driven it for approx a week started first time, short journey and back home. Tried to start it again last night and nothing, the engine turns over ok, starter motor is fine but it just doesn't fire up.

about an hour before this there was a very heavy downpour of rain which may or may not be affecting things... i tried wd40 under the distributor cap and gave it a good clean but still the same.

Tried her again this morning, still sight drizzle in the air and it's still the same... any thoughts on what the check 1st??

Thanks in advance.

[SI_GTI]

you will probably benefit from buying a new distributor

[rubjonny]

1st thing, turn the key to position 1 and check the pump primes for a few seconds & stops.  If it continuously runs then your ECU is shafted,m which is usually caused by a dodgy/loose gearbox earth.

Next I'd check the wiring to the blue temp sender in the plastic flange on the front of the block, if that checks out get a new blue sender from VW.  This will cost you about £13, part number is 025 906 041 A.  The dealer may try to tell you its for catalyst equipped cars only, ignore him and buy it anyway

[92Mk2Gti]

Thanks
I'll start checking these things tonight, i want to go home now and do it but i have to work   

I let you know how i get on

[rubjonny]

whereabouts are you?

[92Mk2Gti]

essex here

[rubjonny]

ah bit far then!  Oh well.  Let me know if you need anything I have a large pile of spares you can try out if need be.

[92Mk2Gti]

sweet, thanks mate, will keep it in mind

fingers crossed i won't need them though!!

[92Mk2Gti]

Update:

Called for 'home assistance' as it wasn't sparking. He put the problem down to a faulty immobiliser but more investigation is required to confirm which will start to cost.

I also noticed the dashboard lights aren't coming on when the ignition is on. Normally there would be something like the oil light flashing, battery lights (both red). All other electrics work stereo, headlights, fan central locking etc

The guy connected wires from the battery straight to the coil and the dashboard lights came on. Still wouldn't fire up... possible due to being flooded?

Would it be a good idea for me to disconnect the immobiliser and see if this fixes the problem? If so anyone know how to do that?
Could it be a relay? (The fuse for the immobilizer must be ok because it still 'seems' to work normally when armed/disarmed - indicators flashing, and it beeps correctly)

Any help would be appreciated.

[92Mk2Gti]

just to add I couldn't hear the fuel pump priming but i've never heard it before so maybe i have a quiet one?

I keep thinking back to the rain that came down just before she stopped working, could this have killed the ecu?
My car has had a chip fitted in the last 2 yrs so that unit must have been opened at some point in order to fit it... could it be that it wasn't sealed properly after and water has got in?
Could a dead ecu cause the problems I'm having?