Car wont start - Need Help ASAP

York

New member
Joined
Nov 24, 2017
Location
Nashville
TDI
2006 Jetta
I’m new to TDICLUB so I apologize if this post is in the wrong location.

My wife and kids are in Atlanta for Thanksgiving, I am not with them. I can only tell you what she sees and hears.
We have a 2006 Jetta 1.9 TDI with 170,000 miles. Currently the car will turn over but will not start. A quick history lesson on the car. After 2 days of sitting the battery will be dead. Has been like that since I bought it a year ago (possibly a bad door sensor). Typically, I just disconnect the battery until I drive it. Also, the upper intercooler hose had a hole in it. I replaced it the day of the trip. Old hose had black oil in it.

Tuesday my wife drove the car to Atlanta from Nashville with no issues. Friday, after sitting for 3 days the battery is dead (she didn’t disconnect it). They tried to jump the car off with a truck but no luck. After 2 hours of charging from the truck and 25+ attempts to start it (lights come on but will not turn over), we have declared a bad battery and Autozone confirmed. Got a new one, now the car will turn over but will not fire. (This is where I need help). I have reviewed http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=199398 and fall in situation #5. I cannot check the ASV at this time. Is there anything else to check before addressing the ASV?

Possible issues to think about –
(1) The car is parked in the driveway on a steep incline with almost a half tank of gas. – adding more gas soon. This seems like the obvious reason but it does have close to half tank of gas. Not sure if this is a known issue.
(2) 25+ attempts to start it – could this have broken something
(3) Could the ASV have gunked up after sitting for 3 days. – Old intercooler hose did have black oil in it. Not sure if that’s normal.
(4) Could this be an immobilizer problem – immobilizer goes off when she tries to start it.
(5) Remember, the car ran fine until the battery died on the steep incline

I do feel like it’s a simple issue, I just can’t think of what it could be.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
Last edited:

York

New member
Joined
Nov 24, 2017
Location
Nashville
TDI
2006 Jetta
It runs! A special thanks to Troy S. from Atlanta. TDI Club username TNTKNC. I talked to Troy on the phone and tried a few different things that he suggested. Basically, The car sitting on an incline caused the fuel to back flow to the tank. Possibly a small air leak in the line. Troy had me try a few different things until it started. My wife and kids are now headed home. Thanks again Troy for the help.
 

aja8888

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Location
Texas..RETIRED 12/31/17
TDI
Out of TDI's
You need to replace a check valve in the lines at the in-tank fuel pump, I believe.

Next time before sending wife off through the countryside with a car that has issues, get them all resolved by a TDI guru if you intend on keeping this diesel. They are not complicated, just need special TLC.

Good luck.

(and the power drain, it may be a chaffed wiring harness - common problem on MKV TDI's)
 

James & Son

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2008
Location
Maryhill, Ontario, Canada
TDI
2006 Jetta
It is also possible that his in tank fuel pump is not working or intermittently.

Once backed down on the level the tandem pump was able to pull the fuel for the start.

The in tank fuel pump will pump momentarily when key is turned to on position. To check disconnect hose at fuel filter inlet and have someone turn key to on position.

Another feel good thing is to replace fuel and air filter if over 40,000 miles.
 

Vince Waldon

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 25, 2009
Location
Edmonton AB Canada
TDI
2001 ALH Jetta, 2003 ALH Wagon, 2005 BEW Wagon
Yup, betcha the in-tank pump died... perhaps a long time ago.

The tandem pump is pretty good at pulling fuel by itself... sometimes for years... but eventually will meet its match. :)
 

RollingCoal11

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2012
Location
Las Vegas
TDI
2006 Jetta
York what was the fix?

Aja888: where is the check valve located at? When my car sits for more than a few hours, I need to crank for a few minutes to get it to fire again.

I haven't been under the car, but how many soft lines are there with the car? I wouldn't mind upgrading my fuel pump and lines for future upgrades.

Thanks
 
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