Can't reproduce starts-and-dies behavior for mechanics

aktartt

Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2017
Location
Austin, TX
TDI
2000 Golf
Several weeks ago my 2000 Golf suddenly acted up: started, then died. All the lights on the instrument panel were normal, and the so-called anti-shudder valve wasn't stuck. After about 15 tries, I had to have it towed. Once it was unloaded at the shop, it started right up and stayed running. The mechanics kept it for several days and were unable to reproduce the behavior. No codes had been thrown. So I picked it up and drove it for three days with absolutely no problems. Then on day 4 I got stranded again, tried for 15 minutes to get it to start, but it was the same thing: fired right up, then died with a slight wheeze/soft growl. Instead of calling a tow truck, I abandoned the car, then went back the next day. It started and kept running on the second try. I drove straight to the shop. Over a dozen or so attempts, it started and kept running, purring like a kitten. The mechanics say they cannot diagnose the problem until it exhibits the fires-and-dies behavior. Later that day, while I was running errands, there were a couple of times when it wouldn't stay running until try no. 4 or 5. Same behavior when I used the valet key, so it isn't an immobilizer issue. Once it's running, it never dies on me and sounds like it could go on forever.

Does anyone have any ideas? Fuel lines were replaced back in the fall, along with relay 109. Timing is right on the money, I'm told. I've searched the threads and cannot find any causes for the fires-and-dies behavior except (1) immobilizer and (2) ASV, and I believe I've ruled both of those out. The only pattern I can see is that the two times I was stranded, it was in the heat of the day, not early morning. Sorry for the long post.
 

JB05

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Location
Il.USA
TDI
Golf,2005,anthracite blue
You need to have a proper ECU scan to check for any hidden DTC's. Did your mechanics do this, and if so, what are the error codes? Check the trusted mechanics by state stickie to see who is near you.
 

flee

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2011
Location
Chatsworth, CA
TDI
2002 Jetta GLS wagon
This is possibly fuel related.
Start with a fresh filter and don't forget the thermal-tee o-ring.
If it happens again I would remove and inspect the tank pick-up.
After all these years it can get plugged with gunk intermittently.
 
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