Fuel ran out!
Hey guys,
Just wanted to share my experience with our newer to us TDI. We've got a 2001 VW Golf that wouldn't start suddenly, my GFs car. I needed to move it in the driveway the other day and I hopped in, waited for the insta-glow-plug-light-go-out and cranked it. it cranked for 6 seconds or so before firing - never seen this happen... instantly thought glow plug... but it's way too warm. Moved the car, no problem. shut it off and restarted it with zero effort.
I asked the GF if she had any issues with it, she said no. I told her to keep me posted because it just cranked longer for me. She got in the car the next morning and it fired right up for her. She drove it to drop the kids off at day camp (15 mins) and forgot her badge for work at home. She drove home (another 15 mins) and snagged her badge. Went back out to the car... wouldn't start. Just cranked n' cranked.
I checked the gauge, she was just under 1/4 tank. She has been driving it until near the light would come on, every tank prior. I checked the EGR & the valve setup and all was in perfect working order. The clear line to the injection pump showed fuel with a little bit of air, but nothing too concerning. Checked 12v at the fuel solenoid was there, and stayed during cranking. Was spooked by the way it would go off if you didn't crank at first, but found on the forum that's the norm.
Long story short, through all of my diagnostics, it had fuel, until that last set of cranking -- suddenly, the clear hose was empty! Doubleya Tee Eff!?
Sent the GF away to get diesel. 10 gallons later, vacuum primed the fuel system up to the pump and on the 2nd set of 30 second cranking? Started right up. Been going for a few days now.
As I sent the girlie to get the diesel she says "You know, I was doing really well on this tank of fuel, it's more miles than I've ever got!" ... I suppose this is what I get to pointing her to read about hypermiling. I told her she could coast down the hills, which she has lots of, but don't be a menace to society!
Anyway, just wanted another situation for people to keep in mind. I know it seems simple, but the fact was I saw fuel in the clear line the whole time, and the gauge showed fuel too. Now she knows if it's at 500 miles on the tank, go fill up anyway.
-Dave