2003 jetta won't start

Out of the blue my 2003 Jetta Wagon would turn over but not start. The voltage on the fuel shut off valve would stay at 12v for about four seconds then go to 0v. Many dash lights would drop out too. I changed relay 109 with no change. When the shut off valve voltage drops out I still have voltage at the various fuses 109 feeds.

Perhaps it is the crankshaft position sensor. Can you see the RPMs on the tach when you crank (after a few seconds)?

Yes, the TACH registers after a fews seconds. I am going to reseat the ECM connections. I am fearing a bad ECM.

I suggest going over the wiring that goes across from the engine to battery area. Sounds like you have some possiblity of broken wires in this area.

From what I've read the ECU is very reliable.
Have you scanned for codes?
After the last successful drive did the car start the next time and run only for a few seconds?
There is a clear fuel line from the fuel filter to the injection pump.
Is there an air bubble in the highest point of the line? Should be.

From what I have read you can remove the innards of the shutoff valve in an emergency. Maybe try that and see if it runs ok.

No codes on the OBDII scanner. I jumpered to keep constant 12v on S.O. valve but still wouldn't start. The last time I drove it there were no issues. Went out to drive and it wouldn't start. The voltage drops off the S.O. valve consistantly after about 3 seconds.

Just to avoid a wild goose chase it's normal for the voltage at the cutoff valve to drop 4-5 seconds after an engine no-start.... safety precaution. Unfortunately your issue lies elsewhere.

One thought... loosen one of the 17mm nuts on top of an injector a turn or so and see if fuel dribbles out when you crank the engine (have a rag handy, no open flames etc). Air/fuel/compression... one of 'em ain't happening... would be good to narrow down which.

In the "air" category: a quick thing to check is the anti-shudder valve... they can sometimes decide to stick closed.

In the "fuel" category: glowplug light comes on at least briefly when you turn the key to ON? (glowplugs aren't the worry... moreso this would confirm the ECU is getting power thru relay 109)

Tdi Club has this great “no start” thread. It’s a good place to start, it’s doubtful that your ecu is at fault.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=199398

I truly appreciate everyones help here. I followed the advice of Vince and Jarhead. My IP is empty and I am unable to fill it. I have a vac pump and it isn't drawing fuel through the IP. I put a bit of positive pressure on the inlet and nothing comes out of the return line. It acts like there is a "hard spot" in the pump. Am I missing a step in the fill procedure?

Make sure the filter is full first. As the no start thread suggests pull the fuel line at the filter and prime that first, reconnect and then prime the pump.

Yeah, it can be hard to draw *thru* the pump.

If you pre-fill the filter and then pre-fill the pump often it will eventually pull on its own... helps the internal vane pump to be full.

If that doesn't work you can try gravity-feeding the fuel filter side with a jerry-can tapped in... or a large funnel.

I tried a "manual fill" method and lo and behold! I have a major fuel leak on the bottom side of the pump. Thank you all for the help!