In desperate need of help in Columbus, OH

[mcolmsted]

We were up this weekend for a vintage base ball festival and are supposed to be leaving tomorrow. However, as we were attempting to leave the festival today, our 03 VW Jetta wagon refused to start. It won't turn over, etc. We know there is an error code being thrown of P0228. According to Autozone, this is the throttle position sensor.

Is there anyone who can tell me what this is, how it can be fixed, and if there is anyway to get it fixed in order for us to drive home to St Louis tomorrow?

If not, the plan is to rent a Uhaul trailer and have a friend tow our car back tomorrow. It's going to be a tight fit for all of us in his truck, though, so we'd prefer to get it fixed if at all possible. Any and all help is MUCH appreciated!!


Courtney

 

[mrGutWrench]

__. Sorry to be picking at your post, but people use the phrase "won't turn over" differently and it's not clear what you mean.

__. When you turn the key, what happens:

1) Nothing (i.e. you turn the key but the starter doesn't spin the engine),
2) The starter spins the engine but the engine doesn't "fire" at all.

__. Let us know what happens in detail and maybe we can help you better.

Thanks.

 

[mcolmsted]

It actually doesn't do anything. When the key is in the off position, the clock and odometer are on. As soon as you turn the key, everything turns off and the engine does nothing. When the car was hooked up to another battery (jumping it), when you turn the key the dash lights (CEL, etc.) do come on and the engine did click a couple of times. Other than that, nothing.

 

[roadhard1960]

If it is the original battery it could be shot. Remove the battery and test or replace. I have had batteries light up idiot lights but not have enough to turn the starter. I think I have had them dead enough that a jump would not work. I replaced the battery in my Aug 2002 Jetta last winter and I live in the south. It was sounding lame on cold days and I did not want to get stranded. So that battery last 5.5 years.

 

[Kabiki]

I just replaced my 8 yo battery on my 2000 Jetta TDI and it did the same thing nodda. Tried to jump with another vehicle and jump box nothing.

The hard part is finding a battery for it on a holiday. Make sure it matches exactly amps etc. I paid $108 at the dealer. Everywhere else I priced it was about the same but they didn't fit the battery box or the have a slot for the wire accessories on top.

 

[2004STARWARSTDI]

No Start

Check battery cables first if OK then you most likely have a bad -=shorted cell battery. Even trying to jump battery will not work because of the short.

 

[Herm TDI]

Battery

I just replaced my 8 yo battery on my 2000 Jetta TDI and it did the same thing nodda. Tried to jump with another vehicle and jump box nothing.

The hard part is finding a battery for it on a holiday. Make sure it matches exactly amps etc. I paid $108 at the dealer. Everywhere else I priced it was about the same but they didn't fit the battery box or the have a slot for the wire accessories on top.

I agree its the battery. If you have a NAPA near they will have the battery that fits

 

[mcolmsted]

Thanks to MOGolf and a new battery, the car is up and running! We'll be heading home today. Thanks for all of the help and suggestions!!

 

[MOGolf]

I talked to mcolmsted. They all made it home safely with no further problems.

 

[mcolmsted]

We did indeed, thanks to MOGolf and his TDI magic! Seriously, he is one incredible guy--not only did he drive over very early in the morning to take a look at our car, but he diagnosed it, went with Mark to get a battery, installed said battery, and then called to make sure we got home okay.

I can't even begin to express how thankful we are! Thanks again, MOGolf!!