The post right above that. I will say it again.
OBD (OnBoardDiagnostics) works. You need a scan tool. If you cannot, or WILL not, get one, then you will have to:
take your car to someone that does, and pay him or her for their knowledge to figure your problem out
continue to throw parts at it and see what happens
You came here asking for help. We can help, but we need you to help us help you, and OBD is the place to start. I would never, EVER, go after replacing ANY part on that car without spending a few minutes sleuthing about with my laptop.
Hi Folks
Thanks for your help on all fronts....awesome!
I have a similar problem with my 05 wagon (BEW engine). It was running fine when I parked it. Two days later it cranks fine but won't fire. For a while, the glo-plug light and engine light would stay on as long as the key was on and cycle in concert with the lift pump, but now they and the lift pump shut off after 5 seconds or so. The lift pump puts out a lot of fuel (as per the specs suggested in this forum). No by-pass through the tandem pump, but only about half as much fuel (220 ml/min) coming out of the tandem pump as suggested it should be when cranking. I did replace the fuel filter.
I bought a pressure gauge to test the tandem pump but it turns out that the gauge can't be used with diesel. Ordering a new one today that can...Does fuel pressure at the tandem pump show up with the scan tool??
The local garage guy came down to the house with his expensive diagnostic tool and could not read anything on his tool....he didn't charge me anything.
I guess I am going to have to get it towed up to the other garage (only two here) as he is pretty sure he can read it with his scan tool. I assume the scan tool will pick up all the cam sensor etc issues...?
Also, I could buy a (VAGCOM?) reader but am pretty confused about how that works. Does one just buy the cable and then get software for the computer? Some seem to sell a cable and handheld unit, others just the cable....?? What is the diff between an OBD scanner and a VAGCOM? Are they brand names? I have an OBDII that works on my wife's car (toyota) but won't read the VW.
I have a Mac and it appears that the scan tools don't talk to apple products (can't say I blame them sometimes!). My old toshiba computer has Windows XP on it, so that probably is too "old" to be of any use now.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Fleamer