2002 diesel beetle won't start

i have a 2002 diesel beetle that won't start. it sounds like it's going to start (the engine actually catches for a second) and then it stalls. i took it to my machanic but he can't figure out what's wrong with it. any ideas?

There are a variety of possibilities, here's a link to a good DIY troubleshooting guide.

http://tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-8.html#b1a

I had exactly the same problem about two months ago. I tried everything I could think of to start the car. Went to every website I could find. Even read the owner' manual! I finally had my 2003 TDi towed to the local dealer. When I told the service advisor my problem (it would turn over, try to start, then go dead - repeatedly), he asked me to pop the hood. He reached behind the EGR valve (near the firewall on the left center as you face the engine) and tripped the reset switch. The car promptly started! Advisor said that the diesels have the EGR valve that needs to be cleaned out every so often - and he suggested that I have mine cleaned and that would fix my problem. I was pissed - since I had just had the vehicle in for a 45,000 mile service and they said nothing about a potential clogged EGR valve - nor is there one word in the owner's manual or on the VW website about this. Might want to check this out. Good luck.

In europe the diesel fuel is alot more pure and carboning of the intake system is not a problem. Carboning can also occur if you do alot of short trip driving and stop and go driving.

I have the same problem with my 2002 Beetle TDI. I started using One Shot (stanadyne) when I fill up with fuel and the problem is under control. If I stop adding it I eventually have problems again (after a couple thousand km). I think the injectors gunk up or something.

I have a 02 TDI that wouldn't start. Sounded like it wanted to, but conked right out. After reading Prof_Chop's comment I went and looked at the egr valve. A metal lever was up and I gently pushed it down and the car started right up. Does anyone know if I need to clean anything? Is that normal for the lever to get stuck up. What is that lever? Thanks!

Hi, i have a 2002 tdi, and i am having exactly this problem right this very second and i desperately need my car tomorrow morning!! Pleae tell me where this part is that i need to hit! I see a lever sort think, but if i push it down, my car sounds like it is choking to death. Is it a switch or a button to push? I am going insane, i had my poor husband standing outside getting bitten by bugs trying to find it...ACK! Please help me!

Hi, i am having this problem NOW and i really need my car tomorrow morning. We went behind the egr and saw a level and pushed it down...i think that was what i pushed down and my car sounded like it was CHOKING!! Is there a button, or is it this two way valve thing that has two parts and when you push it down, another part comes up? I really need to know! Please help me asap! I am getting so frustrated!

This is actually a comment coming from JONNYMOTO's wife. I would like 2 thank u 4 saving my fabulous hubby tons of time trying 2 figure out the reset 4 the EGR valve. THANK U! Do u happen 2 know how easy it is to clean the EGR valve?
Thanx