Won't start/stalling

Ok, we have a new problem. I'll start from the top for those that haven't seen my other posts. I have a '96 VW Jetta Trek, 2.0, 5-speed, nearly 110,000 miles. We were experiencing some minor alarm problems (such as it was alarming itself as soon as the car was started). No big deal except having to hit the button on the keychain 2 times to unlock the doors/dis-alarm just to get out. No warming this puppy up, unless you sit in it freezing to death!

Anyway, we got the timing belt fixed (or, put on). Gave it a test drive, seemed OK, except part of the exhaust near the front (but behind catalytic converter) blew apart. Cobled something on to quiet it down until the "right" intermediate pipe can be shipped in. Only drove it approximately 20 or so miles, noticed some bucking at times when starting out in 1st gear. 2nd gear seemed to level it out, and it didn't do this every time. Was planning on checking it Friday after work, however didn't make it that far. During a bucking spell in 1st gear, it was shifted into 2nd & stalled. Tried restarting it, but alas the alarm had set itself so it just went off while coasting down the road.

We were able to start it yesterday, and it idled fine, but as soon as you touched the gas, it would stall. Today, after sitting 24 hours in below zero weather, it didn't even want to start. Ran for about 15-20 seconds skipping & jumping, stalled, and would not restart. Pumping the gas peddle seems to make it want to start (fire), however it won't turn all the way over. Probably flooded it doing this trick, and gave up.

So, for all you experts out there, I would like some ideas on where to look. We have our own thoughts of course, but someone out there may have other ideas we haven't considered yet. Almost everything we know about cars was self taught, with the help of the Haynes manuel, and we know nothing at all about these factory alarms. Wondering if there's a possibility that alarm is shutting the fuel pump down? After all, I know there IS an issue with the alarm, just don't know if it would be connected with this newest problem. Any ideas, no matter how ridiculous, would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I am having the same problem with my car. I have tried everything. I have a 95 jetta with a 2.0. One day i shut it off and it did the same as yours. Hit the gas and it dies. Make sure it is getting spark. Make sure it is getting gas. Also try to get it started after you replace the damaged exhaust. If it doesnt have enough compression it wont run right. If you find the problem I would like to know what you did to fix it.

Owego, New York isn't that far south of Ballantrae, Ontario and

2nite it's going to be -27 celcius here or about - 10f. Bring the brass

monkey in if he's still out on the front lawn.

Some Jettas don't like frigid temperatures especially quick freezes

after a mild day. Seems condensation gets into the gas tank and,

when it freezes, accumulates at a flow restriction, possibly the filter

and , voila, no gas to the engine. Hence stalling, lousy running.

If this appears to be the cause, put a bottle of gas line antifreeze

in each time you fill up and keep the tank above half until, say,

March 31st. To initially get started fire in a couple of bottles, let it

sit several hours, and try starting it. That MAY work.

Have to go now and turn on the electric blanket.


balantrae bob

After 2 days, it started as if it didn't have any problems in the world. It's still "juttering" or maybe "bucking" is the right word at times...Temp doesn't seem to play a factor as it's ran fine either cold, or warmed up all the way, then it's ran like crap in both temps.

The day after I originally posted this it did start & run for 15 seconds-but barely--it was shaking, bucking and stalled. Nothing would get it restarted. I admit, I probably flooded it trying to restart it after a few tries, but not originally. I know too much about fuel injection to be that stupid (in fact, I've only driven one antique car in my life where you had to pump the gas to start it-what a pain!) Anyway, 24 hours after that my husband thought he'd try it, and it started right up & drove all over the neighborhood---guess it was ready to go out & play?

It's my belief that somehow the timing got knocked off, and even though the "teeth" are lined up, it still has to go in the shop 'cause the timing isn't quite something we can do on our own.

There is a slim chance I suppose that my exhaust is the problem, but it appears to have good output out the back-no more than "normal" and no less either...however it only "bucks" when driving, and I can't convince my husband to hang upside down out the trunk while I drive around to see what is/is not coming out while it does that ;)

I would check the distributer cap and rotor button. I was having similar problems, and that seemed to help... I have an 89 wolfsburg and it only cost $15 for both parts...

Ben

We've checked on those, and they appear ok. The tricky part is the fact that it idles so smooth, and doesn't buck every time.

I talked to another mechanic friend yesterday, and he feels very strongly that the timing belt slipped 1/2 a tooth, maybe even a full one, as it was being tightened. He says that happens frequently if you're not extremely careful. He gave tips on setting it off 1/2 a tooth on purpose the opposite way from which it pulls, so when we tighten it down, it will slip right where it's supposed to be.

This is a 1st for me, so I'm waiting for the weekend so my hubby can do that. I just passed along the information, & he thinks it makes sense.

The mechanic also said that when it stalled like that (after bucking really, really bad), most likely the valves were floating, and the fact that it started & ran good after 2 days indicates that they had time to settle. I take it that is a common symptom of a timing belt being off a tooth or so.

It makes sense, my husband & I talked about that possibility, even though we were very careful when putting it on the mechanic I talked to was so adament that's what he believed happened, and I trust his judgement, so it's worth a shot. If that doesn't work...ugh...I'll let ya know :)

FYI: Timing belt was off 1 tooth! YIKES! However, all is well & next we're on to the exhaust :( It appears it's gotten to that stage where it's going to be one thing after another. Hopefully, it will only be a "phase" that will pass after some extensive work, 'cause I really love this car. :)

Ok, we have a new problem. I'll start from the top for those that haven't seen my other posts. I have a '96 VW Jetta Trek, 2.0, 5-speed, nearly 110,000 miles. We were experiencing some minor alarm problems (such as it was alarming itself as soon as the car was started). No big deal except having to hit the button on the keychain 2 times to unlock the doors/dis-alarm just to get out. No warming this puppy up, unless you sit in it freezing to death!

Anyway, we got the timing belt fixed (or, put on). Gave it a test drive, seemed OK, except part of the exhaust near the front (but behind catalytic converter) blew apart. Cobled something on to quiet it down until the "right" intermediate pipe can be shipped in. Only drove it approximately 20 or so miles, noticed some bucking at times when starting out in 1st gear. 2nd gear seemed to level it out, and it didn't do this every time. Was planning on checking it Friday after work, however didn't make it that far. During a bucking spell in 1st gear, it was shifted into 2nd & stalled. Tried restarting it, but alas the alarm had set itself so it just went off while coasting down the road.

We were able to start it yesterday, and it idled fine, but as soon as you touched the gas, it would stall. Today, after sitting 24 hours in below zero weather, it didn't even want to start. Ran for about 15-20 seconds skipping & jumping, stalled, and would not restart. Pumping the gas peddle seems to make it want to start (fire), however it won't turn all the way over. Probably flooded it doing this trick, and gave up.

So, for all you experts out there, I would like some ideas on where to look. We have our own thoughts of course, but someone out there may have other ideas we haven't considered yet. Almost everything we know about cars was self taught, with the help of the Haynes manuel, and we know nothing at all about these factory alarms. Wondering if there's a possibility that alarm is shutting the fuel pump down? After all, I know there IS an issue with the alarm, just don't know if it would be connected with this newest problem. Any ideas, no matter how ridiculous, would be appreciated.

Thanks.
idling but dying when you press the gas, some sputtering and maybe even able to rev it up while parking soemtimes- had that happen to my old volvo- it was the AIR MASS METER at the intake. VW's have them too I think, or they may be called airflow meters. It is in line with the air flow coming through the black plastic intake "tubes" and there is a clip/connection/with small wires there which I have been told you can disconnect in order to drive the car to a shop.
good luck. another possibility is that the exhaust is clogged and the engine can't exhale fast enough- that will kill the power in a big way

I don't believe you can flood a fuel injected car. Specially if you aren't getting gas to the engine. Try replacing the fuel filter. 100+K you should replace it anyway. And yea the cold will get you, specially if you have water in your tank and line. These cars don't like to run until they are totally warm. It will sputter for a few until totally warm.

I can't believe this post is still on the 1st page! Well, here's the follow-up:

We ended up taking the car to a reputable garage who specializes in imports-NOT a VW dealership! They replaced my ignition coil which had a huge hole burned in the side of it & they had to retime it.

The alarm problem I solved myself since I didn't have the extra cash to have the garage mess with it. A few months ago a fuse blew & was replaced in the car. At that same time the alarm started acting up, but for some reason I never put 2+2 together, & made THAT problem worse than it actually was. I was able to research the alarm online & came up with the installation instructions so I reprogramed the alarm myself. Works like a charm.

So far, so good, and I've had the BEST luck with this car. We took it on a 400+ mile trip last weekend without hitch. In case anyone is interested, it's for sale for $2,500. It's a '96 VW Jetta Trek 2.0 4 cyl. 5-speed. It will need tires soon, brakes ASAP (and I think we have a leaky wheel cylinder) but other than that it's a great car. We've outgrown it can't afford to keep 3 vehicles on the road :( My husband would be willing to do that extra work for the cost of the parts and a minimal labor fee (much less than a garage would charge at any rate).