2002 Passat -Wont Start

Hello everyone,

I just discovered this site and I am going to apologize up front because I am not a "car person". I just know how do drive them <grin>. Anyway, I purchased a 2002 Passat with 50K miles on it (14 days ago).

It wont start. It cranks up strong (lights, radio, vents) but I will not start. Someone mentioned a program in the key (theft-deterrent) could be corrupt and have to be checked out. But I noticed a strange sound on startup ( a sort of grinding sound - sort of like the sound a fan would make if something was hitting the blades).

I have heard several suggestions (starter, altenator) from friends but would like to hear from people who actually know something about cars <grin>.

Passat 3b34k 4D Sedan GLS
1.8-liter Turbo DOHC I-4
5-Speed Automatic


Thanks guys!

Hi.. I am having similar problems with my 1999 Passat.. has anyone experianced it before???

Thank goodness for warranties,

I sat at the dealers service shop all day waiting for the diagnosis. Apparently, I had two things wrong: 1) Something called a "speed sensor" and 2) the fuel pump went bad.

Which explains why lights, stereo, etc worked. The battery/electrical was fine but fuel was not getting to the engine. With work to fix a feul gauge as well, it amounted to about $800.00 worth of work.

I step on the gas and feel a lot of power now. Glad that is all over!

Thanks everyone.