timing problems

Can someone help me understand this error.I replaced my timing belt on my 1996 2.0 Jetta.I used the manual I purchased at autozone for directions.I turned the crankshaft till the #1 cylinder was a tdc also I looked in the window on the bell hosing .I noticed a circle and a line also there is 2 openings one is a circle the other is oval.I removed the plug from the number 1 cylinder and was able to get tdc by placing the circle on the front edge of the oval opening.The manual is quite confusing so I used this as a reference.I turned the crank so the tdc marks where right on.Put the belt on tightened it down put all back together and she runs fine.Except for the ck engine light.po341 error.I cked and rechecked the timing but I am not sure if I am setting the crank correctly even though she runs excellent.Can anyone please advise the correct way to do this adjustment.

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I assume it's automatic. The "0' mark should be split along the bottom edge of the lower oval hole to be on TDC #1. You didn't mention setting the distributor/intermediate shaft. Remove the distributor cap, rotor & dust shield. On the lip of the housing you will see a notch. Put the rotor back on & move intermediate pulley until the rotor is aligned with the notch.

I assume it's automatic. The "0' mark should be split along the bottom edge of the lower oval hole to be on TDC #1. You didn't mention setting the distributor/intermediate shaft. Remove the distributor cap, rotor & dust shield. On the lip of the housing you will see a notch. Put the rotor back on & move intermediate pulley until the rotor is aligned with the notch.
Thank you for the response I was able to find the problem Saturday after setting the 0 mark on the oval and the cam shaft on tdc cked the distributor mark it was off about 1 tooth.I can't understand why since it is a mechanical mesh of the gear on the crank.Anyway I removed the distributor realigned it with the mark perfect.Started the car still had ck engine light.I found out it had to be reset with a scanner.I went to local Auto Zone salesman was nice enough to reset it for me.All is back to normal.Thank you for your help very appreciated.

I have A 94 Jetta 2.0. I have A problem with my car starting. I changed the timing belt and now the car won't start. I checked everyting and the car still won't start. I had to two other people check the timing and the said it appears to be fine, but it starts after I changed the water and removed the timing belt. Can and someone help me. Is there anything that can stop the car from starting. The car won't even try and turn over. I don't know if it A sensor or what. Someone Please Respond. Thank You Very Much.

I have A 94 Jetta 2.0. I have A problem with my car starting. I changed the timing belt and now the car won't start. I checked everyting and the car still won't start. I had to two other people check the timing and the said it appears to be fine, but it starts after I changed the water and removed the timing belt. Can and someone help me. Is there anything that can stop the car from starting. The car won't even try and turn over. I don't know if it A sensor or what. Someone Please Respond. Thank You Very Much.
Start with basics make sure first of alll the marks including the mark on the distributor are all at TDC this is critical.If they are make sure when you crank the engine you have sprark check this by removing a wire and carefully shorting the tip to ground watch your hands.Also make sure you have fuel and the pump is running.

I tried everything the car won't even try and turn over. I thought the car would still start if the timing is off. Is there A crank sensor that would enable the car from turning over.

Keep in mind when you check the timing marks that the crank turns twice for each turn of the cam. It's easy to have the cam 180 out of timing.

So if the timing is off the car won't start at all.

So if the timing is off the car won't start at all.

In an earlier post, you had said that the car wouldn't turn over. Later, you say that it won't start. So, I'm not sure which term you're referring. The engine should still turn over providing the timing isn't off too far....and possibly even start but you wouldn't have a lot of power when accelerating. And if the timing is off by an exaggerated amount, then it's possible that the valves could hit the pistons since I believe this is an interference engine. At this point, the engine may turn over to the point of locking up when the contact happens.

I got the car to start and let it run for 20 minutes. I turn the car off put all the covers back on and the car refused to start again. So I don't think it is the time. Any ideas. Please reply.

I got the car to start and let it run for 20 minutes. I turn the car off put all the covers back on and the car refused to start again. So I don't think it is the time. Any ideas. Please reply.

I have a question. Did the car start and function correctly before the timing belt change? If so, then you're probably off a notch on the belt. If you're sure that everything is correct with the timing of the belt, then it sounds like you have an intermittent condition. Check for spark and fuel and see what that turns up.

Everybody that reply I just want to say thanks the car wasn't getting a strong enough spark.