Wierd Starting Problem after Engine shutdown while driving

Hey folks,

I was driving my 96 Golf GL on the road going around 60 km/h when my
engine started to loose power and my RPM slowly dropped to zero. I move on
to the side of the road, shut off my engine and tried to start the car again.
Unfortunately, it wouldn't start. The engine cranks but it just would start to
rev. I tried flooring the gas pedal during and before starting but nothing
happened. The problem is not the battery cause I even tried to jump start.
My friend who was with me noticed that there were some sparks on this thing
that looks like a solenoid or small transformed in the area right above the
brake fluid container while I was tring to start the car. Anyways, at that point I decided to call a tow truck and while waiting for it after 20 min. I decided to once again try to start the car and the engine started normally
and I was able to drive. The next day I started the car and everything looks
normal. BTW, I do have a half-full gas tank and I never had any problems
with my GOLF for the whole year that I owned it.

Anybody has any clues about this or experienced anything similar?????


ThanX in advance!

That transformer looking thing... Thats your ignition coil, very common problem on older 2.0L vw's. Replace it, 125.00 new at the dealer

ThanX a lot for you advise. However, I do have a question regarding the
ignition coil. If it was the problematic part is it possible that it would cause
my engine to shutdown? I understand that if it is malfunctioning it would
give me starting problems but can it really shutdown the engine.
Moreover, my I have a small leak in my coolant such that it takes about
1-2 month to reach low and I top it up. At the time of the incident, I the
tank was low and I was told that was my problem because the engine heated
up and shutdown. Is this possible? I don't remember seeing my engine
temperature rising at all cause I do check it frequently while driving.
Anyways, I hope I can get some more insight from you guys based on this
new info. BTW, the car has been running fine so far.

Once again, ThanX in advance!

Yea what happens is that over time the rubber and plastic on the coil crack and moisture gets in there and shorts the coil out. once the water dries the car starts and runs line normal.

as for coolant leaks the coolant flange in the side of the cylinder head is the most common for leaking. ALso the water pumps leak on theese alot

That transformer looking thing... Thats your ignition coil, very common problem on older 2.0L vw's. Replace it, 125.00 new at the dealer

If it is indeed the coil, get the same new one at www.autohausaz.com for just under $65.00 delivered. OEM product same as the dealer will sell you.

Thanx for all the info and help guys.

I just wanted to say that I haven't had this problem until 2 days ago in which
I was in a car wash & then my engine shut down. I had to wait a bit until I
was able to start my car again. Obviously, it is due to water entering some
crack and causing a short. However, the thing is that the ignition coil was
not wet at all. Could it be something else or is it definitely the ignition coil
that is causing the problem.

Once again, thanx for all the help folks.

Just start your car and spray water on the coil.. if it dies its the coil, if not its the wires