Fox will not start

[vwchad]

Hello:

This is my first post, and hopefully you all can help. I have a 1990 VW Fox, not sure what engine ( believe it is fuel injected), manaul transmission. Was driving it to work the other morning, and it just died when I got into the parking lot. Didn't think anything of it at the time, since I was in a little higher gear and coasting into my space, thought it just killed due wrong rpm/gear ratio. When I tried to start it after work, it would turn over, but not fire. It seemed like it was not getting any fuel. Checked the ingection fuse in the fuse box, it is good. Had the car looked at by a good mechanic. After testing, they said the fuel pumps work, the ingnition works, they were able to get it fire after spraying a little fluid in the engine ( but couldn't keep it running w/o fuel). They tested the circuits in the fuse box, and all the circuits appear to be getting juice except the one for the fuel injection/fuel pump system. They thought that it may be due to a wiring problem. I have heard that these cars have various relay switches, etc. Could it be a bad relay, and how would I check/repair? Do not want to put alot into the car, as it isn't worth much & appearance not good. But is a decent piece of transportation. Appreciate any help.

thank you,

vwchad

[boschmann]

When you turn the key to the on position you should hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds. If not go to the fuse/relay panel & find relay position #10 & fuse #13. If the fuse is okay then pull the pump relay, it's on the lower row near the fuses fourth from the left, that is the fuel pump relay. Try inserting a jumper wire between the two larger slots in the fuse panel where the relay sits(pin #48 & #62). The pumps should run as long as the key is on, if they do then suspect the relay.

[vwchad]

Originally Posted by boschmann

When you turn the key to the on position you should hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds. If not go to the fuse/relay panel & find relay position #10 & fuse #13. If the fuse is okay then pull the pump relay, it's on the lower row near the fuses fourth from the left, that is the fuel pump relay. Try inserting a jumper wire between the two larger slots in the fuse panel where the relay sits(pin #48 & #62). The pumps should run as long as the key is on, if they do then suspect the relay.

Boschman:

You are a life saver! I ran down and tried this as soon as I saw your reply. Bingo, it fired right up. The VW dealership has this part in stock (about $50). Now, only wish that I would have listened to my intuition and posted here before having it towed for inspection at the local shop. They couldn't locate it & I would have saved about $50. Hope that's all, the car runs too well to abandon, thank you.

Sincerely,
VWchad