92' Jetta...I'm ready to fix it but I need your help

[fessorx]

I have a 92' Jetta Gas Fuel injected.

It crapped out on me about a month ago. I pulled out of parking space and it stalled. I tried to restart it and it hasn’t been working since.

The first thing I did was check the spark...when you turned on the ignition you would get one jump of spark from any sparkplug wire but nothing after cranking it (knowing a little about cars it should have a continuous spark).

Well to make a long story short after replacing the coil and having 2 mechanics work on it it is sitting in the driveway.

It now has a continues spark when turning the engine over but it doesn’t start.

I'm about to go though the Haynes VW Jetta manual to start checking things like the HAL, ECM, wire resistance, anything electrical.

My question is...is there a way to be sure that it is getting fuel? and to be sure it is not a fuel problem like maybe priming the cylinders with ether or gas or something?

Also what is the firing order? I have it written in my book but the mechanic switched it on me.

Any other helpful ideas or diagnostics I could run before giving up could be helpful.

PS I already bought another car so if/when I fix it I’m going to sell it. I put a lot of money in to it prior to having this problem and would hate to scrap it due to this issue I’m having.

Thanks in advance
Jim

[Doug Tatham]

It sounds like it's not getting gas. There are two fuel pumps, one in the tank with an access under the carpet in the trunk (close to the seat back) and under a metal plate with three screws. The hoses use crimp on hose clamps so be sure you have a couple replacements on hand. This pump is the supply pump. There are arrows on the connections to the pump that indicates flow direction. remove the outlet and attach a small hose (clear plastic vacuum tubing works great) to it and run the other end into a gas can. Under the hood to the right is your starter. Remove the quick disconnect plug to prevent the engine from turning over when you turn the key and reduce the drain on your battery. Turn the key and hold it for several seconds to run the fuel pumps, then check to see if the can is partially filled. I think the flow should be in lines of 2.5 gallon per minute. If your window is down you'll hear it flowing into the can.
The second pump is under the car and is easier to get to but harder to check. There is an easy way to check it without taking anything apart though. To the right of the injectors on the fuel rail is connector for checking fuel pressure. It uses a 7 mm bolt as a stopper and you need to hold the connector so that it won't turn with a 10 mm wrench. Remove the stopper (some gas will leak out, be careful) and connect your plastic hose and put the other end in the gas can again. With the ignition disconected from the starter, turn the key and ensure that the gas flows into the can. If you have to replace the main fuel pump, it has a spring loaded ball check valve on the inlet hose, be careful not to lose anything when taking it apart. Get a manual before you try to replace either pump.