96 2.0 jetta won't start

[mhgjr]

read some threads about ingnition coil. was wondering about symptoms. try's to start but sputters and coughs then dies. timing belt looks good was changed 16 mths.ago. gets fuel , can smell it anyway. checked vac. lines all seem ok. wires and plugs and dist. cap changed about 8000 miles ago. any ideas?

[boschmann]

You are getting some sparking since it sort of runs. To check the coil for arcing just spray it with water in a dark place & look for sparks jumping out of the housing to ground.

[mhgjr]

thanks boschman, no arc so i borrowed a scanner. got a list of codes. po 300,301,302 303 misfires.p0422 replace cat. converter., p1580, p1582 idle speed control aux. and inputs, p1613 manufacturers control aux inputs,aux outputs and p0501 speed sensor a range/perfomance. well i think thats it. i where do i start. help?

[mhgjr]

seems p1613 means mil call-up circuit open/short to b+. huh? so in english what does that mean?

[boschmann]

I'd clear them and see which comes back. I'm not sure about that 1613, appears to be a communication problem with the check engine light.

[mhgjr]

thanks if i can get the thing running i will. could this be a fuel problem? all those codes were from who knows how long, i'm not the original owner.

[boschmann]

Since it seems you have a spark, I'd check the fuel pressure next. It only requires a simple gauge, there is a 7mm plug in the end of the fuel rail that comes out to test.

[mhgjr]

thanks i'll check it out.

[mhgjr]

well, looks like it is my cat converter. dropped it and it started up and ran. backpressure is a _itch.

[boschmann]

That must be one severely clogged cat to not even let it start & idle.

[mhgjr]

yep, what didn't crumble out is a giant inside. i'll post the results after i install anew one .

[mhgjr]

changed the cat, did a check on the plugs and stuff, now runs pretty good. cya