Won't hot start!!

[Adam89]

I have a 91' Jetta GLI with a 2.0 liter and 5 speed and after it is driven for a while and you shut it off it will not start back up, usually have to wait several hours for it to cool down before it will start, We took it to a shop and after two fuel pumps and a fuel filter and 800 bucks the problem is still there, any suggestions? thanks

[Doug Tatham]

Be more specific about won't start back up. Does the engine turn over. Have you checked the spark. Try starter spray to see if it's a fuel issue. Is the engine temperature abnormally hot when you shut it off? Do you get any temperature alarms? The things I'd check are your ignition coil, distributer, rotor...
I suspect the spark test will lead you in the right direction.

[oregoncoast]

Hi,
I have a 1994 Jetta that has the exact same problem.
Starts fine when it's cold...but not when it is warm or hot.

CAn you PLEASE tell me what you found out about your car....maybe it will steer me in the right direction.

[email protected]

THanks!
Scott

[Doug Tatham]

Try this website: http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troub...g/a/bl304a.htm
The faulty coolant temperature sensor would be my bet. Don't forget to let the car cool down before you remove the sensor. System is under pressure.

[oregoncoast]

I have purchased a haynes book on the Jetta...93 to 98...but there is not one mention of an 'idle stabilizer'.

Is there another name for the idle stabilizer???

Seems like a coolant temperature sensor could permit a car from starting when the sun is on the hood of the car (which is the only time it doesn't start).....but does this explain why is still starts fine when I have driven the car for 30 minutes???

Does the coolant get warmer sitting still in the sun than it does while driving and circulating through the radiator??

Thanks for your feedback.
Any thoughts??

[Doug Tatham]

The coolant is close to 214 F. Hopefully the sun temp won't make too significant a difference. The idle stabilizer is sometimes called the throttle bypass valve.