Author Topic: PLEASE HELP STARTING TDI (Read 4119 times)

GTD0023 · « **on:** March 06, 2009, 03:02:50 pm »

I recently bought a 99 vw bora TDI that does not start.

when i turn the ignition on, the mile counter, clock, fuel level meter and temp stay off!!
and when i try to start, the engine turns,but doesn't start, no smoke either out of the exhaust pipe.

This is what i already tried and the results:

1.switch ip with an idi mechanical ip.
res: car starts and idles fine! mile counter and clock still off!

2.scan car with obd2 scan cable.
res: scanner cannot find ecu!

3.switch ecu
res: same results!

4.switch relays with new ones, and checked fuses.
res: same result!

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with the car??
what else can i try??
please help..

the caveman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2009, 03:45:34 pm »

The obvious to me seems like you have a major electrical problem. Start at the ignition switch-the dash must light up when the key is turned. If you are 100% sure the battery is good, remove it and the battery tray and check and clean the 3 ground terminals that are there. remove them, clean with a wire brush and apply some die-electric grease. Also check the large ground that attaches to the transmission- make sure the bolt[not just the nut] that it attaches to is clean and tight. Did you check the fuses and connectors that sit on top of the battery? to make sure they are good use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the connector station under the relay panel under the dash. if that's all good the next possiblity is the #109[ i'm NOT 100% sure that's will be the number] power supply relay. This relay supplies power to the ecm and a couple of other things and have been known to fail.

diesel smoke · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2009, 04:37:14 pm »

Methinks relay 109. Look there. Those are classic symptoms of a bad relay 109, and it was confirmed when you changed the ECU and the pump. :wink:

GTD0023 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2009, 02:41:56 am »

I changed all the relays on the fusebox incl relay 109 with new ones.

when i turn the ign key, the dashboard does light up. it is only the digital mile counter, clock and fuel level indicator stay off!

the relays on the battery are ok, checked them already.

i will start checking the grounds and the ign switch.

Any more suggestions???

diesel smoke · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2009, 10:55:42 am »

Well, there are some more relays in a small plastic box near the MAF sensor. I don't know what they do, but it is worth a try. I still think there is something fishy with relay 109. :?

GTD0023 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2009, 07:08:56 pm »

ALRIGHT, i checked all the grounds and cleaned them.
same result!!

How do you check the ignition switch?
i removed it, sprayed it with electr contact cleaner and put it back.
same result!!

is there a way to know if the ignition switch is good? (without buying a new one)

any other stuff i can try??

GTD0023 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2009, 06:33:14 am »

ok,
this is what i have tried next:
I cracked open no.1 injector line and cranked the engine.
There was fuel coming out, but it was just pouring out a little bit.
i kept cranking and there came more and more, just flowing out. Not with any pressure!
i know it is supposed to spray out with a high pressure.

does this indicate an electrical or mechanical problem?

what can i do?

Does anyone have any info on this?
PLEASE HELP

once againg. this is a VW BORA(same as Jetta), 1999, TDI, 110hp/81kw, AHF engine.

diesel smoke · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:04:07 am »

Quote from: "GTD0023"

ok,
this is what i have tried next:
I cracked open no.1 injector line and cranked the engine.
There was fuel coming out, but it was just pouring out a little bit.
i kept cranking and there came more and more, just flowing out. Not with any pressure!
i know it is supposed to spray out with a high pressure.

does this indicate an electrical or mechanical problem?
what can i do?

Does anyone have any info on this?
PLEASE HELP

once againg. this is a VW BORA(same as Jetta), 1999, TDI, 110hp/81kw, AHF engine.

Have you checked the fuel shut off solenoid? You can take out the plunger and try that, but if it starts and the plunger isn't there, you will need to stall the engine to stop it. :wink:

GTD0023 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2009, 04:17:40 am »

alright, i removed the plunger from the fuel shut off solenoid.
same result! still no fuel.

what can i try next?
:cry: :cry: :cry:

Tintin · « **Reply #9 on:** March 18, 2009, 06:05:27 am »

Also think It's around the relay 109.

Can you communicate with the ECU with a diagnostic tool? like Vag-com?

The electrical part of the ignition swith is not expensive and easy to R&R.

A wiring diagram of your car can be very helpfull for you.

GTD0023 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 18, 2009, 08:27:14 am »

i tried with 2 different scan tools.
but cannot communicate with car's ecu.
i have a spare ecu, but same result with that one.
i get a message: ecu not found!

i already put a brand new relay 109. same result.
could it be a faulty relay panel?

Tintin · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2009, 08:37:28 am »

Now you must start to check the wiring with a wiring diagram.

The relay 109 make a ''clic'' when you put the key ''on''