1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas

[dsteve]

Hi there im new to the site i currently own 2003 vw passat 1.9 tdi 130 bhp, this morning to my surprise my neighbour was knockin to tell me a fire engine was putting out my vehicle.
 The fireman said it looks as if the fire started under the bonnet as the interior was untouched except the roof lining, but i havent moved the car since 29th december so it wasnt hot or just used and i havent annoyed anyone so i was wondering if anyone has heard of diesel engines catchin fire on their own (or looms) i know petrol engines do the ignition coil overheats, i have been a mechanic for 15 years and never heard of this any info greatly recieved thanks.
dsteve

[the caveman]

Wow -really? it's not like diesel is very volatile so there must have been a big spark to light something up enough to flame. Have you had the arson squad in? do you have many enemies ? We used to see  bosch CIS gasser cars go up with all that excessive fuel pressure but never a diesel.

[dsteve]

No enemies, im thinking electrical but the vehicle has been stationary for 4 days. Maybe just a random attack, insurance should send in fire investigator and shed light on the situation.

[dsteve]

The battery has melted along with the loom and most other plastic parts but i have never had to jump start the vehicle. the only work done to it in the 15 months i owned it is a full service all filters changed and a drivers side driveshaft gator. It is a complete mystery

[burn_your_money]

I'm not sure about Passats but mk4 Jetta/Golfs have some wires running under the battery or battery tray. I would venture to guess that either the battery was leaking and ate away the insulation or it just rubbed off causing a short.
Sorry for your loss

[745 turbogreasel]

maybe a rodent bit the wrong wire?

[veedubcanuck]

Hmmm TDI now means Time Delayed Inferno?? lol. But seriously, sorry for your loss. I haven't heard of any issues like that either. And for it to happen 4 days later is really suspicious too. I guess we will never know.

[the caveman]

Well, my money would be on some significant un-fused short circuit. 

I had to replace the ecu and wiring on a G60 Corrado once. The Injectors were fed from the fusebox without any fuse between them and the battery.

[Rabbit on Roids]

do you have a big stereo in it? like any wires powering any big amps? ive seen a truck burn down at school before. the amp wire didnt have a grommet going through the firewall.