# Passat Won't Start **URL:** \ **Category:** PittSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [January 27, 2007, 4:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670 "2007-01-27T16:06:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![berad](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/berad/32/5953_2.png) [@berad](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/berad)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2007, 4:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/1 "2007-01-27T16:06:48Z")
Quiz of the day: Passat won’t start after 1 night sitting outside in the cold. 1/2 tank of gas, poured some dry gas in the tank, changed the plugs, using a fully charged jump box. It cranks but doesn’t catch. Sounds like it want’s to start but won’t:mad: ---
**Author:** ![BlackZ28](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blackz28/32/5932_2.png) [@BlackZ28](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BlackZ28)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2007, 4:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/2 "2007-01-27T16:55:54Z")
how old are your plug wires? try some wd-40 on the wires (if it has wires). make sure your alarm (if applicable) hasn’t been tripped either. also, does it need the jump box to crank at all? if it fires a few times, try giving it just a little throttle and see what that does. ---
**Author:** ![peterock17](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bcef8e/32.png) [@peterock17](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/peterock17)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2007, 6:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/3 "2007-01-27T18:06:58Z")
posible bad coil pack? is it a v6 or 1.8T? i’m sure more vw guys will chime in. ---
**Author:** ![bgblockelcamino](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bgblockelcamino/32/5997_2.png) [@bgblockelcamino](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bgblockelcamino)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2007, 6:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/4 "2007-01-27T18:20:58Z")
is it getting fuel? ---
**Author:** ![flyinglow57](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/flyinglow57/32/5978_2.png) [@flyinglow57](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/flyinglow57)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2007, 8:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/5 "2007-01-27T20:45:37Z")
try starting it like an old carb vehicle giving it a bit of gas… full throttle to half while cranking. i have seen where cheap gas makes it do this and i start the cars like its an old carb vehicle. usually get go gas fuck that shit ---
**Author:** ![berad](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/berad/32/5953_2.png) [@berad](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/berad)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2007, 7:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/6 "2007-01-28T07:49:30Z")
> [@google map FTW](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/google-map-ftw/27574/3): > > how old are your plug wires? try some wd-40 on the wires (if it has wires). make sure your alarm (if applicable) hasn’t been tripped either. also, does it need the jump box to crank at all? if it fires a few times, try giving it just a little throttle and see what that does. just changed the plugs. Wires/coilpacks would be at least 3yrs old. haven’t changed them since I bought the car but never had any problems like this before :gome: > [@FS : Civic](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-civic/25147/48): > > posible bad coil pack? is it a v6 or 1.8T? i’m sure more vw guys will chime in. 1.8T it could be, i hope not casue they’re expensive > [@Sensative son of a bitches](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/sensative-son-of-a-bitches/27531/77): > > is it getting fuel? I’m thinking it might not be. IT’s def getting spark since I changed the plugs. It cranks with the jump box, I give it gas, then I get a “budddum…badddum…budddum…” …nothing > [@FS: Riverdance Tickets (maybe)](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-riverdance-tickets-maybe/27548/16): > > try starting it like an old carb vehicle giving it a bit of gas… full throttle to half while cranking. i have seen where cheap gas makes it do this and i start the cars like its an old carb vehicle. usually get go gas fuck that shit Sonny sprayed some starting fluid in the TB but still no change. I could get gas but if its getting stopped up in the motor what good is a full tank gonna do me? The fully charged jump box is only good for about 3 tries before it drops to 2 bars. Our cars require high cranking power. Think today I’m going to pull the battery out and let it trickle charge inside before I have another go at it. ---
**Author:** ![imported\_Jon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/edb3f5/32.png) [@imported\_Jon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/imported_Jon)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2007, 11:01am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/7 "2007-01-28T11:01:35Z")
My car just did the same thing, 98 Jetta. Turned over fast as ever, wouldn’t catch and start up. Coilpack. It got cold once, it shorted out the first time it was turned over. ---
**Author:** ![vw16vcabby](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vw16vcabby/32/5943_2.png) [@vw16vcabby](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/vw16vcabby)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2007, 7:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/8 "2007-01-28T19:00:07Z")
is the fuel pump turning on/priming? plugs look wet? if car is a 1.8t, i find it hard that all 4 coil packs are shit. u said you have spark. so that means it is either not sparking at right time (cam angle) or no fuel (pump or pressure) ---
**Author:** ![flyinglow57](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/flyinglow57/32/5978_2.png) [@flyinglow57](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/flyinglow57)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2007, 7:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/9 "2007-01-28T19:01:59Z")
> [@Rare NYSPEED cars, for real.](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/rare-nyspeed-cars-for-real/27584/21): > > is the fuel pump turning on/priming? plugs look wet? if car is a 1.8t, i find it hard that all 4 coil packs are shit. u said you have spark. so that means it is either not sparking at right time (cam angle) or no fuel (pump or pressure) spark can be weak and not start right? might be sparking but when its going thru the plugs its not so strong. im just tossin out an idea here ---
**Author:** ![berad](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/berad/32/5953_2.png) [@berad](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/berad)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 5:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/10 "2007-01-29T05:17:21Z")
I’m leaning towards timing belt…or fuel pump. It was throwing codes before regarding cam position (timing belt) but the fact that it was running when i parked it, and the only variable that changed was the cold, it could be some electrical failure. From what I’ve seen, when a timing belt goes, its usually while the car is running, get a flashing CEL and shit gets bent/fucked up. Maybe it’s just slipping?! The tensioner was replaced under warranty about 2 years ago. Having it towed today to a local VW/Audi shop across the street. I can’t do dick outside in 0 degree weather. I have a feeling this is going to be expensive. Might as well get all the maintenance done while its in there so it runs through spring. ---
**Author:** ![BlkP42E](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blkp42e/32/5938_2.png) [@BlkP42E](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BlkP42E)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 5:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/11 "2007-01-29T05:37:35Z")
☹ ---
**Author:** ![fshowcars](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fshowcars/32/5937_2.png) [@fshowcars](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fshowcars)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 6:06am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/12 "2007-01-29T06:06:21Z")
i really doubt all 4 coils are shot as well… i’m guessing the big ass fuel pump relay on the fuse block, or hte fuel pump shitting… could be the timing belt i guess??? but you’d imagine you’d hear somethign smacking around if the starter is just spinning the crank… dunno ---
**Author:** ![SoLow](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/solow/32/6001_2.png) [@SoLow](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SoLow)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 6:34am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/13 "2007-01-29T06:34:59Z")
> [@Ebay of the day: a nappy headed hoe!](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/ebay-of-the-day-a-nappy-headed-hoe/27578/12): > > ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Morris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@Mark\_Morris](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mark_Morris)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 6:45am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/14 "2007-01-29T06:45:33Z")
> [@Ebay of the day: a nappy headed hoe!](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/ebay-of-the-day-a-nappy-headed-hoe/27578/7): > > It cranks with the jump box, I give it gas, then I get a “budddum…badddum…budddum…” …nothing > > The fully charged jump box is only good for about 3 tries before it drops to 2 bars. Our cars require high cranking power. Think today I’m going to pull the battery out and let it trickle charge inside before I have another go at it. What happened to the battery? Went dead? Cranked too much and drained it? Make sure it didn’t freeze! I won’t use a jump pack on any car newer than 1995. If there is a problem with the battery it can cause a voltage spike that can fry ECU’s and other black boxes. If the battery is bad enough that you’re only getting a few cranks with a jump pack than that could very well be the reason the car is not starting. 1.8T’s are prone to fouling plugs on cold start-- especially when the weather takes a cold snap. VW changed the plug specs on these engines after a couple of model years for this reason (went a step hotter). What are the exact model plugs that you put in? Stay far away from any type of platinum plugs and plugs with more than one ground strap. They’re much more prone to wetting out/ fouling. If the car is flooded, chances are good the plugs are to blame. If you’re not getting fuel, then obviously this is not the issue. Do you have fuel pressure and injector pulse? Smell of gas in the cylinders after pulling the plugs? ---
**Author:** ![fshowcars](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fshowcars/32/5937_2.png) [@fshowcars](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fshowcars)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 7:06am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/15 "2007-01-29T07:06:36Z")
mark, i suggested he get some copper autolites, it looked like they sold him the cold set… 3923’s i think??? because his is a '99 i’m sure the computer came back with the older plug spec. the battery just died from cranking i do believe… we trickle charged it and it sounded like it was cranking it alright… just didn’t want to turn over… I’m still leaning towards fuel pump. ---
**Author:** ![berad](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/berad/32/5953_2.png) [@berad](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/berad)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 7:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/16 "2007-01-29T07:15:03Z")
> [@this place is dead tonight.](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/this-place-is-dead-tonight/27564/40): > > What happened to the battery? Went dead? Cranked too much and drained it? Make sure it didn’t freeze! I won’t use a jump pack on any car newer than 1995. If there is a problem with the battery it can cause a voltage spike that can fry ECU’s and other black boxes. I hope note. I thought it was just the battery at first. Jump box didnt work so we pulled it out, stuck it on a 2amp trickle charge for a few hours, blasted it with 10amp for 1/2hr till full charge, still no luck. > If the battery is bad enough that you’re only getting a few cranks with a jump pack than that could very well be the reason the car is not starting. I think it’s good. Just replaced this past summer > 1.8T’s are prone to fouling plugs on cold start-- especially when the weather takes a cold snap. VW changed the plug specs on these engines after a couple of model years for this reason (went a step hotter). Right, the OE plugs I pulled out from 3+ yrs ago were platinum 4’s, new ones are new OE Autolite single contact. > What are the exact model plugs that you put in? Stay far away from any type of platinum plugs and plugs with more than one ground strap. They’re much more prone to wetting out/ fouling. If the car is flooded, chances are good the plugs are to blame. If you’re not getting fuel, then obviously this is not the issue. OE Autolite single contact, picked them up at Autozone Saturday. > Do you have fuel pressure and injector pulse? Smell of gas in the cylinders after pulling the plugs? Couldnt smell anything outside in 0 degree weather ---
**Author:** ![imported\_SINISTER](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/imported_sinister/32/5970_2.png) [@imported\_SINISTER](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/imported_SINISTER)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 7:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/17 "2007-01-29T07:27:00Z")
humm could it be something with the coolent temp sensor somthing that supposledy go bad? think its needs replaced to a green top one… herd thay can cause alot those same problems amanda’s every now and then will lug when starting up fuel pump can you hear it come on? ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Morris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@Mark\_Morris](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mark_Morris)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 7:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/18 "2007-01-29T07:28:24Z")
Sounds likely that you’re not getting fuel. Next time you look at the car, crank it for a few seconds a couple of times. Pull the plugs immediately and inspect/ smell them. You should smell gasoline if you are in fact getting fuel into the cylinders. If not, then you have the problem narrowed down to lack of fuel. Then it’s a matter of determining why you’re not getting fuel. ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Morris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@Mark\_Morris](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mark_Morris)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 7:29am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/19 "2007-01-29T07:29:52Z")
> [@Totally Unlimited txting on VZW?!?!?!](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/totally-unlimited-txting-on-vzw/27446/32): > > humm could it be something with the cold sensor or > > somthing that supposledy go bad? > > think its needs replaced to a green top one… herd thay can cause alot those same problems Are you referring to the coolant temperature sensor? ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Morris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@Mark\_Morris](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mark_Morris)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2007, 7:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670/20 "2007-01-29T07:33:09Z")
Might want to just crack the fuel line fitting at the fuel rail and crank for a few seconds. Don’t loosen it all the way, just enough to see if gas will spray. Keep your face away from the fitting while you’re doing this! This is the quickest way to determine if the fuel pump is doing anything. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/passat-wont-start/187670.md?page=2)