VW Cabrio trouble in rain?

1997 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET
107,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
KLSTROTHER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My 1997 VW Cabrio (2.0) has problems starting and dies in rain or snow. I have recently replaced the battery. The car will still turn on, lights, radio, etc work, but will not start after rain or humid weather. I have never heard of this before. Is it electrical? What should I do?
Jan 19, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MMPRINCE4000
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 8,548 POSTS
Start with a battery and alt. check at most autoparts stores, if OK, then most likely water is getting into a one or more electrical connections.

Try some dielectric grease in the electrical connectors.
Jan 19, 2011 at 3:43 PM
Avatar
SLICEGUNZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Check the ignition coil. They all go bad after they are old by extremely small cracks that let just enough moisture in when it rains or is extremely humid. It happened to me while driving through deep puddles and it stalled and had to wait up to a half hour for it to dry. Then as it got worse it wouldn't start for a few days after raining. I found it online for 30 bucks after shipping, it's over 100 at autozone. It takes about 15minutes to replace and you shouldn't have any problems. Google troubleshooting ignition coil for 97 cabrio and look for youtube videos.

Michael
Mar 19, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.