1998 Volkswagen Beetle Stalling

1998 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
109,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BHAYES1964
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I have a 98 VW beetle, it seems to stall in traffic for no reason. Wont start for about 10 minutes after but then starts an runs fine. Drives great then stalls again. Replaced Fuel pump, filter, relay, MAF sensor, O2 sensors, battery, air filter, Crank sensor, vacuum lines and no codes thrown by CEL. Any ideas? Thinking bad Throttle body?

Also cccasionally throws a P0422 but Cat was just replaced and passed smog with low emmissions readings. WTH!
Oct 4, 2010 at 6:00 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Hi bhayes1964, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Check and test the Throttle Position (TP) Actuator On throttle body, part of throttle valve control motor, EGR valve and throttle position sensor

Might want to do below immediately next time it stalls out to determine if its a fuel or spark related

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.
Oct 5, 2010 at 5:27 PM
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BHAYES1964
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Thankjs, I checked for spark today. It was good. Pulled Intake boot and all vacuum hoses to it and drenched it with carb cleaner. Checked the fuel pressure and pump found it the relay was only getting power intermittantly causing the fuel pump to shut off. Traced the wires and found that at the relay box that one wire leading to the relay had pushed back in the housing and wasnt making full contact. Poor design on the relay housing to secure the wires in teh back. Cleaned up the connections and plugged in the relay. Fired right up and sounded better too. 50 miles later it is still not stalling. Thanks for the advices on checking spark and then fuel.
Oct 6, 2010 at 1:01 AM
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RASMATAZ
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You're very welcome and we appreciate you coming back with the fix so others will benefit from it, Thank You
Oct 6, 2010 at 11:22 AM
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.