2003 Volkswagen Jetta Cranks but won't start

Tiny
BWARRIOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
It will crank but will not start. This happened intermittently over a few week period of time. I had gone out and messed with it multiple times and got it to start

multiple times. However, now it won't start almost no matter what I try. Before when I got it to start, I had cleaned out the spark plugs which had a lot of oil.

Twice I got it to start this way. Then I changed the valve cover gasket. A few days later it wouldn't start again, so I changed the spark plugs and a few days later

it wouldn't start. I then changed the fuel pressure regulator and got it to start 3 times before it once again wouldn't start. I seem to have spark but possibly not

fuel. Although starting fluid in the air intake has also not worked.

I had no codes before the when it wasn't starting but I now have 10 check engine codes. I also had an 11th code but it has gone away on its own. I listed them all

below and in order. The 11th code is listed as well.

1) p0261 - Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
2) p0267 - Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low
3) p0270 - Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low
4) p0264 - Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low

5) P0445 - Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted

6) P0037 - Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 2

7) P0418 - Secondary Air Injector Relay A Malfunction

8) P0010 - Intake (A) Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit / Open (Bank 1)

9) P0414 - Secondary Air Injection Switching Valve A Circuit Shorted

10) P0141 - Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2

11) (this code is no longer showing) P2401 - Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit Low
Friday, November 20th, 2015 AT 10:36 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,924 POSTS
Hi Bwarrior,

IT sounds like the problem is ignition related because it wouldn't start on starting fluid, the oil on the spark plug is concerning but with fresh plugs it should start, have you replaced the crank angle sensor lately? This is a very common problem and would cause the problems you are describing. Here is a more in depth guide on what to look for in the order of popularity, please get back to me on what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-valve-cover-gasket

Also, clear all codes and re-gather once the engine is running, this will tell us which codes are more prevalent.

Best, Ken

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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
The problem is the FP relay located in the underdash relay carrier. Very common problem with your vehicle.
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
The image that I have added is what you will see once you remove the driver side lower panel that is held on by 3 torx screws. You'll have to look up into the dash. In this picture the relay has the number "409" on it. 9/10 the FP relay has "409" on it, the odd time, it may have 372 stamped instead. Either way the location is the 4th relay on the bottom row as shown in the picture. Replace it and clear the faults.
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
BWARRIOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you, I have ordered a new fuel pump relay and I will install it next week when it arrives.
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:07 AM

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