Started with a misfire now will not start

Tiny
JOEIS1TOOMANY
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
It seems to be an electrical problem with the car. It wont start and we found a short on the vehicle that has been draining the battery. We've been trying to trouble shoot the problem as I bought the car as is but still cant figure out what is wrong with it. The mechanic said it was the timing chain but when we checked the chain it was fine. Changed the PCV valve and valve cover, changed the camshaft and crankshaft, changed the spark plugs, changed air filter. This is what we narrowed the problem down to. When it started it started with a misfire but now it doesn't start at all. Not sure what it can be now.
Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 8:16 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

I have to ask for a favor? Can you record the engine while it is cranking so I can hear it?

Also, have you checked for spark and fuel to the engine or engine compression?

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
JOEIS1TOOMANY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your response!

I will be able to record the engine cranking tomorrow. But to answer your other questions, yes there is a spark and fuel is coming out. The engine compression is okay too. As soon as I can record the car I will post it.

Thanks again!
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
I will watch for the recording. I have to be honest, if you have fuel, spark, and compression, it should run. Either the fuel injectors lost pulse or it's a timing issue. How much compression was found when you checked?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
JOEIS1TOOMANY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Here it is not starting. We found that the alternator was bad so we changed it after testing it at AutoZone. Sorry for the late response.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Welcome back:

I need you to do a compression test. It sounds like a timing issue. Here is a link that shows how to check for compression:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

I really need this done so I can determine if it is a timing related issue. If you find the compression off, we will need to check timing. Although the chain seemed fine, it could have jumped.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
JOEIS1TOOMANY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you. We're going to give that a try once we can get to it. But another thing I want to ask. Do you also think its the ECM? When I started it the Check Engine light didnt come on so I am not sure if it could be that as well.

Again thank you for your help!
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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Welcome back:

Since you are getting spark and fuel, I'm going to say no.

Let me know what you find with the compression when you get a chance.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 AT 8:53 PM

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