Engine abruptly cuts off while coasting to a stop

Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
Engine abruptly cuts off while coasting to a stop it happened couple times already in a same manner. There are no OBD codes no warning lights, the engine will just shut off on its own while coasting to a red light or similar. It will start back up no problem, it cranks back up in normal time. I am suspecting a fuel pump to be a culprit. I have not done any testing on a fuel pump yet. Otherwise the car starts runs and drives just fine. Please let me know what you think? Thanks
Sunday, November 16th, 2025 AT 8:54 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KRAKENAUTO
  • MECHANIC
  • 69 POSTS
Are you cranking it back up with the key or does it start back itself once your going again?
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Sunday, November 16th, 2025 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 51 POSTS
Starting it back up with a key
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Sunday, November 16th, 2025 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 51 POSTS
Any ideas? Thanks
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 AT 7:11 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 51 POSTS
It has a new battery, alternator is tested and fully functioning.
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 AT 7:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
This problem is hard to diagnose because we don't have a trouble code which makes this a difficult repair. But there are popular items that can cause this issue, the first is to service the throttle body. Here is a guide that can help you with that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

VW rarely burns up the pump itself, instead, the fuel pump control module (J538) overheats or intermittently drops power. The module sits near fuel pump under the metal cover

Look for:

1. Corrosion
2. Water intrusion
3. Melted plastic
4. Heat discoloration

Here is the location of the fuel pump module and the throttle body so you can service the unit and check out the other. I will email them to you as well. I would also check the engine for vacuum leaks as well, this video will help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRKWV4Are5c&t

Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes
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Friday, November 21st, 2025 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 51 POSTS
Sounds good I will check on that. I appreciate it very much. Thanks
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 AT 4:35 PM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 51 POSTS
Also if I end up replacing the fuel pump control module do I need to program it? Thanks
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Nope the FPM is plug and play. Let me know what happens.
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Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 AT 10:06 AM

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