Engine cranks over but will not start

PAUL HANSEN

MEMBER
2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
1.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
59,247 MILES

I drove the car the previous day with no issues. The next morning the car refused to start. The engine cranks over but refuses to start (after numerous attempts). Checked the fuel pump and filter which were okay. Suspected ECU. Reset ECU/Computer box) by turning on the ignition and depressing gas pedal to the floor for 20 seconds (got off the net). Released the pedal, swung the engine while pressing the pedal to the floor. The engine fired up erratically, but once running it sounded okay. PS: Engine used to the fire up at once. I suspect electronics/timing or senses. Please help me to narrow down. Regards

Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 7:06 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,097 POSTS

Hi,

Has this happened again? The idea that you held the pedal to the floor leads me to think it was flooded. By depressing the pedal, you turn off the injectors to clear a flooded engine. If it was flooded, it would likely run exactly how you described.

Let me know if it has happened again and if you were able to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. Because of the model year, you should scan the entire can-bus to see if there are codes. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them. Here is a quick video showing it being done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Let me know. Also, the Polo isn't offered in the US, so my technical information is very limited, but I will do what I can to help.

Take care and Happy New Year,

Joe

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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 10:00 PM

PAUL HANSEN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe. Thanks for your reply. When I first tried to start the car, the engine fired up. I immediately shifted into reverse, and it cut out. Thereafter it refused to start, even with the gas pedal depressed at times. Would the engine have remained flooded the following day? Since the above problem started the engine would only start with the gas pedal pushed in (around six or more attempts). Thereafter it started a little easier. My wife never had to push in the gas pedal when starting the car. PS: I currently do not have the diagnostic equipment but will take the vehicle to a friend who has in a week's time as I am currently on vacation. Thanks, Paul

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Friday, December 31st, 2021 AT 7:24 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,097 POSTS

Hi Paul,

If there is an issue, it can flood nearly instantly. If it was flooded bad enough, the plugs may be fouled. The easiest thing to do is try to start it and check to see if they are wet after trying. Also, it would be a good idea to check for ignition spark to them. I realize you are on vacation, but here is a link that explains how to do it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

First, I hope you enjoy your vacation and have a great new year. When you return, let me know what you find and let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, December 31st, 2021 AT 9:31 PM