1998 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Pump

Tiny
VDUB98
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

So, i'm having a hard time starting my car when it gets really cold. Do you think the fuel pump could be the problem? Or a fuse, relay?
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 AT 1:26 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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Hi vdub98,

Thank you for the donation.

Is this a gas or diesel engine?
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Saturday, November 14th, 2009 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
VDUB98
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Its a gas.
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Saturday, November 14th, 2009 AT 3:01 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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The most common cause for difficult starting when cold would be the Engine CoolantTemperature sensor.

Fuel pump is not likely to be the cause.
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Saturday, November 14th, 2009 AT 3:41 PM
Tiny
VDUB98
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I replaced that about 3 weeks ago, because the check engine light came on and it gave me that code about the coolant temperature sensor. I don't know what else could it be.
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Saturday, November 14th, 2009 AT 4:07 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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After replacement of the ECT, was the trouble code
cleared and did the CEL return?

Was the ECT used OEM and was any reading tests carried out on it?

When it was dificult to start, was the engine cranking speed good?

Did you test the fuel pressure?

Are the spark plugs conditions good?
Any idea of the spark plugs burning condition?
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Saturday, November 14th, 2009 AT 11:16 PM
Tiny
VDUB98
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After I replaced it, the code went away and it never came back anymore as of now that I know of.
The cranking was good when I try to start it, I did notice a little bit of black smoke coming out from the exhaust. But it then went away.

I havnt had the chance to do the fuel pressure test, but I will soon. Maybe tomorrow.
I put in new spark plugs about two years. I got those bosch fusion, which they were expensive. I replaced the plug wires too. I would have to take one out to see what the burning condition is, it shouldnt be that bad.
I did had some problems before with my idling because it was a little high. So I cleaned the throttle body and replaced the IAT sensor and it stopped doing that.
Last year the long block got replaced. I put a new one. I'm trying to think whatelse have I changed. Well, I will let you know if I can think of anything else.
I really appreciate ur help.
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Thursday, November 19th, 2009 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Black smoke during cranking indicates incomplete combustion or a rich condition.

Btw which engine variation do you have?
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 5:58 AM
Tiny
VDUB98
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U mean like valves and all that kind of stuff? Is a single cam with 8 valves 2.0L.
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Sorry for the confusion but you did answer it correctly. What I meant was the engine capacity.

The exact engine type is necessary to get the correct information.

Let me know the fuel pressure once you have tested it.

What is the mileage? If the mileage is high, get a compression test done as well. Low compression would cause difficult starting as well.

Do you have any overheating or coolant losses issues?
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
VDUB98
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It has already 116000, but last year the engine was replaced. Just the long block. I did recently start to notice some coolant coming from the weep hole on the water pump. I replaced the water pump about 2 years ago. Do you know what could have cause it to start breaking down so fast? I have a feeling the coolant has corrosion in it. I'm actually planning on buying a new water pump with the housing and drain all the coolant, put new in it. I also did notice that when I put the ignition in on position and listen to the fuel pump, I dont hear anything. When I start the car I hear it working.
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Under normal circumstances water pumps do not give way that fast but they can if the quality of the pump and coolant are inferior.

During the long block change, was the water pump transferred from the old block? Quite often water pumps do not last if it is reused. Removal and reinstallation sometimes do affect its lifespan.

With driver's door opened, turn ignition ON and see if the fuel pump runs briefly.
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 4:49 PM

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