1G Crank no start

[daneger96]

Hey guys running into a bit of a road block with my 92' tsi. Was out for a drive the other day when I noticed my engine light come on. Didn't think much of it as it went out a few miles before I got home. Went to start it a couple hours later and all it did was crank. Thought maybe there might be some frozen water somewhere in the fuel system as we have shitty fuel and colder temps where I live so added some fuel antifreeze.

Next morning fired right back up so went to put some more fuel in. Shut off at the pump and it happened again. Cranked but didn't start. Whatever right. Went to try again today and it started up. Ran for a couple minutes and stalled out and now it just want to crank.

I was thinking maybe crank position sensor but I would like to hear some of your guys idea before I start ripping into it.

 

[dwb]

First thing to do would be pull the CEL code. Even if the light went off, the computer will still store the code until either cleared or the battery is disconnected.

 

[Justin DuBois]

Hey guys running into a bit of a road block with my 92' tsi. Was out for a drive the other day when I noticed my engine light come on. Didn't think much of it as it went out a few miles before I got home. Went to start it a couple hours later and all it did was crank. Thought maybe there might be some frozen water somewhere in the fuel system as we have shity fuel and colder Temps where I live so added some fuel antifreeze. Next morning fired right back up so went to put some more fuel in. Shut off at the pump and it happened again. Cranked but didn't start. Whatever right. Went to try again today and it started up. Ran for a couple minutes and stalled out and now it just want to crank. I was thinking maybe crank position sensor but I would like to hear some of your guys idea before I start ripping into it. Sorry if I put this in the wrong section.

Fuel pressure? If a fuel pump is sometimes working, or on its last legs - this might happen.

 

[steve]

When it won't start, does the CEL turn on for 5 seconds then go off or does it not turn on at all?

 

[diambo4life]

First thing to do would be pull the CEL code. Even if the light went off, the computer will still store the code until either cleared or the battery is disconnected.

This. No need to guess or troubleshoot when the ECU has the code telling you what the issue is....

 

[daneger96]

When it won't start, does the CEL turn on for 5 seconds then go off or does it not turn on at all?

Yup that's exactly what it does. Same thing when it starts.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I'm betting the fuel pump is dying. When it WON'T start, try spraying some ether or carb spray into the intake trac and see if she "tries" to start. That would be an indication of lack of fuel.

 

[pauleyman]

I'm not on board with bad fuel pump. OP stopped for fuel and it wouldn't start after. Residual fuel pressure should've started the car. May not run if fuel pump was bad. May not stay but it should have at least started or stumbled.
This points to ignition to me.
Op does tach twitch when you are cranking or is is dead?

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

You may be on to something with that. Lets see if the tach wiggles or is dead. Very good point and way to see if it is possibly ignition related.

 

[Justin DuBois]

I'm not on board with bad fuel pump. OP stopped for fuel and it wouldn't start after. Residual fuel pressure should've started the car. May not run if fuel pump was bad. May not stay but it should have at least started or stumbled.
This points to ignition to me.
Op does tach twitch when you are cranking or is is dead?

Easy enough to check for fuel pressure, if you take the return line after the FPR and put it into a bucket etc, and then turn on the key - or turn on the pump via ECM Link. Still, auditing the computer for the error code is what I would do first.

 

[daneger96]

Tach doesn't move when cranking and when it stalls out on it self the tach does drop slightly before it stalls out.

 

[dwb]

I think we're playing a game of 100 questions. Is it the CAS? Ignition coils? Power transistor? Give us another clue

Seriously, check the CEL, it'll tell you.

If you don't have some sort of datalogger to pull the code:

ECU Code Checking

1G - 1g Code Reader - CEL CODE READER

This is a How-To on figuring out your Check engine light (CEL) for 1g.Tools: Volt Meter or LEDConnection: Connect the positive of the volt meter or LED to pin #1 and the ground to #12 pin on the port. You must be registered to see element.After you got that done, turn your key to the ON...

www.dsmtuners.com

 

[pauleyman]

You may be on to something with that. Lets see if the tach wiggles or is dead. Very good point and way to see if it is possibly ignition related.

Agreed. If tach is dead look to transistor module.

I am in agreement also. Code first.

 

[steve]

While you're looking, make sure all the connectors have their retaining clips.

 

[Vincent Pandolph]

Pull the code , especially if you have ecm link . Link will have the code