Non-starting Volkswagen - can you help?

My son's 53-plate Volkswagen Polo 1.4-litre petrol will not start. He tells me he has been having trouble for the past three weeks. The engine was turning over fine, but slow to fire up - and once running it was no problem.

Then yesterday, he parked-up, and upon returning an hour, later it would not start. I have taken each spark plug out individually, and they all spark okay. Also, I have removed the fuel line, and turned the key - plenty of fuel comes through.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Asked on 26 November 2012 by nales

Answered by Alan Ross
Well it may be that one of the sensors is faulty, normally a diagnostic check will show this up by a fault code(ie P ---- 4 numbers)

Otherwise it is a case of checking each sensor

Given what you have said, did he have any warning lights come up at all? We would suggest that the obvious things are checked (ie, air/vacuum pipes/connections, condition of fuel filter/air filter).

Then would check the CKP (crankshaft position sensor)then the MAF (mass air flow sensor) Then the MAP (manifold absolute pressure sensor) and then the ECT (engine coolant temp sensor). Any one of these failing could result in non starting...
Similar questions
I own a 2003 Volkswagen Polo. It has a 1.4 petrol engine, automatic gearbox and has covered 90,000 miles. Recently it developed an intermittent start-up problem. The starter motor works fine, but the engine...
A couple of days ago my wife was sat in the porch watching the cars go by down our road, I was in the conservatory reading a book, my car was parked outside and the keys hung up in the hallway. I heard...
My 2016 Nissan X-Trail occasionally won't start The battery shows 11.8v and the dash lights up but the car only clicks when the ignition key is turned, but it starts strongly with jump leads. Any thoughts...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer