Volkswagen Golf IV (1998 - 2004) - (98-04) 1.4 - starts, but cuts out straight away

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sun 23 Dec 2007 13:05
(98-04) 1.4 - starts, but cuts out straight away - ljjt
Hi,

I made a short journey in my mk IV Golf earlier today, its the 1.4 16v E model. I popped in to my friends house for 5 mins and when I got back in the car it starts up but then instantly cuts out. I have tried restarting several times and will not maintain revs, it just starts and dies on me. Its deffo not flooded the engine, but sounds almost as if it is being starved of fuel or something, like its choking. It has been very cold this morning so could that have anything to do with it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou LJJT

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 23/12/2007 at 13:33

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Sun 23 Dec 2007 13:21
Will start but cuts out straight away - Screwloose

Your key chip isn't being recognised by the immobiliser. Do you have another one to try?
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Sun 23 Dec 2007 13:31
Will start but cuts out straight away - ljjt
Hi thanks for yur reply/help, I suspected this and tried the other key but that wont work either. My immobiliser light doesnt come on or anything either. Any other ideas?? Thanks LJJT
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Sun 23 Dec 2007 13:37
Will start but cuts out straight away - Screwloose

The immob light will often flash when the key isn't recognized; if it's behaving normally, then the only other common cause of start-and-cut is being out of fuel.

Might also be worth checking fuses 11 and 15.
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Sun 23 Dec 2007 13:45
Will start but cuts out straight away - ljjt
Hi screwloose, i think your right about the chip in the keys. earlier this month in the heavy rain my car leaked in water in the foot well. Since then the inside windscreen has been freezing etc in cold weather. is it possible that the ignition barrel has got moisture in/v.cold etc so that would lead it to think the key is incorrect- hence cuts out? Possibly requires a new ignition barrel or drying out do you think? As I pull the key out it feels v.cold, almost damp. Thanks for your info on the fuses I will check them aswell. Thanks LJJT
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Sun 23 Dec 2007 15:20
Will start but cuts out straight away - Screwloose

It's more likely that the water has penetrated the instrument pod that houses the immobilizer.

Round the key-lock is a ring that reads the key; follow it's screened cable back up to the pod [some stripping required] and check the plug isn't corroded. [A good wiggle often helps.]
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