Intermittent crank no start and stalling while driving or idle

CARTROUBLES124

MEMBER
2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2.0L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
112,000 MILES

Can hear the fuel pump buzzing when I open the car door or turn the key to on. Checked the voltage across the battery and it was around 12. With the engine on, it was 14.
It cranks but doesn’t start frequently now, but it’s still random. It starts after a couple of key turns or if you let it sit for a while.

It also started turning the engine off while driving. It turned off at a stoplight, but then after turning the key, it started.
It also stopped when I parked. I hadn’t turned it off. When I turned the key, it started.
Then onetime when going down a small elevation, it stopped. For 15 minutes it didn’t start, just cranked when we tried it, and then it started.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,951 POSTS

Hi,

This can be a few different things. For example, a faulty crankshaft position sensor can cause random stalling and no start conditions. Take a look through this link and let me know if this seems to mirror what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Also, although you can hear the fuel pump, it may not be producing enough pressure to run the engine. It would be a good idea to check the pressure

Here is a link that shows in general how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If you haven't already, I would consider having the can scanned on the vehicle. This will identify codes regardless of the module storing them. Here is a link explaining how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know if the sensor mirrors what you experience. Also, if there is anything additional that may help me diagnose the issue, let me know.

Take care,

Joe