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2001 Volkswagen Beetle Fuel problem?

Tiny
TMMOHON
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 75,000 MILES
I have a 2001 VW diesel bug. When the weather was extremely cold, I filled my car with diesel when it was below 1/4 tank. Immediately afterward, it seemed as though no fuel was getting to the engine as it had no power when I stepped on the gas pedal. There was also a lot of smoke coming from the exhaust. I turned the car off and on, and let it run for a few minutes and it was fine. I thought it might have something to do with the cold or maybe condensation in the line. The same thing happened on two other occasions (minus the smoke and the cold). Once again, I turned the car off and on and let it run for a few minutes and it was fine. I am thinking it has something to do with the fuel system. My husband recently changed the fuel filter, so I know it is not clogged. Any ideas would be appreciated.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 12:38 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
I dont want to sound silly but, you are sure this is a diesel engine, if so, you could be pushing more fuel into the combustion chamber than normal, is there a check engine light on. You could be just running rich and need an oxygen sensor. But please get back to me with your answers so we may continue to diagnose
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
TMMOHON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My car is definitely diesel. I forgot to mention in my original email, though, the tank was not empty when the last two incidents ocurred as in the first incident. Don't know if that makes any difference.
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
TMMOHON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Also, forgot to mention, there are no check engine lights on when this occurs.
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
This is the biggest downside of having diesel, when really cold, it will gel up making it extremely hard to make it through the lines, this is why it takes some time to get it going, you would never have this problem in fifty degree weather, once the diesel warms up then everything is fine, just as you've experienced, I assure you nothing is going wrong with your vehicle, however, you can take a ride down to the nearest parts store, I believe there is something you can do to help with this, there might be an additive I am not exactly sure, but I do know, this behavior is normal for a diesel powered engine.
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Allow your vehicle ample time to warm up in these conditions.
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 1:15 PM

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