1996 VW Golf No Start

VOLKSWAGEN
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GOLF
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HELP! I have 1996 VW Golf & recently replaced coil, leads, distributor cap & rotary arm due to the car cutting out or not starting at all, just cranking. I had someone check plugs & they're fine. Someone has suggested checking that the timing isn't out as this could be last last thing preventing it from running. The fuel pump is also in working order. Can anyone suggest how I do this as I don't really the cash to have to call a mechanic out due to call out fees?[/i][/b]
May 27, 2006 at 4:53 AM
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LOSONE
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Take off the distributer cap and see if the rotor turns when cranking. If not replace the timing belt. It is a tough job if you have never done it.

Be sure and check if you are missing fuel or spark before you try and tear the engine down.
May 27, 2006 at 9:33 AM
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JNOVACK
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you need 3 things to make an engine run, spark, fuel and compression chek for spark by removing a plug and grounding it on the radiator suport and have some one turn the engine over while you look at the plug if there is spark your ok if no spark than remove the dist. cap and have them turn the engine over again see if the rotor is moving if not than it will be the timing belt ( if that is it I can talk you through that job and send you needed info) then you should have a fuel pressure fitting on the fuel rail re move cap slowly see if fuel starts to leak out(do not remove) than if you know anyone with a compression tester see if you can borrow it the compression should be about 140 psi give or take 10 psi (the car needs over 90 psi to run)
Jan 8, 2007 at 11:34 AM
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LOSONE
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I agree with JNOVACK about verifying bad compomenst that will cause a no start condition.

I do take exception to "grounding" a plug wire to see if there is spark. You could and people often do damage any of the firing components by causing an impedence mis-match resulting in an ignition failure. I have seen a distributer cap blown completely off from grounding a plug wire.

The best and only inexpensive way is to buy a test plug from any parts store. Insert it into the plug wire ground the end with a provided clip. You can easily see the fire and the test plug has internal resistance to make the ignition sytem thing it has a plug installed.

It is an easy, clean and safe way to check for spark.
way to verify spark.

As a note, VW engines are not close tolerance except the diesel engines so if the timig belt is bad there will be no damage. Fuel pump, external to the tank and adjoining filter are high failure VW items.

Good Luck

Losone
Jan 8, 2007 at 12:25 PM
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JNOVACK
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I didn't mean the plug wire just the plug it self
Jan 9, 2007 at 10:29 AM
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JNOVACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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I agree losone i ment test plug not ground sorry
Oct 15, 2008 at 9:45 AM

Suggested Repair

Before replacing the timing belt, confirm spark, fuel, and compression. Use an inline test plug rather than grounding a plug wire. If there is no spark, remove the distributor cap and crank the engine; if the rotor does not turn, the timing belt is likely broken. Check fuel pressure at the rail and compression (about 140 psi, and over 90 psi needed to run). On this gas VW, a failed timing belt typically does not bend valves. The external fuel pump and filter are also common failure points.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 VW Golf cranks but cuts out or will not start after the coil, leads, distributor cap, and rotor were replaced. Plugs and the fuel pump were reported OK, and timing was suggested as a possible cause. Experts advised verifying spark, fuel, and compression first. Spark should be checked with a test plug, not by grounding a plug wire. If the rotor does not turn while cranking, the timing belt is the likely cause and can be replaced without expected valve damage on this gas engine. Fuel pressure and compression near 140 psi should also be checked.

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