Engine Mechanical problem 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles
I live in Newark, NJ and own a 2000 passat V6. The past few days Ive had an intermittent problem thats gradually growing. The car won't start. It cranks strong but won't run. Does't seem to matter if the car was sitting overnight or 10 min. When it finally does start, there is no pause, it doesn't sputter, just starts right as if nothing was wrong. Car runs just fine. Anyone with advise on what steps to take to isolate this headache.
So far I've verified the spark and ruled out an ignition problem. I have noticed that the coolant temp gauge comes and goes. I don't think its the thermostat because the needle would be in the normal range and then just falls off. The coolant level is fine. I've done enough homework to know that the temp sensors tend to go in my particular make/model. I picked up a coolant temp sensor (8 bucks at autozone) but my hands are too big. The sensor location is just a tease. I can barely reach it let alone remove it. So I still have the problem with it cranking and not starting and I still have yet to change the sensor. Now I'm wondering if the temp problem is related. So now I ask. Could a faulty coolant temp sensor prevent a car from starting?
2000 Passat 2.8 V6, 141k
OK, heres the deal. The fuel pump seems to be working fine. I replaced the coolant sensor. I still have the problem. I'm detecting a weird pattern with it not starting. Starts up cold. No problem, 2 or 3 cranks the most. After 10 min of driving, when its nice and warmed up. Comes right back on with a few cranks or wont start at all. After 15 or 30 min on a warm day. It just cranks away but wont start. Ive read something about pressing the gas pedal to the floor to cut off the fuel injectors. I cant tell if that makes a difference. Ive already killed the battery just from cranking alone. I can either give it more time to cool off or roll it down the driveway. "Its a stick". I know popping the clutch isn't recommended but it works. I also feel like a slight hesitation or rather engine vibration when accelerating. It idles fine and the acceleration just inst a smooth as I think it should be. I also have Check engine light with the infamous "Emissions Workgroup". Could this be a timing issue? Valve deposits? Cam Speed sensor? No idea.I feel like I'm grasping at straws over here.
Heres another note. I went to Autozone to have them check my trouble codes. I have 2, P0322 (Ignition engine speed input signal no circuit) and P0441 (EVAP system incorrect purge flow). Im not sure how to handle this. Im still trying to get that to make sense.
Much appreciated,
Red
Thursday, November 29th, 2018 AT 12:35 PM
(Merged)