Golf III TDI: Won't Start? Troubleshooting Guide

Hello,

My Golf III TDI Variant sometimes doesn't start.

1) Either it doesn't start at all (but the starter motor turns).
2) Or, it might turn on two or three times, but then the same phenomenon as described above occurs.

As I gathered from another post, it's probably not the preheating system - but what else could it be?

Could the problem possibly be related to the following phenomenon: When it's warm outside (around 18°C or higher), the oil pressure warning light flashes. However, the oil temperature is within the normal range, and there's enough oil and water in the system.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Peter.

Hello.

I have rarely come across descriptions of such "nonsensical" overall symptoms.
In such cases, experience often shows that mass-related issues are frequently the cause.

Have you ever had the error memory read out?

Does the oil light blink regardless of whether the engine is warm or cold?

Quote:

or it turns on two to three times, but after that, the same phenomenon as described above can be observed.

What exactly does that mean? Does it turn off on its own after it starts?

Hello,

My Golf III TDI Variant sometimes doesn't start.

1) Either it doesn't start at all (but the starter motor turns).
2) Or, it might turn on two or three times, but then the same phenomenon as described above occurs.

As I gathered from another post, it's probably not the preheating system - but what else could it be?

Could the problem possibly be related to the following phenomenon: When it's warm outside (around 18°C or higher), the oil pressure warning light starts flashing. However, the oil temperature is within the normal range, and there's enough oil and water in the system.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Peter

What does 'er-springt' mean? Does it happen 2 or 3 times? If it happens again after that, it might be related to the WFS (Water Flow Sensor). Have you made any changes to it?

Best regards from Bielefeld.
Peter.

What does 'er-springt' mean? Does it happen 2 or 3 times? If it stops working afterwards, it might be due to the WFS (Water Flow Sensor). Have you made any changes to it?

Best regards from Bielefeld.
Peter

When the error occurs, the vehicle behaves as follows:
1) Turn the ignition key: it starts and keeps running.
After approximately 2 seconds, I turn it off.
3) Repeat steps 1 and 2 several times. After approximately 2 to 4 repetitions, the car will no longer start. The starter motor will run and turn the engine, but the engine simply won't start.

The car doesn't have WFS, and I haven't tampered with it in any way - I'm just a regular car user, not a professional.

Regards,
Peter.

Hello.

I have rarely come across descriptions of such 'nonsensical' overall symptoms.
In such cases, experience often shows that mass-related issues are frequently the cause.

Have you ever had the error memory read out?


No, but the car is at the workshop today - let's see!


Does the oil light blink, regardless of whether the engine is warm or cold?

The oil light illuminates whenever the car has been standing in the sun, for example. It's completely irrelevant whether the engine itself has warmed up.


or it turns on two to three times, but after that, the same phenomenon as described above can be observed.
What does that exactly mean? Does it turn off by itself after it starts?
No, the car will not turn off on its own. Please refer to my response to 'roter_korsar' for more information.

Regards,
Peter.