Golf 3 TDI: Engine Stalling While Driving

Hello,

I'm having the following problem with my Golf 3 TDI, 1.9L, 66kW, 90 hp, manufactured in 02/1994.

The car sometimes stalls unexpectedly during normal driving, without any warning, regardless of the engine speed or gear selected, and whether the engine is cold or warm. Over a distance of about 20 kilometers, it stalls at least twice.
And the symptoms are as follows:
The car suddenly turns off, and all the warning lights come on, just like when you normally turn on the ignition. The only difference is that when the car turns off, the preheating light only glows faintly.
I already replaced relay 109, but the problem wasn't with that.
Reading the error codes from the vehicle's computer at the workshop revealed no errors.
I'm going crazy, what else can I possibly do?
I am grateful for any help.

Regards[/b]

Hello,

Do you have the red LED next to the door pin on the driver's side door?
If so, you probably have a DWA (decentralized ventilation system) installed, given the year of construction. The small box, which is usually located behind the light switch, is prone to having cold solder joints. That's likely where your problems are coming from.
I've experienced that before too.
Disassemble the box, solder the connections, and it's done.

The ignition switch is still a good option for the G3. It probably only costs around EUR 20.00.

hello,

Thank you for your suggestions, but I've already removed and re-soldered the DWA (immobilizer), checking each solder joint individually, but it still doesn't work, and the car remains immobilized.
Yes, my Golf has a red LED next to the driver's door button.

And then I have another question: what could be defective in the ignition switch that causes the car to always turn off?

discohuehner wrote:

What could be defective in the ignition switch that causes the car to always turn off?

It could be a loose connection in the ignition switch.

Regards,
Sure, here's the translation:

"Guste" is a German word that means "gust" or "gust of wind." It can also be used to describe a sudden burst of something, such as laughter or anger.

hello,

Can someone tell me how to remove the ignition switch?
Is that difficult, or will it go well?

hello,

Okay, so I've now replaced the control unit for the anti-theft system. I've driven about 350 km already, and it hasn't turned off again. Fingers crossed that it stays that way, and hopefully I've found the problem.

Hello, on our Golf Variant 1.9 TDI GL (year 1994), 90 hp, the engine occasionally cuts out for a few seconds to several minutes (there's no particular condition that seems to cause it) - sometimes not for days, then multiple times a day. The engine doesn't start (even though the starter motor is turning), as long as the preheating light is on (it's a bit dimmer than usual). Also, the oil light is on during this time, and the relay 109 is quite warm. We replaced relay 109 - it was better for a while, then it went back to the same problem. Now I've bypassed the contacts of relay 109 with a switch, which allowed me to start the engine perfectly in an emergency (if we were stranded on a highway - oh dear!). However, that doesn't work anymore either - the preheating indicator blinks (sometimes) quickly... nothing else happens.
I don't know what to do next.
(By the way, we're using Plantanol fuel - could there be a connection? However, the fuel filter has already been replaced.)
Sure! Here's the translation:

"Merci!!"

hello diddi,

"Ever since I replaced the control unit for the anti-theft system in my car, it has never stalled again."
I'm so happy, and I had exactly the same symptoms that you described.

Best regards,

Hello!

Hab das gleiche Problem schon drei Mal gehabt, das discohuehner und diddi schon beschrieben haben und ich auch schon in einigen anderen Threads gelesen hab. Nur war fast jedes Mal das Steuergerät für die Diebstahlwarnanlage die Lösung des Problems. Allerdings dürfte ich keine DWA haben (zumindest hab ich keine rote LED neben meinem Türpin)! Was Is there still a chance?
I drive a Volkswagen Golf 3 TDI with 66 kW, manufactured in October 1994.
Since I have to take my car for an inspection soon anyway, I'll also report this problem there. However, I would be happy if you have any tips that I can share with the workshop at the same time!

Thank you in advance for your help!

Have you already replaced or resoldered relay 109?
If not, that's the best tip I can give.

Best regards, Micha.

No, I haven't checked that yet, as I've been suspecting the fuel pump or air in the fuel supply. I'll take a closer look and hope for the best...
I've read before that this often only provides a temporary solution. Hopefully, it will work more permanently for me!
Are there any other "usual suspects" besides relay 109?

Thank you for the tip!

SergeantRynesch wrote:

...But I've often read before that this only provides a short-term solution.

If the 109 is the cause (and it eventually happens in all G3 TDI models - unfortunately).
Does a professional repair (or replacement) provide a lasting ?

Quote:

Besides relay 109, are there any other "usual suspects"?

Zündanlassschalter fällt nicht so häufig aus, führt aber zum gleichen Fehlerbild. Luft in
The sensation is different depending on the fuel supply (unless it's producing very long bubbles).
(coughing, spitting, sounds like two pots clanging together briefly, etc.)

Best regards, Micha.

I've already arranged for the proper repair! I'll have it replaced right away during the inspection at a specialized workshop.
If this isn't the problem, I'll have to tackle the ignition switch next, and then just hope and pray...

Thank you so much for your help!!!

Best regards,
Wolfgang.

Hello Wolfgang,
"By 'proper repair,' I didn't mean having it replaced at a workshop, but rather..."
experienced handling of soldering irons and wire (in the relay) .
The alternative would then be an exchange.

Good luck.

Best regards, Micha.

Okay, but if this thing isn't too expensive, I'll just have it replaced right away, and I can be sure that I haven't missed anything during my troubleshooting! By the way, do you have any information about the cost of the relay?