97 Passat Lovin' it for a Week But won't start

[Abujordan]

Great resource here at myturbodiesel.com! I've had a 97 Passat for a week--my first TDI and I was lovin it! So far I've put on 600 miles with the first tank--hope to get a couple hundred more before I fill up again.

Replaced a broken CCV breather tube which was the source of an ugly oil leak. Changed oil, new air filters, cleaned MAF sensor, checked EMC hose for leak and cleaned some of the oil build-up off the lower portion of the engine.

Went to start the car--all dash lights come on but nothing. Battery is fine--even tried a jump. From a previous thread it looks like the solenoid or starter may not be getting juice. Small wires leading to connectors on both are partially exposed.

Easy way for me to trouble shoot?

Any recommendations?

Thank you!

[Seatman]

The wire to the solonoid should read 12v when the ignition is turned to the start position and you can also check the starter itself by puting 12v straight to it and bypassing the solonoid, it shouldn't engage but best make sure the car's in neutral just in case.

[chittychittybangbang]

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/m...mk3-mk4-VW.htm

Also, post moved to mk3 since it's kind of technical

[Abujordan]

I have 12v at the solenoid but I'm not getting 12v from the ignition wire which connects to the solenoid. Since the ignition wire isn't getting 12v, according to the video you posted earlier it looks like there could be a problem with the "clutch pedal relay" or the "alarm disable relay".

Also, the dash lights are on and the hazard lights are flashing but I haven't engaged the hazards. Is this pointing to anything?

I've searched but can't find much on troubleshooting the two relays mentioned. Additional input is appreciated.

Thank you again!

[chittychittybangbang]

The mk3 Passat is a bit of a strange car since it has no clutch pedal switch. No modern car is like this because there have been lawsuits over pedal switches- you can start the car in gear! Just have your head screwed on straight and check before starting the engine.

Alarm relay is in the alarm module behind the headlight switch, see the FAQ for adding this relay. It's prob not bad.

Hazards could be turn signal relay (not 100% sure could be mixing models but I believe the turn signal relay runs it)

What error codes do you have? If you want to troubleshoot this is the best place to start.

[Abujordan]

Thanks! I installed a switch to get power to the starter so that I can drive the car around.

A "Back-up Light" sensor was disconnected because of a loose wire, which may have triggered the hazards. After I reconnected the wire the hazards stopped blinking on their own.

I went to see what error codes were thrown--a non VW mechanic on the corner gave me a P1403 code. A problem with the EGR valve--blocked passages.

I noticed that the there is a plug type sensor which fits into a hard plastic hose coming off of the ERG. When I rev up the RPMs, this plug will blow out of it place, as it's only being held in place by a compression type O-ring. The plastic hose has several different pieces which lead down to a box under the battery and then back up to the manifold. Black box looks like it may be a clean out of sorts. Any idea why the this plug blows? After it blows I lose power and have more black smoke.

Thanks again!

[chittychittybangbang]

There should be a clip that holds it in place, it's the boost sensor. Yes, without a seal you have a massive boost leak and you won't get any pressure as it leaks out that hole.

Carefully inspect all the wiring and wire clips, on a car this old the wires can chafe through any rubbing areas.