MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: DBR16GTI on April 19, 2011, 08:57:13 pm

Title: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: DBR16GTI on April 19, 2011, 08:57:13 pm
Hi guys, iv had my gti for a 2 weeks & it's been running fine. The odd time it's been hard to start but after reading a few topics on here I put it down to a trait of this engine. Tonight however I went out to the car started it as normal & within a few seconds the engine died. Turned the key back & forward again and now nothing lights up on the dash, the computer doesn't even come on to show mileage & fuel gauge doesn't even register. If I try to start it fires then immediately dies. The only light that's on is the 'ESP off' button. Does anyone know what's wrong? Or had similar problem & most importantly how to fix it.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: Top Cat on April 19, 2011, 09:13:28 pm
Flat battery or alternator problem perhaps.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: DBR16GTI on April 19, 2011, 09:21:28 pm
Just been searching google & came across a ABS pump problem with similar symptoms except I have nothing on my dash at all, jst the ESP button itself lit up. Is this a possibility? It's still under the 6 month warranty from the dealer as iv obly had it 2 weeks so hopefully they'll fix it either way but I'd rather know what it is
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: bacillus on April 19, 2011, 09:22:04 pm
Is your car mapped?
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: DBR16GTI on April 19, 2011, 09:27:16 pm
No, standard 2005 model with 62k miles. Dealer serviced it & changed the plugs.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: Homer on April 19, 2011, 09:53:39 pm
could well be your batt mate, are you a member of the AA? They will be able to tell you the prob and tow you to your garage if its more than a batt issue
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: DBR16GTI on April 19, 2011, 10:07:22 pm
Unfortunately not a member of the AA & my dad cancelled his membership last year. Doesn't seem like battery, headlights/tail lights come on wen I unlock it & radio comes on. When I turn the ignition on i can hear noises but nothin comes on the dash. No lights at all or computer, not even the fuel gauge moves.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: Homer on April 19, 2011, 10:24:25 pm
well if its under warranty mate contact the garage you bought it from and see what they suggest?
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: bacillus on April 19, 2011, 10:25:56 pm
If you have another key I would try it as it could be an immobiliser issue.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: DBR16GTI on April 19, 2011, 11:32:20 pm
Tried my spare key there but no joy, although now the ESP button isn't lighting so I'm at a complete loss to what it is, could very well be the battery, just strange that it actually started then died & now no lights comes on the dash. Gonna phone the dealer in the morning & see what he says, have 6 months engine & gearbox warranty so he needs to sort it whatever it is. Cheers for the replies guys!
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: Nasir on April 20, 2011, 12:49:15 am
Unfortunately not a member of the AA & my dad cancelled his membership last year. Doesn't seem like battery, headlights/tail lights come on wen I unlock it & radio comes on. When I turn the ignition on i can hear noises but nothin comes on the dash. No lights at all or computer, not even the fuel gauge moves.

That wouldn't rule the battery out.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: Richn83 on April 20, 2011, 10:08:29 am
That  sounds like the immobiliser cutting in rather than anything else and if your clocks aren't lighting up or moving then I reckon they aren't plugged in properly, since the immobiliser lives in the clocks the car cant verify the key and kills the engine. 

Clocks are relatively easy to remove bit of trim from steering column with leather will pull off two screws and lift out, re-fit it and make sure its tightly in place and try again, you dont need to start it you just need to see if the light fuel etc will come on.  Not sure if there is also a fuse for the instrument binnacle you should check.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: alexperkins on April 20, 2011, 10:18:49 am
If there is an immobiliser issue, a yellow key will generally light up in the dash cluster to signify this

Have you checked the fuse for the clocks?
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: E30Dom on April 20, 2011, 10:28:44 am
does your fuel pump prime when you open the door?
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: Richn83 on April 20, 2011, 10:57:27 am
If there is an immobiliser issue, a yellow key will generally light up in the dash cluster to signify this

Have you checked the fuse for the clocks?

The OP has said that nothing is lighting up in the clocks not even the fuel guage moving hence why I think the clocks arent connected to the main wiring harness.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: alexperkins on April 20, 2011, 10:59:16 am
I know that rich...i was just adding that  :laugh:

Im thinking its the fuse as the loom for the clocks has a double latch connector which cant come undone without intervention generally speaking.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: DBR16GTI on April 20, 2011, 01:08:40 pm
Thanks for all the replies guys, really appreciated!  Got the lend of my dads car to get to work this morning and he contacted the dealer.  His 1st thoughts were the battery also so he came out with jump leads to see if he could get it running to take back to the garage.  As is always the way when he tried it, it started 1st time however the dash still isnt coming on.  He thinks its relay fault somewhere but he's taken it back over to put it on the computer to find out exactly whats wrong but at least it doesnt seem like something serious and he's sorting it under warrenty.  Also left me a wee Hyundai Coupe to get about in while he has mine in.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: Richn83 on April 20, 2011, 01:52:34 pm
I know that rich...i was just adding that  :laugh:

Im thinking its the fuse as the loom for the clocks has a double latch connector which cant come undone without intervention generally speaking.

Ohh thought you had missed it....  :grin:  Seems like its getting sorted I was thinking it was the top end where the clocks just slip into the connector where it was loose.  Not sure if thats where you were meaning.
Title: Re: Starting problem, help!!
Post by: alexperkins on April 20, 2011, 02:14:32 pm
 :signLOL: