Car: 98.5 2.8L a4

Problem:
car starts fine at first, after driving and turning it off the engine will turnover but car won't start.

Solution:
Changed ETCS (Coolant sensor), check engine light disappeared and car starts fine now.

Had my mechanic help me change it, good thing as it was very difficult to get out.


If attempting DIY make sure to insert new sensor exactly as you took it out, when done make sure to allow car to run with heat on for good while or else you will cause damage to head gasket apparently.

 

when it finally started was there a rough idle?

 

starts off in low RPM and climbs up quickly..
takes time before it will start

 

What gas are you using?

How does the car run when you get 'er runnin?

Old plugs/wires? Any eng. codes? Got VAG-COM ?

 

Car started fine again, took it out.. parked, came back and barely got out of the arking lot. Got home and after trying numerous times just gave up... [:'(]

Replaced spark plugs with bosch plats early 2006.. Always use premium gas.. haven't changed fuel filter.

when this happens, takes some time for a start even though it cranks good and engines turning over.

I don't know.. Maybe O2 sensor? always starts good before i leave home

 

WHen the car runs, it runs fine, at about 750 RPM barely fluctuating. When the car wont start and I manage to get it running, then it feels like the engine knocks a bit when letting go of the gas when I first get going, maybe Im just flustered at that point.

 

i had been thinking it might possibly still be my alternator if not a sensor

 

not if you're saying it's turning over. I'd say something spark or fuel related. Best bet is to get it scanned. Where abouts in Canada are you?

 

This problem started right after I did the oil change, but then again I didnt drive the car much before that.. I guess I should get it scanned and see what's up tomorrow.

 

Have you scanned for codes? I'm thinking the coolant temp. sensor is the most likely culprit, or the MAF. Or a leaky injector causing the engine to flood.