Hi folks.

I have a 2001 a4 b5 1.8 quattro which cranks but won't start. Somebody (when I wasn't around) sprayed some kind of starting fluid into the intake and it fired up for a few seconds. Not too happy about that...but now at least I know the ignition is working.

I tested fuel pump by by-passing the relay--directly connecting battery to right side of fuse 28. Fuel pump fired up loud and proud and I could hear the gas gurgling into position at first. During normal cranking I can't hear anything.

Next test...fuel pump relay. Tested power for relay and it was fine. Unfortunately, here is where I got stuck. I have a VAG-COM and can connect to all modules EXCEPT my Engine module. While this has me freaked out, I am wondering (and hoping) that perhaps it could be a result of a really messed up fuel relay.

Any thoughts? Would you just go ahead an buy a new relay and hope for the best? Beyond doing that, I am at a loss since I can't read anything from the Engine module or run the tests on the Relay. Doesn't the relay also affect injectors? Even with the pump turned on, the engine will not fire.

- Thanks in advance...

Jeremy

P.S. We have a mechanic 'family friend' who still is insisting that the problem could be the fuel pump even though I can turn it on at will using the bypass. I don't agree that it needs replaced...am I crazy?

 

WTF??^^^^^

can someone ban and delete that guy....

as far as the op goes, its possible that it could be the relay but without being able to physically check it will be hard to tell, if u have the extra cash i say replace them both, if ur pressed for money i would say go for the cheaper of the 2 first and hope it fixes it

im in a wierd predicament myself with the fuel delivery... anytime i hit over 65 mph (sometimes now) the fuel pump fuse blows and the car dies, but i replace the fuse and the car starts back up.. tested the pump and it was fine.. idk wtf to do haha.. it sucks. hopefully u will have better luck with your prob compared to me

 

Yeah not sure how to report bad guys like korel1984.

Anyway Thanks Phil. I am starting with replacing the relay and will see what happens there.

BTW, for your issue...just a wild theory. Could it be that your fuel pump is working very hard due to a fuel restriction (like a clogged fuel filter)? And when it really needs lots of fuel...draws too much power and POP.

- Jeremy

 

well thats what i thought originally too... hence why i replaced the filter, it seemed to have run a lil smoother at first, but still killed over at 65 ish lol... its whatever though, its helping me drive normal for once lol

 

Well my luck ain't so good i guess. Replaced fuel filter relay. Son-o-biach is still acting the same way.

Maybe we are both being punished. Not fair that you can at least go 64mph.

The only other weird thing about my car is that when I turn the key to On, I hear about 5 or 6 rapid 'click' sounds coming directly from what I believe is the vacuum system inside the engine compartment on drivers side. Don't remember hearing that before.

 

maybe air bubbles? idk... that sucks though.. wish i could help more but i cant lol

 

The totally incorrect solution to your probably would be to try a 15 or 20amp fuse. I should be banned for suggesting that. but probably worst case scenario is that it kills your pump and forces you to buy a new one which might also solve your problem.

 

15 is the normal but i already put a 20 in there like a couple weeks ago... still hesitant to go over 65 though haha.. i did today on the way to LA on accident and the car survived lolm so i might do a test run on an empty road and see what happens haha

 

try replacing your ECT sensor. sometimes it does really wired things to the car when it goes bad. as far as not being able to connect to the engine module, see if you can swap ECU with another ECU that has identical numbers. also do you have an aftermarket radio?

 

Yeah.. would love to do an ECM swap but i don't know anyone with a car like mine here in chicago. Hrm.. is there a test for the ECT sensor rather than just replacing it?