First off, the CEL is on. Went to the shop and found that the coolant sensor is dead but I have not replaced it yet.
Recently the car has had trouble starting up. It takes at least one or two key turns to get the engine to start. Today when I started the car, there was about 1/10 of fuel left in the tank and the car took about 5 minutes to start.

When I turn the key there is a normal starter noise, then there is a lot of unusual "chugging" noise and the car shakes quite a bit. This chugging continues either until the engine starts up or until I turn the car off.

Anyone have an idea? Could the coolant sensor have anything to do with this?

Thanks.

 

Change the fuel filter and if it doesnt fix it, you may have hurt the fuel pump by keeping the fuel level to low. Also may want to inspect and probably change the spark plugs.

 

I'll check up on the fuel filter tomorrow... anyone else have other ideas?

 

our passat did that....threw a CEL and did NOT want to start, we replaced the coolant sensor, and problem solved!
but yea, check/clean/change the plugs, and think about doing the fuel filter.

most cars dont want to start if the fuel level gets reallly low in the tank, not to mention, cincyTT is right, you might have damaged the pump too.....try everything else first, and if that doesnt solve it...pump time...sorry

 

Well I didn't let the tank get TOO empty, I mean the fill-up light was not on. I had probably 3 gallons left in the tank when it was struggling to start. In the event the problem is the pump, about how much do those cost?

btw m6amba my car looks just like yours with the same color, except with stock wheels

 

Replaced the coolant sensor and everything was fixed. Disconnected and reconnected the battery and the check engine light is no longer on. Thanks all to replied!