Purchased an 01 1.8T a month ago that has stalled and I can't get it started. It sometimes has a pulsating idle and gets low enough to stall. Has happened twice in the past. Third time it won't start anymore.

I've check fuel flow, took the throttle body off and cleaned it and tried with the MAF unplugged. Spark plugs look ok.

I'm about ready to take it to the local Euro shop but thought I'd try here before I do. I've done some searching and there are a ton of threads that seem relevant but were never closed out (had a solution added).

Questions:
Is there a way to test the spark packs?
Anyplace else to look/check?
The EPC light is on while the key is on and the car is turning over, is this normal or is it trying to tell me something? It wasn't on when the car was last running.

Also no code/CEL.

TIA
Bob

 

mine does this whenever i get gas x.x

 

I had the exact same issue and found that it was my mass airflow sensor. You can probably find one for $100 and it is easy to replace.

 

@kinyslayer: Did you have to drain your tank and refill to get it started, or did some additive get you moving again?

@shoot2thrill: Did you try cleaning first? If so, where did you find the tool to take the sensor out of the horn?


Thanks,
Bob

 

MAF was my first thought too, but i replaced it and it worked fine for awhile, and then it started again >.<


@bvergeer nah, just revving it at 1.5k rppm for a couple mins and i was good to go

 

Update:

Fuel and compression are good but no spark. I'm betting all the spark pack haven't gone bad at once so what are my options?

 

My audi starts but while driving it loses power and when I turn it off and,let it cool down it won't start any help

 

If none of ur coil packs have spark it may be ur ignition control module, but I would think u would have a cel for multiple misfires.

 

Did you do a good TBA after re-installing the throttle body?

 

Uhh, a 2001 doesn't have one.

OP, did you actually scan it or are you telling us it has no codes because it has no CEL? You can have codes w/o CEL. Otherwise, all I can say is check your fuses... all of them. There are ones that shouldn't matter but do. I pulled the ABS fuse from the inside fuse box on my car and it refused to start at all that way.