Car died yesterday, wont start ... I need HELP!!

[geoshu]

So Vancouver got above 90 degrees for the first time in a half a year, so as I leave to go to the park, my car went out. I was switching into second when it just up and died, no stuttering...no noises, absolutely nothing, it just died. I tried starting it again, it starts fine, but then dies instantly.

Now I need to get this fixed ASAP, any suggestions from anyone? BTW, its a
'03 1.8T w/ around 78K miles.

[FrostofSparta]

So Vancouver got above 90 degrees for the first time in a half a year, so as I leave to go to the park, my car went out. I was switching into second when it just up and died, no stuttering...no noises, absolutely nothing, it just died. I tried starting it again, it starts fine, but then dies instantly.

Now I need to get this fixed ASAP, any suggestions from anyone? BTW, its a
'03 1.8T w/ around 78K miles.

quick guess says fuel related... maybe the pump...

[geoshu]

I replaced the fuel filter 3 weeks ago, it had started making the buzzing noise. The noise went away immediately after I replaced the filter. I was hoping I wouldnt have to replace the pump. Any way for me to check if the pump is out?

[FrostofSparta]

ummm Does it start everytime? or is it no longer starting.... I think if your pump was dead it wouldn't pump any to start the engine.

[wolfdog]

When I did my fuel filter and removed the pump fuse in order to drain the pressure, I was amazed at how many times the car would start, run a few seconds, then die. Check the fuse for the fun of it. Without a CEL I tend to not overthink the issue, it may very well be your pump died.

[Pete4 1.8t]

If you turn the key do you hear the fuel pump priming in the back? If you still hear that noise that is fine then. Maybe immobilizer or vacuum issue?

[geoshu]

When I turn on the egnition, I hear the buzz for a second or two. Is that priming? Several have told me that it could still have enough power to pump enough fuel just to start, but cannot support a constant supply of fuel.

I called someone that had worked on all of my cars, he suggested that I have someone start the car, and when it starts to spray starting fluid in the air intake for a couple seconds. He said if the car runs when I spray it, but dies when I stop, I am not getting enough fuel and it is an issue with the fuel pump. I tried that, and exactly like he said, I sprayed for several seconds and it ran, then when i stopped, the car died, so it appears its not getting the fuel.

I actually have everything taken apart right now, I just need to pull the old pump out and pick up a new pump tomorrow. $270.00. Plus my own labor, and I dont get home to start working on it until 8 PM daily, plus its not even at my house . I started taking everything apart an hour ago.

Anyone here replace their pump on their own? I have been following the Bentley Manual but its still getting on my nerves. One question....the manual recommends to keep the tank below 1/4 before changing the pump to avoid gas spilling, well i filled up for $40 5 miles before I died. Is it still possible to change it with a little more than a 1/2 tank? I can contain the gas from spilling, i just dont want it to affect the quality of my install in any way.

If this works for me, I might make a DIY because I have found absolutely nothing on doing it yourself.

[geoshu]

Ok, things are looking glum, I'm done for today. I will be siphoning gas out tomorrow so that i dont have to have my hands submerged in gasoline. I am also unable to remove the pump without using the recommended Fuel Pump wrench 3307.

I will continue with this tomorrow night, any input from those that have changed a fuel pump themselves will be greatly appreciated.

[oildrpr]

well. maybe i'm wayy off base here. but yesterday, my car just up and died, after running perfectly fine. it would start up, run for 2 seconds and die out..

turns out one of my intercooler clamps broke, the silicon hose popped off the tubing, and the motor was sucking in a ton of air, thus killing it almost instantly.. check for something like that as well.. could be something easy like that..

good luck man..

[B6Lovin]

take your car to a dealer and get that shit on their bill. fuel pumps on 03's are under recall

[geoshu]

I called the dealeship, my VIN isnt covered in the recall. I will check the SMIC today before continuing work on the pump, thanks.

[geoshu]

Finally Done!!!

Good news first...I picked up a new fuel pump, installed it on my own, and my car is running.

Bad news...the fuel pump wasn't even the issue, my car is running again because I re-attached a hose that came loose on the stock intercooler .

All in all, I wasted several hours, wasted $300 for a new pump, learned how to change a fuel pump, and it wasnt even the problem. BUT...my CEL went out with the new pump installed, so there is a bright side to this sad story.

So, thanks "oildpr", you were right on, my problem wasn't fuel related but a hose issue, just like you.

[oildrpr]

glad i could help.. only mentioned it because it happend to me on sunday.