Cordoba Vario 1.9TDI sudden engine cut out HELP

[spaceotter]

I have a 1999 1.9TDi Vario with 217000 miles on the clock.
Totally reliable except....

About 2 weeks ago engine would not start when turned over...felt like an immobiliser kicked in, but as afar as I know car doesn't have one. The engine started as normal if I left car for about 3 mins and didn't attempt to start it.

Yesterday driving in traffic, about 30 MPH. Engine cuts out, Dead. All electrics still on but no engine.

Stopped car and she starts after about 3 mins.

Today, 80 MPH on way home engine cuts out...pull over into layby (thankfully) and wait.....engine will restart but now every time I switch off I have to wait 3 mins for engine to start when I turn over.

Too scared to risk driving home so get RAC out .

I know NOTHING about car electrics and DO NOT want to get ripped off. Also I DO NOT want to get rid of my faithful battle bus..

CAN ANYONE HELP?


Many thanks folks.....

[Crasher]

No one wants to get ripped of, it is not a certainty that you will. Find a VAG specialist and get a fault code read done. From what you describe it sounds like the main ECU relay is failing. This is on the relay plate under the dash on the right above your right lower leg and is and has the number 109 printed on top.The VW part number is 1J0 906 381 A and they cost £18.92. On the 99 Vaio the relay plate changed and on an early car the relay is at position 3 (upper main row third from the left) and on a later car it is at position 10, lower main row, last on right.

[spaceotter]

Hi Crasher, Thank you for the reply. Sounds like a good place to start. I will take a look for relay tomo.
Does the number 109 printed on relay actually mean anything? Or is it just to help find location when you are looking at them?
I said I know nowt about car electrics - but am I right in thinking a relay is a switch that turns a current on and off? (For example to make an indicator 'Flash' ). I guess if ECU relay is faulty then it can turn all the engine's management system 'off' at the wrong time?
Thanks Again!

[Crasher]

The number 109 refers to the relays "Control Group" in VW terms, basically what it is intended to do as there are hundreds of different designs that will fit in that standard relay plate location performing functions as simple as the horn (Control Group number 53 which is the simplest single pole four pin relay) through to wipers, fuel pump, lights etc and they can all look very much alike. A relay is as you say basically a switch, sometimes used to make the switching function remote to the driver controlled switch and/or to increase the current carrying ability of the switching function, it is a complex subject. This 109 relay is used to power the engines computer from a signal provide by the ignition switch so should this relay fail, it would feel almost as if someone had simply turned the ignition switch to off.

[spaceotter]

I think your diagnosis was spot on Crusher, thank you! I took the 109 relay out (from position 3 on my '99 car) and just cleaned the contacts which seems to have sorted it. To be sure I will get a new relay on Moday and keep you posted. Thank you!

[Crasher]

Yours is a pre update 99 model then, built before VIN VSSZZZ6KZXR400000, useful to know when ordering spares.