Cutting out problems with 1996 Golf 2.0 Cabriolet

[John Brogan]

I have been suffering problems with my 2.0 Golf Cabriolet for a few weeks now. Every now and then it simply cuts out when I am driving. There is no pattern to it. I can be in 5th gear doing 70mph on the motorwau or in 2nd gear doing just 10 mph. It isnt weather related it happens on wet and dry days. I am particularly concerned as it even does it when I'm accelerating. The revs drop to zero red oil light comes on, then the battery light comes on. If I pull over it starts first time, but it seems to be happeniong more and more. Sometimes the revs drop to zero, but it doesnt stall completely, but usually I have to pull over and start the engine.
It has been in the garage a couple of times. The crank sensor has been swapped on it.
Has anyone any ideas or experience of this problem ???
Thanks.

[Marc97]

Sounds electrical. I would just have the garage check all the electrical connections and all the earth wires to make sure everything is all hunky dory.
Does it have a coil pack? I might have suggested an overheating electrical component but you say it starts up straight away and I assume it drives normally afterwards so I would rule that out.

[Steve_B]

I had exactly the same thing years ago on my Mk III Escort(!). It would cut out with no warning; any speed, weather, driving situation -and would start again straight away. The only clues I had were a faint (almost imperceptible) electrical arcing smell and the fact that the sequence (revs died, oil light then battery light) was the same as if I’d stopped and turned the engine off deliberately….

It turned out to be a dodgy ignition key barrel. It would short out long enough to cut the engine and would then either sort itself out so I was effectively back in key position II (i.e. before starting) or would ‘come right’ when I jiggled the key off and back on again to restart. It was a long time ago so I can’t remember much more detail – from what I’ve written I would have thought it would have been possible to do a rolling ‘bump’ start but I can’t honestly remember doing that.

Anyway, a new barrel cured it. I haven’t got my Golf yet (next Thursday!) but I’m sure some of the guys on here could provide guidance – if it’s not the barrel then maybe somewhere else in that ignition circuit?

[kryan mk3 gti]

Had the exact same problem with my vw golf gti p reg. Had a new coil and distributor fitted but still no change . Had the aftermarket immobliser and alarm taken out but no change. Have been told it is the engine managment relay which is above the fuse box which cracks when it over heats and kills the power to the engine. When it cools down it may start again. I had mine on the diagonistic machine twice and it doesn't show up any fault codes. Mine is going back into the garage on the weekend so will keep you posted. Was also told it could possible be the distributor hall sender. hope this helps

[John Brogan]

Thanks very much for your time Kryan. If you could come back to me with the resolution for your fault that would be great. ... Cheers

Had the exact same problem with my vw golf gti p reg. Had a new coil and distributor fitted but still no change . Had the aftermarket immobliser and alarm taken out but no change. Have been told it is the engine managment relay which is above the fuse box which cracks when it over heats and kills the power to the engine. When it cools down it may start again. I had mine on the diagonistic machine twice and it doesn't show up any fault codes. Mine is going back into the garage on the weekend so will keep you posted. Was also told it could possible be the distributor hall sender. hope this helps

[John Brogan]

Hello Kryan
Would you have any update on the Golf problem ????

Thanks

John

[passat boy]

check your fuel pump and relay for it on the fuse box(relays heatup and contacts dislodge inside unit)/fuel filter/vacuum pipe on ecu(under plastic trough below windscreen below wiper arms n/s)this pipe frays and the ecu gets odd readings and cuts out engine to protect it as it isnt human and goes by codes only.vw charges £5 odd for a metre so replace it with new crimp clamps they can also supply at £2.50.