Intermittent starting issue MK2.5 2004 1.8L S-VT

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
21

Hi Guys 

 

just a quick update, I’ve bought a brand new Crank shaft angle sensor as numerous threads with similar problems concluded that this part caused the issues.   Only £15 so not much cost and its a start of diagnosis.  I Will be installing myself so anyone with guides and tips for install, I have read online a few instruction but the only thing i get confused about is the 0.5mm to 1.5mm gap?

 

Regards 

22

 

I think this explains why you are having a problem with the reader. Most cars put power through the OBD port on this first ignition position but as Robbie has pointed out your car needs to be in position 2 with the lights on - ‘not a lot of people know that’Wink    

23

I’m pretty sure I did that but I’ll do that I again when I get my hands on one.

Cheers

Oh also I just phoned a garage just to see how much it would cost for a professional to fit the Crank sensor and they quoted £40 inc Vat.

I’m going to give it ago myself and save the money, so would depreciate advice & Tips

Thanks again.

24

You basically set the sensor so there is a 1mm gap (use a feeler blade) between the face of the sensor and the teeth on the plate on the back of the crank pulley. You’ll have to turn the engine over by hand to line the teeth up with the sensor and set the gap. Check that the gap is about the same for all 4 teeth. Disconnect the battery before turning the engine over by hand.

25

Hi Guys & Girls

Just a quick update on the intermittent starting situation, Over the weekend I had a bit of time to do some investigations.

  1. I finally got my hands on a code reader and it worked this time. I followed instruction and thankfully there were no error codes showing.

  2. I tested the car battery with a proper battery tester and it was healthy and holding a good charge.

  3. I inspected the vacuum scavenge hose as suggested by RichardFX and it was clean without any blockages or gunk.

  4. I checked all ignition leads were firmly in place and there were no lose connection and all were secure

Next stage was to inspect and clean the Crank position sensor at the front of the engine I needed to remove intake tube to access it. It was heavily coated in gunk and debris and took a while with a brush and degreaser to clean it. Once clean I put everything back together and started the car for the first time. It seemed catch a lot better, not perfect but a lot better than before. I have received the brand new replacement sensor ready for install.

Will update when installed by a professional this week.