Question Hello my wifes cabrio 95 2.0 stalled yesterday and after checking for fuel(which we have) and spark (which we don't). do you think it could be the power relay,or do you just think it is the ignition module on the coil? Please help as i,am not sure where this could go as the many possibilities for no spark. Tanks very much for any insight!
AnswerHi Jake;
It sounds like you are already familiar with some of the idiosyncrasies of Volkswagens.
Without being able to actually test, and touch the car, I'm sort of at a disadvantage, but normally a failure to deliver either spark, or fuel will be due to the failure of the "power supply relay," or actually it's called the "power reduction relay." It is responsible for turning off everything in the car except for fuel, and spark while the engine starts..this is all of the "50 power" circuit. Volkswagen ignition modules are quite robust, and almost never fail. I emphasize almost. However, I suppose it is possible. My first inclination would be to replace the "power reduction relay," and if that DOESN'T work, then replace the ignition module in the distributor. However, it probably still ISN'T the ignition module. If the power reduction relay doesn't fix the problem, my next step would be to replace the ignition coil. It may be "leaking" voltage to some unknown, as of yet, ground.
Try this simple test. Since you have fuel, wait until after dark, and have your wife start the car, or attempt to start the car. Have the hood open, and watch the central "tower" of the ignition coil, take an inspection mirror so you can observe the entire circumference of the central tower, and look for a "blue" light. This is the ionization of the molecules in the air by the high voltages produced by ignition coils. This same test should also be applied to the distributor caps central tower as well. There can be a microscopic crack that fills with deposits of dirt, and/or carbon, and this effect is referred to as "carbon tracking." It's actually really cool to see, and sort of neat when you find it, but it's got to be dark. Once you do find it listen for the "crackling noise." You can actually hear the ionization process, if your hearing is good enough. My dear departed father showed this to me when I was but a mere lad of 10 years old, and whenever I have the opportunity to share the experience with someone else, I always save the repair until after dark so they can see it, too.
Hope this helps you get the car running again, Jake. Good luck.
