Volkswagen: 76 bug wont start, mass air flow sensor, mass air flow

Question
Just bought a 76 bug 2D/SD 1600 with fuel injection. Car ran good for one day then all of a sudden while driving down the road it died. When i try to start it the engine turns over but that is it i press on the gas and the fuel injector makes a clicking sound. Also the battery will not stay charged. hope you can help thanks  Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

When you say the fuel injection is 'clicking', is the sound coming from behind the rear seat on the passenger side?

This is your double-relay for the fuel-injection.    Sometimes the contacts get dirty.


Also, the next thing to check are the air hoses.  This is MOST LIKELY your problem. (assuming you have plenty of fuel and ruled that out)

Check the black boot that is connected to the mass air flow sensor (kind of looks like a waffle-iron)... and all of the hoses next to it.  Also, make sure the wires are ok.  Unplug and re-plug all of the fuel injection wires.

Most likely, you are going to find a disconnected or cracked hose. Again, look at that black boot carefully.  It can develop cracks in between the ribs of it, or it can pop off of the throttle body it is connected to.

Leave no vacuum hose unchecked.


Good Luck and Keep me posted,


Ron