Volkswagen: 98 VW Golf HATES moisture!, seal leaks, vw dealer

Question
My 1998 VW Golf HATES moisture of all kinds. When it rains, it usually will not start. This also sometimes occurs when it's very humid out. I've also had the problem where I would hit a small puddle, water would splash up under the car, and it would stall out and not start for several hours/days or until it was dry out.

I have taken the car to several mechanics and a VW dealer, and no one seems to know what the problem is. The computer diagnostic says that "nothing" is actually wrong with the car, and everyone has their own remedy (from replacing the accelorator housing, the ignition wiring, the spark plugs and distributor AND even a suggestion to replace the onboard computer!), but nothing seems to have helped.

It seems to ME that there is moisture getting into the fuel line somehow. I say this because sometimes when it's raining out and the car DOES start, it will sputter when i get into second gear until i "accelerate" the moisture out of the gas. After a little while it's fine. Also, if it is not starting, if I put the accelerator to the floor and continue to turn the ignition, some times the engine will catch and start, but will be sputtering greatly on idle, and will subside on idle when i rev the gas for several minutes. This makes me think that it is a fuel issue.

It's very random sometimes, but usually if it's raining, or has rained for a while, the car will likely NOT start until it dries out.

This has been an ongoing problem for years, and no one seems to have a solution. I don't want to trade in my car just yet, so any info would be great! Thnaks in advance.

Answer
Hey Paul, try a little test.   Take a paper towel and gently line the bottom of the front floor of the car with them. (by the accelerator, brake pedal, and on passenger side.)

Sometimes, the windshield seal leaks and water runs down behind the dash, and gets into the electric system.  Plan this when you don't need the car right away.  Use a good garden hose and check for leaks.

Now, see if the car starts, if it does c a r e f u ll y jack up the car, just enough so you can see under it. (make sure it is out of gear and very stable)  Now take the garden hose and spray little amounts area by area underneath the car.

When you hit the 'hot spot' the car should stumble and stall.  Now you have narrowed it down to a general location.
That's a good place to start sniffing around.

These are some quick preliminary steps, that may just ID your problem.

Let me know how you make out with this.

Ron