VW Cabrio won't stay running after a rain storm

Asked by SusanBA Jun 20, 2017 at 11:29 AM about the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2 Dr GL Convertible

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I read a few other posts about this and they mentioned possible cracked
distributer cap. Is it easy to see / check the distributer cap. If so, where is it? I
only do basic things. So do you think I need a mechanic to check that?
My daughter stalled out on a bridge this morning, about 1 mile from where she
started. This is the second time this has happened after a torrential rain. I was
going to try dry gas, but by the time I bought the dry gas and returned, the car
started, after sitting about 35 minutes.

1 Answer
125

Noah answered 6 years ago

You dont have a distributor cap. A possible source for electric short (which is whats happening) is a faulty coil pack or main wiring harness. Those wiring harnesses were made in mexico 15 years ago and didnt meet high heat specs. So consequently they get brittle and crack and then short, causing misfires at first then in your case stalling out completely. What I did was splice in a harness from the firewall to the coil pack and it worked well. See if you can talk a good vw mechanic into it for @1000 and a case of Rolling Rock.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • VW Cabrio won't stay running after a rain storm 1 Answer

    I read a few other posts about this and they mentioned possible cracked distributer cap. Is it easy to see / check the distributer cap. If so, where is it? I only do basic things. So do you think I ...

    2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2 Dr GL Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • My 2002 VW Cabrio starts up, but won't stay running. 5 Answers

    We have done a tune up, replaced the distributor and the coil but nothing has worked. As a matter of fact it seemed to get worse after the coil was installed. We have tested everything electrical an...

    2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2 Dr GL Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • cabrio won't start in rain 5 Answers

    Turns over fine and takes several attempts to get it started. when really wet, it will cut out at stops until it get dry, or whatever. Today, it stopped turning over after several long cranks, but t...

    1997 Volkswagen Cabrio 2 Dr STD Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1995 VW Cabrio 3 Answers

    1995 VW Cabrio battery replacement and radio reading SAFE

    1995 Volkswagen Cabrio 2 Dr STD Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • How can I get a security code for my VW Cabrio? I had a new battery installed and now it won't start. 4 Answers

    After I had a new battery put in my 1998 VW Cabrio, it is asking for a security code. How can I get this code?

    1998 Volkswagen Cabrio 2 Dr GL Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Volkswagen Cabrio Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mike Bonnell
    Reputation
    1,350
  • #2
    annoymous1234
    Reputation
    1,020
  • #3
    Fkpeach
    Reputation
    920
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Beetle
15 Great Deals out of 183 listings starting at $1,495
Used Toyota Camry
43 Great Deals out of 1,133 listings starting at $4,795

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.