Why wont my car turn on?

Asked by Eduardo007 Mar 03, 2015 at 02:23 PM about the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

It cranks, but nothing. I recently replaced the alternator because the car kept on turning
off while I was driving. It had problems with the idle, but it stopped 2 weeks after I
replaced the alternator. We think it may be an air control valve.

1 Answer

45,165

i don't know why replacing the alternator would fix this issue if it was not a voltage issue. But commanly starting issues is caused by either an air flow issue, fuel or spark. Check for spark by removing hte plugs and cranking hte engine while the plug is pluged in and next to a metal surface.(best done in the dark) after this smell your cyclinders for gas before replacing the plug cause there will undoubtedly be fuel in the cyclinder from cranking it. If you can't smeel any fuel you have a fuel issue. if not move on to air. Check the MAF (mass air flow sensor) it would be a good idea to use MAF cleaner on this to clean it if you have not done so in the last year or so.

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