
If your Golf isn’t getting enough fuel, or any fuel at all, it may have a bad fuel filter, bad fuel pump, or bad fuel injectors. Without the proper amount of fuel getting into the combustion chamber, the Golf will crank, but not start. 2. Ignition Issues One of the biggest issues that causes a vehicle to crank but not start is ignition issues.
Full Answer
Why won’t my Volkswagen Golf start?
The second way that your Golf won’t start is when the engine turns when you engage the starter, but it won’t fire and run on its own. When the engine isn’t turning over at all, that’s a bit easier to diagnose than when it is cranking but not firing. Just use the jump list below to move to your particular situation.
Why does my golf crank but not start?
If your Golf isn’t getting enough fuel, or any fuel at all, it may have a bad fuel filter, bad fuel pump, or bad fuel injectors. Without the proper amount of fuel getting into the combustion chamber, the Golf will crank, but not start. 2. Ignition Issues One of the biggest issues that causes a vehicle to crank but not start is ignition issues.
Why won’t my Volkswagen start after replacing the battery?
Wondering why your Volkswagen won’t start, even after you’ve replaced its battery? The answer is simple: The immobilizer needs to be reset. What is an Immobilizer?
Can a bad alternator cause a Volkswagen Golf to not start?
A bad alternator can cause your battery to lose enough charge to start your Golf. It may have had enough energy to get you home, but when you go to start the vehicle, there’s not enough stored energy for the engine to turn over.

How do you turn off auto start on a VW Golf?
0:036:00The Easy Way to "DEFAULT OFF" VW Auto Start Stop - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that our vehicle start stop button works the way it probably should from the factory a while backMoreSo that our vehicle start stop button works the way it probably should from the factory a while back we defeated the start stop system by doing an adaptation change in the gateway.
How do you reset a Volkswagen Golf?
Press and hold the Trip Reset button. Continue holding button and turn the key to off position....How to Reset Your VW Service Light by Model YearTurn your key into the on position.Select the Settings menu.Select the Service submenu.Select Reset option.Press OK.Press OK again to confirm.
Can you disable stop start on VW Golf?
To deactivate the start-stop feature temporarily, you can press the start/stop button located in your vehicle, but keep in mind that this feature will be active again on the next engine startup. This does not work on the latest version of the cars as Volkswagen has disabled the old methods. 2.
How do I fix my Volkswagen immobilizer problem?
3:344:29VW Jetta engine immobilizer problems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo just so everybody knows the other way to fix. The immobilizer is to have a connected to theMoreSo just so everybody knows the other way to fix. The immobilizer is to have a connected to the charger so it may take that 12-volt current and turn the key to the on position.
How do I reset my Volkswagen?
0:131:13Soft Reboot-Reset of the infotainment system in newer VW Atlas, Cross ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so a good way to reset them is just to power them off so i'm going to show you how to do thatMoreAnd so a good way to reset them is just to power them off so i'm going to show you how to do that right now with a little 10 second reset. Okay when you've got the infotainment.
How do you reset the service light on a 2003 VW Golf?
0:110:49How To Reset Service Indicator Light on a Volkswagen Simple Easy StepsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing to do is to hold this button down with the ignition off then turn it on as I'mMoreThe first thing to do is to hold this button down with the ignition off then turn it on as I'm showing here once you've turned it on go through the bug the button on the left side twist.
How do I turn off Stop-Start permanently?
Although the system cannot be switched off permanently, it can be switched off with the simple press of a button disabled become. However, it is activated again the next time the engine is started automatically. As a result, the drivers sometimes forget to switch off all the time.
How do I turn off the start/stop on my Volkswagen?
1:038:30How to Turn Off or Disable START STOP - 2019 MK2 Volkswagen ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDrive and yes you can turn it off by simply pushing the button that's on the center console.MoreDrive and yes you can turn it off by simply pushing the button that's on the center console.
How do you turn off engine start-stop?
If your vehicle is equipped with the Stop/Start deactivation switch, you can push the switch to disable Stop/Start. The switch is the button with the capital letter A within a circled arrow. If you want to disable Stop/Start, you must disable the feature each time you start the vehicle.
How do I know if my immobiliser is broken?
5 Symptoms of Engine Immobilizer Problems#1 – Unlocking Problems.#2 – Locking Problems.#3 – Engine Does Not Start.#4 – Key in Ignition Does Not Turn.#5 – Car Alarm Problems.
How do I reset my VW immobiliser?
Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition. Press the “Lock” button on the smart key to lock your system and reset the immobilizer anti-theft system.
Where is the immobilizer located?
An electronic car immobilizer consists of two main components: a small transponder chip which is embed- ded in (the plastic part of) the car key, see Figure 1; and a reader which is located somewhere in the dashboard of the vehicle and has an antenna coil around the ignition, see Figure 2.
How do I reset my VW Golf infotainment system?
If you're a Golf owner with a broken infotainment touch screen, the first thing you should do is to try a hard reset. To do this, press the power button and hold it for about 10 seconds. This should reset the system. Some Golf owners said that doing this solved the problem.
How do I reset my golf 5?
0:231:19How to Reset Service Interval on VW Golf MK5 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo holding this button down. And turning on the ignition. And then letting go off this button goingMoreSo holding this button down. And turning on the ignition. And then letting go off this button going over to the minute button and holding it down.
How do I reset my golf 4?
0:000:36VW Golf Service Light Reset MK4 2002 1997 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo nice and easy press. And hold the trip button turn the ignition on. You can see it says serviceMoreSo nice and easy press. And hold the trip button turn the ignition on. You can see it says service come over to the time button twist it clockwise.
How do I reset my inspection?
0:011:21How To Reset Oil Service & Inspection Warnings - Volkswagen Golf MK7YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you push and hold this button flick the key. On let go and then push and that's been reset. TurnMoreSo you push and hold this button flick the key. On let go and then push and that's been reset. Turn the key. Off you see the inspection now light is the only thing on flick the ignition.
1999-2004 Volkswagen Golf
The Golf Mk4 was first introduced in August 1997, followed by a notchback version (VW Bora or, in North America, again VW Jetta) in August 1998 and a new Golf Variant (estate) in March 1999.
11 Answers
Take it to AutoZone and get a free computer diagnostic. Then you'll know what may need to be fixed.
Why won't my VW Golf start?
Rodent damage . Rodent damage can be another reason why your VW Golf won’t start. The animals crawl under the vehicle and bite through cables and wires. In principle, this can affect all vehicle systems such as the fuel supply, the oil supply or the power supply.
Why is my golf engine not starting?
Therefore, even if you think that the cause of the engine not starting is a battery failure and replace the battery, the battery will soon run out and the engine will not start.
What happens if your golfer's alternator breaks down?
Clogged fuel filter. The fuel filter of your Golf does not wear out like a mechanical part, but it gets clogged by dirt and airborne particles and clogs over time. The permeability of the filter drops, and so does the fuel pressure.
What to do if your golf battery is dead?
If dead battery is the reason for the breakdown of your Golf, you can easily jump start it using jumper cables and a healthy battery from another vehicle, or using a battery booster if available.
Why won't my golf engine crank?
If your Golf’s engine won’t crank or cranks very slowly, then the most likely culprit is weak or dead 12v battery. Investigating more closely and doing a battery voltage test will clarify whether the starting problem is due to the battery. A test can be done to measure the voltage between the battery poles, check the acid level and assess ...
Why is my golf starting so bad?
2. Corrosion on battery. Corrosion on the contacts of your car battery leads to loss of contact and reduced current flow, which means that your engine can no longer start properly. To know if your Golf’s starting problems are from dirty battery contacts, you need to investigate them.
What to do if your starter is not starting?
If the engine does not start due to the starter, the engine may start if you turn the key while hitting the starter motor with something like a stick or metal tool . This workaround is effective when the parts inside the starter are stuck together or the gears are slightly out of alignment.
Why is my golf engine not starting?
The engine needs air, fuel, and a spark in order to run. It is highly likely that if the engine is cranking, but not starting that it has thrown an OBDII code.
Why won't my golf start?
Here are some of the most common issues that cause a vehicle to not crank: 1. Battery Cables.
What to look for when your golf isn't starting?
Starter. The next thing to look at when your Golf isn’t starting would be the starter itself . When the starter isn’t functioning, it is impossible to start the vehicle (unless it’s a manual, then you can pop start it).
What happens if a starter goes bad?
When a starter goes bad, they will usually not give you much warning first. Also, if you are stuck somewhere and are trying to start your Golf, the old beat the starter with a hammer trick is not a wives tale. It really can get that one last start out of it.
Why does my car not start when cranking?
One of the biggest issues that causes a vehicle to crank but not start is ignition issues. When there is no spark, the engine will not start. You’ll probably have a misfire related code such as P0300, P0301, etc…..
Can a bad alternator cause a golf to lose charge?
Otherwise, it may be the starter that you need to look at. A bad alternator can cause your battery to lose enough charge to start your Golf. It may have had enough energy to get you home, but when you go to start the vehicle, there’s not enough stored energy for the engine to turn over. 3.
What is an immobilizer in a Volkswagen?
The immobilizer is an electronic security device installed in your Volkswagen that allows the car to start up only when the correct key is inserted in the ignition or when it recognizes the synced keyless entry remote. Changing your car battery may cause your immobilizer to lose synchronization with the car. When you disconnect your old battery ...
What does it mean when your car's key is flashing?
It should look like an outline of a car with a key inside it. If it’s flashing, it means the immobilizer’s disconnected from the system. In this case, you need to perform a cold reboot, which can be done in the following steps: Disconnect both battery cables. Tap both cables together.
What happens when you disconnect a battery from a car?
When you disconnect your old battery from the car, you wipe out your car’s settings unless you keep the voltage in the car going. You want to keep a back current flowing to your car to retain its computer settings.
