Any car mechanics out there? Help needed

[charliebigspuds]

my dad has a Volkswagen Sharran 1996 model, it keeps cutting out almost immediately after starting up, I've had a look online and it says it could be the immobiliser and to try another key but its exactly the same, can anyone give us some advice please? He's had an auto-electrican have a look but the bloody thing started and DIDN'T cut out so he couldn't find a problem.

Cheers.

 

[117 M34]

What you need to do is each time your dad wants to go for a drive, ring the auto electrician and get him round to start it up.

Could it not be the battery?

 

[rickmcfc]

Starter motor, alternator???

 

[clarkie_ni]

turn on the lights as you try to start her. if she starts ok then the batteries probably fine. could be the air filter or air supply, make sure theres no cracks in the pipes or air is leaking.
after that could be starter motor

 

[Kenney_The_Blue]

Sounds like the throttle body mate

 

[shadygiz]

depending on the age....vw's are prone to glow plug failure

get the spark plugs/glow plugs checked...you should be able to pick up a new set of 4 for about £75

again depending on age, you could have an on board diagnostic terminal...it may be worthwhile paying £25 or so for a diagnostic

 

[Kippax.]

If its starting and then cutting out, it sounds like too much air intake ie theres a pipe with a hole in it.

 

[skemblue]

If the car starts it rules out starter motor and battery. It could be alternator but unlikely. Without looking at the car I would suggest it is a possible air leakage fault, throttle unit sticking or immobiliser fault. With it sounding like an intermittant fault it will be harder to diagnose. I'd start by checking the throttle unit is clean and the flap inside isn't sticking. If that's clear check any intake pipes or vacuum pipes for splits, loose fitting etc. If all that looks ok I would suggest an immobiliser fault.
Also when it ran when the auto electrician was there did it run ok or did it misfire?

 

[yayas trusty right foot]

is it petrol or diesel ?

 

[charliebigspuds]

is it petrol or diesel ?

petrol


thanks for the help everyone<br /><br />-- Wed Aug 03, 2011 7:31 am --<br /><br />

If the car starts it rules out starter motor and battery. It could be alternator but unlikely. Without looking at the car I would suggest it is a possible air leakage fault, throttle unit sticking or immobiliser fault. With it sounding like an intermittant fault it will be harder to diagnose. I'd start by checking the throttle unit is clean and the flap inside isn't sticking. If that's clear check any intake pipes or vacuum pipes for splits, loose fitting etc. If all that looks ok I would suggest an immobiliser fault.
Also when it ran when the auto electrician was there did it run ok or did it misfire?

don't think its misfiring mate