Mk 4 1.7 dti won't start after running out of fuel

Obresca · Jul 9, 2011

Hi looking for a little help please. I bought the car 3 months ago and it's been sat idle on my drive until I could insure and tax it.
I started the engine a couple of times so the battery would be ok, but the last time I did the fuel ran out, now it won't start at all. Obviously I have refueled now!

I think I need to take the filter off and fill with diesel to try and get air out and fuel into the engine. Haven't a clue where to start!

Can anyone tell me
Where the fuel filter is? If u can post a pic that would really help!!

Gairo · Jul 9, 2011

The Mk4 dti is usually ok after extended cranking to pull fuel through the system but it might take a few minutes. I'm sure someone can tell you where the filter is but personally i can't remember now as it's been years since i had a Mk4 diesel

Obresca · Jul 9, 2011

Thanks for the reply, I've tried just turning the key, but nothin is happening. It ran down the battery so I have recharged it and put it back in. How many times should I try this and how long for? I don't want to damage the starter by continuously doing that.

I don't have a clue what to do. My friend delivered the car to me and had given me lifts in it before I bought it so I don't belies there to be anything mechanically wrong besides my own idiocy!!

Gairo · Jul 9, 2011

It probably just needs the fuel system bleeding then, i can't remember how to prime them in the Mk4 but someone will be along to help before long i expect :thumbs:

Obresca · Jul 10, 2011

You were right first time!! I carried on trying to start it and eventually after giving the battery more charge it eventually started. Seems the immobiliser wa kicking in as well as that was flashing too. Does the battery in the key have anything to do with that or is it just the locking system?

Ahh well it's working at last!! Happy days!

Thank you for the tips!!

Gairo · Jul 10, 2011

You're welcome matey, not sure about the battery in the key though as it has nothing to do with the immobiliser, thats down to the transponder chip in the key. Sounds like it was flashing due to the no fuel problem

LADmachining · Jul 10, 2011

You may well find that the non-start problem was caused by the immobiliser fault. You probably didn't run it out of fuel.

Fault codes would need to be read out to find out what was going on with the immobiliser. Do you have any other keys for the car?

Mk 4 1.7 dti won't start after running out of fuel

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