polo wont start

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Wed 21 Feb 2007 13:06
polo wont start - li'l pete
hi all,
i've had a recent problem with my polo. at first when driving for distances, as i slow down for a junction then dip the clutch the engine would start to die then finaly cut out. i had to be very quick on the clutch to bump it again without stoping. this went on for a week or so and i wasnt impressed as i do alot of milage. this problen shortly sorted itself out and the engine purred like a dream.

after a month or so, the problem arrised again and eventualy the engine stopped all together, it will turn over but it wont fire. ive checked the fuel line and theres fuel getting as far as the single point injection unit. after there theres nothing at all. could it be the 's.p.i' or something to do with the 'e.c.u'? or could it be the battery? i would be very thankfull if any one could help or advise me on this matter as my legs are realy hurting from having to walk everywhere.

thankyou.

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Wed 21 Feb 2007 13:11
polo wont start - Collos25
You can discount the battery ,this is quite common on puntos and is caused by a faulty stepper motor or and its sensor of course the ecu could be faulty but unless the problem is visible then a trip to a dianostic centre is looming.
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Wed 21 Feb 2007 15:46
polo wont start - horatio
If it turns over it's not the battery.

Do you have a spark at the plugs? take one out reconnect the lead put the electrode end touching against the engine somewhere (to make electrical contact) then have someone turn it over - does it spark?

If you have a centre lead (the 5th lead) from the dizzy cap to a coil, you can do the same with that put a spark plug in the end and check for a spark.
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Wed 21 Feb 2007 18:15
polo wont start - Perfection
If your car is more than 7 yrs old, I suspect the ignition module unit (coil pack and amplifier). These are know to fail due to cracks on the plastic case and will allow mositure/water to get in.

The module is located in the bulkhead, remove and inspect for hair line crack. The problem you discribed is same as mine. You will find that the spark is present, but very small. Thats why sometimes its difficult to diagnose. You can pick the module up for about £45 from German Swedish.
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