1998 Volkswagen Golf stalls and abs light flashes
Year: 1998
Variant: VW GOLF E
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hi,
I just recently bought a VW Golf on the 29th January (1998-99 model) engine 1.4L. It has stalled 4 times ever since I have bought it. First the ABS light flashes, then the seat belt sign flashes and then the Brake system light flashes and then it just dies.
Once it died in the middle of the road and the second time we were lucky enough to park it in a legal place just in time before it died. The next day when we went to retrieve the car, it started fine as if nothing happened!!! At other times, it just refuses to start and the engine won't ignite at all.
We got the battery checked but nothing wrong with it. When it is working fine, it drives really smoothly, but now I am scared of taking it out as I fear it will stall anytime.
I also feel that the car shakes a lot when it has been stopped for a red light. Also, sometimes when I give race to it, it picks up speed unbelievably quick and there are times when I have to press the accelerator to much to get a normal 2nd/3rd gear speed.
Can you please help with any advice? I have been reading other forum discussions on similar problems and people have said that although their car worked fine for a few weeks after the garage service, it started stalling again later.
Should I sell the car?
Would really be grateful if you can help. I am really scared of it stalling in the middle of the road, specially because I am new driver.
Thanks and regards,
Kanika Tandon
I just recently bought a VW Golf on the 29th January (1998-99 model) engine 1.4L. It has stalled 4 times ever since I have bought it. First the ABS light flashes, then the seat belt sign flashes and then the Brake system light flashes and then it just dies.
Once it died in the middle of the road and the second time we were lucky enough to park it in a legal place just in time before it died. The next day when we went to retrieve the car, it started fine as if nothing happened!!! At other times, it just refuses to start and the engine won't ignite at all.
We got the battery checked but nothing wrong with it. When it is working fine, it drives really smoothly, but now I am scared of taking it out as I fear it will stall anytime.
I also feel that the car shakes a lot when it has been stopped for a red light. Also, sometimes when I give race to it, it picks up speed unbelievably quick and there are times when I have to press the accelerator to much to get a normal 2nd/3rd gear speed.
Can you please help with any advice? I have been reading other forum discussions on similar problems and people have said that although their car worked fine for a few weeks after the garage service, it started stalling again later.
Should I sell the car?
Would really be grateful if you can help. I am really scared of it stalling in the middle of the road, specially because I am new driver.
Thanks and regards,
Kanika Tandon
Posted: Feb 8, 2011 (13 years ago)
could be a fault idle control valve,does it happen when engine hot or cold,best to get a diagnostic done to check for any fault codes
Posted Feb 8, 2011 (13 years ago)
check your brake fluid level and sensor. some cars have a sensor on the brake fluid tank that can tell the computer to shut the engine off or refuse to start if the fluid is very low. worth checking.
Posted Feb 8, 2011 (13 years ago)
we mentioned the problem to the garage guy andhe said that if the ABS flashes then the problem is electric...Today the AA guys will come to fix it since the car refuses to budge from its place...
Is the car worth keeping or should I sell it?
Can the problem be fixed permanently or will it resurface again after some time?
Is the car worth keeping or should I sell it?
Can the problem be fixed permanently or will it resurface again after some time?
Posted Feb 9, 2011 (13 years ago)
Got to watch you dont end up with a money pit of a car .With all the faults and your lack of confidence in car , might be worth considering changing it .
Posted Feb 9, 2011 (13 years ago)
I ask about selling the car because at other forums I read about people having similar problems with the car which resurfaced after some time.
Posted Feb 9, 2011 (13 years ago)
It turned out that there was a small loose wire which was stopping the battery from being charged...got the wire fixed with a tape and my car has been running fine. AA does a really good job.
Posted Feb 10, 2011 (13 years ago)
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