1993 Volkswagen Polo sometimes it doesn’t start, sometimes it runs rough & petrol smell when driving.

Car: Volkswagen Polo
Year: 1993
Variant: 1.0 Genesis
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hi, over the last few months my polo has developed a few problems which I think are all connected as they all started about the same time. Firstly there is a petrol smell in the car must of the time I’m driving but no leaks have been found. Secondly, sometimes the car starts to run roughly when driving, most times this clears up after a few minutes driving but occasionally it cuts out & will only start after leaving it for half an hour. The third problem is that if I drive the car for about 20 minutes & turn it off & leave it for about half an hour, when I try to start the engine it keeps turning but wont start. If I leave it for a while it usually starts & runs fine. When I try to start it in the mornings after leaving it all night it always starts fine.
Posted: May 14, 2009 (14 years ago)
when petrol smell occurs is that when it runs rough? if so try coil pack
Posted May 14, 2009 (14 years ago)
Hi, there’s a petrol smell most of the time not just when it’s running rough. Also it’s sparking to the plugs ok when it’s turning but not starting.
Posted May 14, 2009 (14 years ago)
sounds like an engine coolant temp sensor. Reason, it gives a false reading making it think its very cold so provides lots of unnecesary fuel. This gives you your bad smell of fuel but more importantly when the cars actually warm and doesnt need cold start enrichment it floods the cylinders with fuel causing it not to start.
Posted May 20, 2009 (14 years ago)
hi, i've got one of the same problems with my polo, wondering if i could get some help?

basically, my polo drives fine and starts all ok, but there is a really rich smell of fuel while driving, usually comes on when stopping for a few minutes/reversing

no leaks have been found, but it eats petrol like nobodys business!

help would be much appreciated!

thanks! :)
Posted Jul 3, 2009 (14 years ago)
Hey, Im having the same problem to. Someone told me it could be dirt but I don't know. My uncle is a b****x and said that he serviced my car but I don't think he really did.

Does your car make loads of mad noises when your trying to start it?

I found that my cars needs to be jump started when this happens & usually cuts out a few times down the road. After about a minute of reving the S*** out of it, its okay???
Posted Aug 18, 2009 (14 years ago)

This problem is archived

If you're having a similar problem please click below to re-post this problem, you can then customise it to suit your situation.

Join the community
Got a question? Can you answer other questions here? If so please...
More problems with the 1993 model year Volkswagen Polo

We have 6 problems and solutions in our database for this model year of the car.

View all Volkswagen Polo Problems