2001 VDP

I was ready to pull into my driveway when the car started loosing power. I accelerated but nothing - limp mode at 10 mph. I parked and hit the throttle a few times but the car died on me. Codes: bank 1 and two lean, misfire at all cylinders. Next day started but at idle only for a few seconds then died again. Full tank of gas, new fuel filter. Now it will not start at all unless I spray some carburetor cleaner at the intake and runs for a few seconds. Today trying to start I got the gear fault message also. I checked for fuel at the injectors rail and it is very little. Any thoughts? Thank you

 

Have you checked the secondary tensioners?

 

Fuel pump, pump relays, Battery, grounds, . . .

 

Sounds more like a fuel problem since it starts and runs normal for a few seconds when using starting fluid/carburetor cleaner, don't you agree?

 

You could also try cleaning the MAF and its connections.

 

I wouldn't risk another day without knowing whether the tensioners are 3rd gen or not- this is a must do anyway. As for fuel, replace the filter (inexpensive and should be done anyway) and then check your pressure at the rail after you turn the key on.

Also check for the short buzzing sound when you first turn the key to on to make sure you hear a fuel pump. Wouldn't hurt to check the fuses and swap the fuel pump and injector relays either.

 

It was the fuel pump. Replaced it along with the sender, screen and link cable. ...what a PITA to remove the tank. Thanks everybody !

 

Is 2001 the transition year to 3rd gen tensioners. So all 2002 cars have them?

 

Not as far as I can tell. Mine is a late 01 MY build (Mar01 F35063) and it had first gen tensioners (reddish or burnt orange) and at 63k, ibreaking.

As somebody noted, inspite of the POS plastic, the valve design is more sophisticated than the metal third gens. I think the third gens leak down over night.

 

After replacing the fuel pump the car runs just fine but I'm getting P0453 fault code along with the check engine light. I see that it has something to do with the FTP/EVAP. Is it OK to drive the car as is? Thanks

 

You most likely failed to plug in the fuel tank pressure sensor, which is used in the evep system. (or buggerd the sensor )

I cannot imagine how it could hurt anything to drive it until yo get it fixed

 

P0453 = FTP (fuel tank pressure) sensor circuit high voltage.

The possible causes are:
1. FTP sensor to ECM signal ground circuit open circuit
2. FTP sensor to ECM wiring (supply, sense, signal ground) short circuit to each other
3. FTP sensor to ECM sense circuit short circuit to B+ voltage
4. FTP sensor failure

Check the connections again.

When the MIL is activated, the ECM inhibits EVAP leak check monitoring.

Did you check and clear codes after the fuel pump replacement? After the limp mode, dosing with carb cleaner and the repair work, I'd have cleared codes and done a hard reset to put fuel trims back to default.

Graham