1999 996 C4 Cab. won't start

[mcnatprice]

My wife was driving her C4 home from a 100 mile trip and it died about a mile from home (I know...thank goodness) She restarted it and it ran and drove for a few seconds, then died again. It started one more time only for an even shorter period and hasn't started since. I had it towed home thinking I would be able to figure it out. I got a Durametric tool and pulled the codes:

P1130 - Porsche Code 361 O2 sensing adaptation, idle range bank 2

P1128 - Porsche Code 360 O2 sensing adaptation, idle range bank 1

P0455 - Porsche Code 94 - Tank vent system (this is an ongoing issue, replaced cap twice)

P1124 - Porsche Code 167 - Fuel Pump Relay, below limit value

Because the code 167 was fuel related, I thought this was the culprit and replaced the Relay. No love. I still get the code after the replacement. It seems as though I can hear the fuel pump working when I turn the key, could it be that the fuel pump itself is not working like it should? The car turns over fine, but will not fire.

Any help would be appreciated...thanks.

[Loren]

:welcome:

P0455 Fuel Tank Ventilation System (Major Leak) – Below Limit or Signal Implausible

Possible causes:

- Tank cap missing

- Cap seal

- Ventilation lines detached from EVAP canister

- Ventilation line detached from tank

- Ventilation lines detached from operating purge valve

- Ventilation line detached from EVAP canister purge valve

- Break in ventilation lines

- Pressure sensor

P1124 Fuel Pump Relay Output Stage – Below Limit, Above Limit, or Open Circuit

Possible causes:

– Fuel pump relay faulty

– Short to ground, Short to B+, or Break in wiring

– DME control module faulty

P1128 Oxygen Sensing Adaptation, Idle Range, Bank 1 – Above Limit or Below Limit

P1130 Oxygen Sensing Adaptation, Idle Range, Bank 2 – Above Limitor Below Limit

Possible causes:

– Incorrect signal from MAF sensor

– Fuel pressure too high

– Fuel injector leaking

– EVAP canister purge valve open

Based on the codes I see here I would have someone familiar with the fuel lines and the wiring.

[mcnatprice]

I appreciate your quick reply. It's a bummer, I was really hoping I could troubleshoot this at home and not have to tow it again.

[mcnatprice]

I found out how the check the pressure at the access point on the right (passenger) side of the engine under the A/C lines and got 5 lbs pressure when I turned on the fuel pump with the Durametric software. However, I can't seem to find anywhere that tells me what the pressure is supposed to be. 5 lbs. is lower than I expected, but have no clue if it is correct or not. Does anyone know where to find this info?

[JeTexas]

Unplug the MAF and see if the car will start. Mine behaved this way when the MAF died. The car will run in a pre-programmed fuel mode with it unplugged.

Not sure if it's your problem, but it's a free test.

[doublesnaggle]

Jetexas you just saved me a lot of money. Unplugged it, bam. Drove it home. If I can send you twenty bucks let me know!

Car died a couple times. This time, it wouldn't restart. I unplugged the MAF, started right up.

I take it that means the MAF was the condition causing the problem?

No CEL. 141000 Miles 99 C2.

Ill check if there are any codes asap.

Edited June 13, 2012 by doublesnaggle

[Y2K911]

MAF stands for?

[Loren]

MAF stands for?

In the Glossary here...

MAF = Mass air flow sensor

[Y2K911]

Merci beaucoup, Loren! This newbie knew about IMS, RMS, and even found out about AOS (Air/oil Separator) today, but MAF had eluded me until now. Got a 2000 996 C2 on 25 Apr in Vancouver, BC. At one month away from being 60 years-of-age and having driven VWs all my life, this P-car is very nice, indeed! Cheers!

Martin

[doublesnaggle]

Need some chime in here.

I see that MAF's are either 200 bucks or 50 bucks. I assume the 50 buck ones are from China.

Would you guys buy 2 50 bucks ones or one 200 buck one?

[logray]

Don't waste your time with a cheap MAF, been there done that. It's a waste of money.

IIRC Amazon.com has normally had the lowest price on a genuine Bosch MAF

[SimonP5150]

For what it's worth i've been using a cheap MAF for over a year now. Swapped it out when my K&N "Cold Air" intake fouled the last one. No issues.