1.2 Ibiza failing to start intermittently..read on

[PPH]

First post here, had a read and this is a rather knowledgeable place especially as my knowledge on cars can be written on the backof a postae stamp.

Model 1.2sx3door

I have had the vehicle from new and it has had no faults until now, is is a 2004 model and has done about 91000 miles quite happily.

Very recently I noticed a humming sound coming from the rear drivers side passanger seat, like when you open the driver door and the fuel tank is primed for a couple of seconds.( I've been told that is what the sound is). The sound however continues until the engine is switched so it humming for the duration of the journey.

Afte this had been doing it for a few days, the car then did not start when I turned the key, also there was no 'quick hum' when I opened the door to get in.

Called RAC who performed a little magic trick, the chap got under the car and tapped the fuel filter wit ha bit of wood, the car then started.

Now it is a 50/50 chance that the car starts and when it doesn't it is a 2 person job to start the car, one to turn the car the other has to tap the filter with a small hammer!

Once up and running it is fine, there is no loss of power or cutting out but the continuos hummming/buzzing is there and there is no guarantee that it'll start without the 'trick' once you stop and swtch off.

What the RAC chap didn't advise is what is was for sure....
Could it be the fuel pump / the fuel filter / the relay or all 3 and if so what sort of cost would it be to replace all of them?
It really is a pain as we have a newborn and my other half will not use the car because of the lack of reliability as I am sure you can understand.
- I am wary of going to SEAT in southampton due to not so good rep and costs even before the problem is resolved.
Hopefully I have explained the symptom and problem clear enough but any questions please ask.

What can anyone advise and has anyone else had this problem ?

Thanks, and I look forward to any helpful advice offered.

 

[RUM4MO]

Well hitting the fuel filter will send some of the vibration back to the pump - so maybe the pump really is becoming U/S and needs changing. As you say, if trust of this car has gone it will be worth changing the pump to try to restore faith in the car - as it is now its of no real value to anyone. Also at 91,000 miles the pump and filter have had quite a bit of life used up. The filter should get changed "now and again" - so if changing the pump then I'd also change the filter.

 

[PPH]

had the fuel filter changed, very dirty indeed, problem still exists, so next step is fuel pump...would anyone advise using a used part for this ?

I know brand new is always best, but cost is an issue at the moment and as far as I understand, the used part does come with 60 or 90 day warranty.

Now I am sure it is an 'in tank' pump but can anyibe clarify this, even better a part number - what info do you require for this ?

 

[RUM4MO]

You would need to be very lucky to get a used pump with enough life in it to stop you needing to eventually buy another used or new pump - that is me just guessing - I'd think that you should price one up from VAG first before committing yourself to saving £40 or £50 - I think that you know it makes sense!

 

[PPH]

**UPDATE**

Found a brand new fuel pump and paid a bargain price for it ( less than £40 ) had it fitted by a fantastic local garage and it now works like a dream, it is like having a brand new car, seriously, that good.

There is so much more power now, the old filter & pump must have been starving the engine for months !

All in total repait for the filter pump and fitting was less than £150.00 I am so relieved and can continue in this reliable little car.

Happy ending !

 

[ibiza_adam]

Nice one! Glad it worked out OK. On the back of that I might be worth checking the plugs?!?! If the car has been running lean for a while then they could have gone too...

 

[PPH]

Nice one! Glad it worked out OK. On the back of that I might be worth checking the plugs?!?! If the car has been running lean for a while then they could have gone too...

Thanks for headsup on that note !

The little grey motor is going in for an MOT in just over a week so I'll ask them then to take a peep at her plugs too ! - Same place that did the work on the pump, they have a customer for life now, the 1st honest garage I have ever been too, even knocked money off the bill when I went to pay as labour was 1/2 hour less than we though on the phone !

Happy motoring !

 

[krussel]

Glad your motors running well again.

If your happy with the garage why not get them to do a service with the MOT to include the plugs for an all in price. Also when did you last get your brake fluid changed, should be every 2 years really. A full service would cover all that and keep your motor running sweet.