Bit of info for anybody that has had problem with engine cutting.

[BigDave34]

Just a little bit of information for any Ibiza Mk3 owners that may have had the same problem as myself. I had problems with my TDi cutting out intermittently without any warning, no fault codes detected either. I started to trace all the fuel lines and check the lift pump was working ok - all were fine. No leaks on the fuel filter of system anywhere. It was only when i checked the fuse box when it had actually cut out that i found the problem. The main ECU relay was faulty, apparently it was creating an arc over the switch which in turn was cutting power to the ECU and turning everthing off! Relay replaced and all was fine. Just thought i'd share the info incase anybody else is having a similar problem?

 

[sssstew]

what relay specifically did you replace?

 

[andyj]

Had a very similair problem on one of my Old Cordoba's.....

It was the ECU control relay that was at fault, causing the ECU to cut all electrical power, dash went blank etc etc.

I only found it as a possible cause by browsing Club Gti, and it seems it's a common fault on older Golfs (Mk3 etc)

 

[BigDave34]

Yes Andy, that's the one. Very un-nerving when you're travelling at 60+mph!!!

 

[sssstew]

is this the old grey resistor which gets too hot on the old 90 TDIs, replaced with a black. Main power relay i think....

 

[GTV]

where abouts is this? because our Ibiza has started to cut out just for a sec, then it does the glow lights come but as I said it happens very fast, so fast that you can't see which lamp has come on, the only way I know its the glowplug lamp is that it is the only orange one there.
Does this sound like the relay?

 

[BigDave34]

Not sure mate. When my Ibiza cut out, everything went and it wouldn't start for straight away! took anything upto 25 mins. Then it would start and run normally for anything upto 15 mins? no warning lights on the dash though??