Starting problem, help!!

[DBR16GTI]

Hi guys, iv had my gti for a 2 weeks & it's been running fine. The odd time it's been hard to start but after reading a few topics on here I put it down to a trait of this engine. Tonight however I went out to the car started it as normal & within a few seconds the engine died. Turned the key back & forward again and now nothing lights up on the dash, the computer doesn't even come on to show mileage & fuel gauge doesn't even register. If I try to start it fires then immediately dies. The only light that's on is the 'ESP off' button. Does anyone know what's wrong? Or had similar problem & most importantly how to fix it.

[Top Cat]

Flat battery or alternator problem perhaps. 

[DBR16GTI]

Just been searching google & came across a ABS pump problem with similar symptoms except I have nothing on my dash at all, jst the ESP button itself lit up. Is this a possibility? It's still under the 6 month warranty from the dealer as iv obly had it 2 weeks so hopefully they'll fix it either way but I'd rather know what it is

[bacillus]

Is your car mapped?

[DBR16GTI]

No, standard 2005 model with 62k miles. Dealer serviced it & changed the plugs.

[Homer]

could well be your batt mate, are you a member of the AA? They will be able to tell you the prob and tow you to your garage if its more than a batt issue

[DBR16GTI]

Unfortunately not a member of the AA & my dad cancelled his membership last year. Doesn't seem like battery, headlights/tail lights come on wen I unlock it & radio comes on. When I turn the ignition on i can hear noises but nothin comes on the dash. No lights at all or computer, not even the fuel gauge moves.

[Homer]

well if its under warranty mate contact the garage you bought it from and see what they suggest?

[bacillus]

If you have another key I would try it as it could be an immobiliser issue.

[DBR16GTI]

Tried my spare key there but no joy, although now the ESP button isn't lighting so I'm at a complete loss to what it is, could very well be the battery, just strange that it actually started then died & now no lights comes on the dash. Gonna phone the dealer in the morning & see what he says, have 6 months engine & gearbox warranty so he needs to sort it whatever it is. Cheers for the replies guys!

[Nasir]

Unfortunately not a member of the AA & my dad cancelled his membership last year. Doesn't seem like battery, headlights/tail lights come on wen I unlock it & radio comes on. When I turn the ignition on i can hear noises but nothin comes on the dash. No lights at all or computer, not even the fuel gauge moves.

That wouldn't rule the battery out.

[Richn83]

That  sounds like the immobiliser cutting in rather than anything else and if your clocks aren't lighting up or moving then I reckon they aren't plugged in properly, since the immobiliser lives in the clocks the car cant verify the key and kills the engine. 

Clocks are relatively easy to remove bit of trim from steering column with leather will pull off two screws and lift out, re-fit it and make sure its tightly in place and try again, you dont need to start it you just need to see if the light fuel etc will come on.  Not sure if there is also a fuse for the instrument binnacle you should check.

[alexperkins]

If there is an immobiliser issue, a yellow key will generally light up in the dash cluster to signify this

Have you checked the fuse for the clocks?

[E30Dom]

does your fuel pump prime when you open the door?

[Richn83]

If there is an immobiliser issue, a yellow key will generally light up in the dash cluster to signify this

Have you checked the fuse for the clocks?

The OP has said that nothing is lighting up in the clocks not even the fuel guage moving hence why I think the clocks arent connected to the main wiring harness.