1997 Volkswagen Jetta Trouble Starting

1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
184,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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GEGBERT
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1997 Jetta has trouble starting. Turns over and starts sometimes but other times in takes 5-10 seconds and a couple of pumps of the gas pedal to get it started. After about a week of this, the check engine light came on. Tried to read the codes with a code reader and it didn't report any. I would like to know your thoughts on why it won't start. My guess is something in the fuel delivery system either filter, pump, etc. I don't think it is lack of spark because it eventually starts. Maybe I am wrong.
Apr 6, 2010 at 8:45 AM
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JOHN.DELVALLE
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I was having the same problem with my 98 Jetta. I got an error code stating it was a spark plug misfire. I changed out my spark plugs, spark plug wire set, distributor cap and distributor cap rotor...parts cost a total of about $150. I had a friend help me put the stuff in...really easy. The car started firing up right away and had WAY more power. $150 bucks isn't a lot to spend...if spark isn't your problem, you wouldn't have spent a lot of money and it would probably improve the performance on your car anyway (once the original problem is taken care of). I would definitely start with checking out the spark...it sounds like the same culprit that I had.
Apr 14, 2010 at 3:51 PM
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JOHN.DELVALLE
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Try cleaning the throttle body too...that helped me out.
Apr 14, 2010 at 4:00 PM
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