" loss of power "

[jettadude007]

Driving home yesterday, after I just bought this 93 golf a few days ago and I lose power and the car dies.????? I start it again and have to keep on the gas to keep it running. I pop the hood and notice that its pretty hot and the fans are not running. Anyone have some ideas? Thermostat? Water pump? How do I test the fans? -170,000miles and still ran strong.lol. Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks

[WakusPakus]

need more info...any check engine light action?

any other lights?

does it studder? what temp was it at? sounds like you have a few issues.

[jettadude007]

No lights came on..... There are a couple other issues as well, like wipers don't work, license plate lights, etc....., but need to get my baby running again.

[WakusPakus]

No lights came on..... There are a couple other issues as well, like wipers don't work, license plate lights, etc....., but need to get my baby running again.

sounds like you have a bad ground maybe? i don't mess with my wiring too much, i have my shop do it for me. already had it done too so that's a thing of the past for me.

[jettadude007]

You think it's a ground?????? I will check but I was leaning somewhere else but am gonna check now..... Thanks

[emkaytree]

GUESSING it's an aba 5speed.

Guessing rad temp sensor could be bad. You can test the fans by jumping the 10 or 30 amp wires (high low speed) to the other wire in the connector and fans should turn on. There is a diy floating around, I know the vr rad sensor connector by heart and that's all, sorry. Failed FCM usually has fans running wide open (high.)

Tell us the rest of "etc" not working. Is the BRAKE light on? Headlights not working? Turn the ignition key harder. If it's all solved when you do, replace the ignition switch. They can fail in a way that keeps the motor running, but not much else.

Open the main connector for the engine, on the upper right of engine. It untwist, to a certain point, then pulls straight out. See if any connectors are degrading/corroded. Now that you have unhooked it anyway, spray one side with crc spray electrical cleaner, reinsert, unplug again, let dry, reinsert. Also get to spraying the trans ground connector and rub it some with a nail file. Rub the contact area on trans as best you can as well. Don't forget about battery leads and alternator negative lead can get dirty.

[jettadude007]

Now we are getting some where. Thank you so much I will try all those options and get back to you. Wipers is a big one since I live in the NW. They don't work at all. Where do I start?

[jettadude007]

So I checked a few things and the car started and drove perfect.... It has to be a temperature problem. Wow! Now what? Can I check sensors? How do i check my fans again?What about my wiper problem.....?

[jettadude007]

So, I just replaced the thermostat. I did the quick paper clip fan test and both fans worked. Is the thermostat switch the problem? What next? Also need to fix my wipers. Where can I check for voltage? What wires, location, etc. thanks