1999 golf not starting

[racer28b]

i acquired a golf and titled it to start driving it daily but once the temp started dropping outside it has not been starting. when the temp stayed around 50-60 degrees out it started just fine but the temps in the morning have been 30-40 degrees and im not able to drive the car. my alternative vehicle is a V-8 pickup and the gas mileage difference is very substantial. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance-jason

[nitroscope8]

Start by checking the faults. Could just be a coolant temp sensor or something simple. But the faults will tell you. Also, a common problem is the fuel pump relay.

[racer28b]

how do i check the faults if the check engine light is not on? my local parts dealer does not list a coolant temp sensor, we tried looking that up and got nothing. if it is the fuel pump relay wouldnt the engine not run at any outside temp? where is the coolant temp sensor located in the engine bay and do you have a part # by chance cause that is actually what i was thinking the problem was in the first place but when no part # came up i figured it did not have one on the car. by the way its nice to have a quick response to my posting! thanks again----jason----

[nitroscope8]

It's located on the cooling flange on the driver side of the engine bay right on the cylinder head. Your year may have two....in that case it's the 4 pin sensor not the 2 pin sensor. The fuel pump relay also sends power to your fuel injectors, various sensors, and fuel pump. Have the codes read EVEN THOUGH there is no CEL because if you see lots of faults for "short to ground" and "open circuit" that means the pump relay is bad. It's more like a module than a relay. The relay is about 60 bux and the sensor is about 30.

[racer28b]

got the sensor but they gave me the wrong one!!! where is the fuel pump relay located, the owners manual i have does not show anything for a relay. your help is amazing, ive never had this quick of responses on any other forums!!! thanks again---jason---

[nitroscope8]

It's located where your brake pedal is. Take down that cover in the driver side foot well. its held in by a few T20 torx screws. This is your relay in question.

[racer28b]

your absolutely awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im going to return the sensor and get one of those relays. thank you very much!----jason----

[racer28b]

sorry but i cant find where the relay is located or i should say which one it is----jason----

[nitroscope8]

Its under the driver footwell. Remove that cover and look up. You will see that relay with 409 stamped on it.

[racer28b]

just to update you on the golf, i installed the coolant temp sensor today any will try to start it in the morning. fuel pump relay is coming in tomorrow. once again thanks for your help and patience.----jason----