The caravelle is a 1999 2.5 tdi and has intermittant starting problems. Its fine for a week and then one day just wont start. You sit there give it a few minutes, keep trying, then it finally fires. It also occasionally cuts out. Any ideas? the local garage doesn't know where to start and I can't afford to replace everything?

David Cason, September 2007

Hi, I had the same problem with my 96' T4 Transporter (350.000Km's) after months of frustration I located the the offending part, the igniton switch. It is removable, held in position with a small screw under the steering column, inside the switch well. As the screw is impossible to refit, I secured the repaired switch with a cable tie. No more starting problems for the last 3 years. A friend has the same car, had a similar problem caused by a cracked solder joints on the ECU (Computer), this was an easy fix by a radio technician.

Henry Banninger, October 2007

You need to get someone with VAG-COM to download the fault codes, via your OBD socket, that have been logged. Have a look at some of the VW forums and register yourself and then I'm pretty sure someone who lives near to you will come along and do it for you. The codes will give you an idea where to start. Have a look on E-Bay for a VAG-COM lead and Rosstech for the software if you have a laptop, you could do it yourself then. Good luck.

Chris, September 2007