car starts like crap

[dansmith180]

I know these things are normally pretty crap at starting but has been noticeably worse the last week or two. Car has had injectors, spark plugs, coilpacks and HPFP replaced about 3k miles ago. Also full de-coking done and the battery and alternator are spot on. It turns over a few times and then slowly stumbles into life, is it just the normal or is there anything else that could cause it? Starter motor on the way out maybe?

[dansmith180]

Only happens when its cold BTW, when warm starts perfectly.

[jhook661]

To be fair Dan mine does it every now and then it's because of the cold mines fine once warmed up too 

[Nasir]

Same with mine.

[lukemk5gti]

Same again.

This is also the third or fourth thread in the past week since the biting cold started so it's across the board.

If I leave mine in the covered basement it's grand. If I leave it out in the cold it chugs to life!

[AJP]

Mine starts fine in the cold (tempts fate).

Only issue I get is I get a 'check coolant' warning on starting the engine in really cold weather. It seems it's a false error from reading up, and quite common. Checked the coolant and it's fine.

Not sure why some struggle like this though.?

[dansmith180]

Sweet guys thanks, yeah I know there's been a few posts about this but I felt mine was a bit different since nearly all the starting components were basically brand new  .

Just needed some reassurance I guess 

[Ditto]

Nothing to worry about, they all do it

Mine is the same... when cold it struggles to turn over (splutters into life). I bought the car approved used from VW and had it checked out. They even fitted a new battery!

[rich83]

Mine starts better since a decoke but still not perfect.

[jaffa]

At least yours starts I leave mine for 2 days and the battery drains enough that I can't start it


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[pudding]

Mine fires up into a smooth idle immediately and always has done 

Do you hear the in-tank pump prime when you open the driver's door?  If not, that's your problem.

If you do hear it, I'd suggest fuel filter and  / or in-tank pump might need looking at.  The in-tank pump was revised at some point in the MK5's life and I threw one in mine when it started getting noisy.

[AJP]

Quick question as it's relevant.

When starting from cold mine idles high (maybe 1200rpm) then settles down to around 800rpm after a minute or so.

Is this normal? (Been driving diesels for years!)

[pudding]

Yup, totally normal mate.

The idle speed will vary according to commands from the HVAC system too, so each car may have different speeds dependant on settings chosen.

[AJP]

Yup, totally normal mate.

The idle speed will vary according to commands from the HVAC system too, so each car may have different speeds dependant on settings chosen.

Thought so. Cheers mate.

[dansmith180]

Mine fires up into a smooth idle immediately and always has done 

Do you hear the in-tank pump prime when you open the driver's door?  If not, that's your problem.

If you do hear it, I'd suggest fuel filter and  / or in-tank pump might need looking at.  The in-tank pump was revised at some point in the MK5's life and I threw one in mine when it started getting noisy.

Cheers, I can hear it click and buzz for a few seconds when I first open the door. The fuel filter was changed about 2 years ago so that should be fine. What's a rough price on a new in tank pump fitted do you know?