Annoying cold start issue

[ArildStavrum]

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this!

Ever since I got my GTI in September it has started poorly when the engine is cold.
It doesnt ever catch first time when I turn on the ignition, but usually catches 2nd time and really splutters into life.

As far as my starting process goes, its like this:

Foot on clutch
Ignition on
let the lights go out on the dash
turn key to start the engine

I've had the plugs changed, rs4 coil packs fitted, fuel filter changed but I still have the same issue.
The mechanic reckons its just a common thing with the tfsi engine but it would be great if any of you had any ideas!

[AnSGTI]

I poured my heart and soul into trying to fix my cold start issue, and even had VW UK involved. They diagnosed injectors which were sent away and cleaned, this made no difference even though tests (by the company that cleaned them) showed an improvement. After that I replaced:

Plugs
Fuel Filter

I had the coil packs replaced as part of the recall.

Anyway just keep that key turned until its running – some days mine fires straight up, some days I can feel it splutter and as you say takes a while to catch. My car had 19K on it when I got it, it’s not got 64K on it and it’s never got any worse.

I recently had to replace my PCV valve and this has transformed the IDLE, but hasn’t helped with the cold starts.

As your mechanic says, some of the TFSI engines need a few more turns that others and is attributed to the HPFP needing to build pressure on the rail.

I spent quite a while worrying about this, my honest advice to you is to forget about it and enjoy the car 

[ArildStavrum]

Great reply, thank you.

[campbell511]

I have had this issue aswell since the start of ownership. As stated above I just forget about it and enjoy. Once running all is well. Changed plugs, coils, fuel filter, DV, PCV all to no avail. Next step APR fuel pump but that is just for fun maybe help cold starts we will see :)

[doylebros]

Common problem that they take a bit winding over, but not on all GTI's some start first turn of the key.

I would check the fuel pump tappet just for good measure!

After that I would just live with it.

[bacillus]

Just out of interest how old is your battery because it's possible that it doesn't have the cranking amperage that it used to have when it was new.

[ArildStavrum]

Just out of interest how old is your battery because it's possible that it doesn't have the cranking amperage that it used to have when it was new.

I'm not sure to be honest, is there an easy way to check?

[bacillus]

Just out of interest how old is your battery because it's possible that it doesn't have the cranking amperage that it used to have when it was new.

I'm not sure to be honest, is there an easy way to check?

If you have a voltmeter then check the voltage before you start the car in the morning and then again once it's running. Ideally your cold start voltage should be 12ish volts and when running at least 1.5 volts higher. Alternatively you could go to somewhere that sells car batteries and ask them to check your battery's condition (usually it's done for free but check first).

[ArildStavrum]

Just out of interest how old is your battery because it's possible that it doesn't have the cranking amperage that it used to have when it was new.

I'm not sure to be honest, is there an easy way to check?

If you have a voltmeter then check the voltage before you start the car in the morning and then again once it's running. Ideally your cold start voltage should be 12ish volts and when running at least 1.5 volts higher. Alternatively you could go to somewhere that sells car batteries and ask them to check your battery's condition (usually it's done for free but check first).

cool, thanks mate. I will check at the weekend!

[john87]

Is there a non-return valve on the HP fuel circuit? If so, this may be the cause of your problems. Just a guess...

[ArildStavrum]

Is there a non-return valve on the HP fuel circuit? If so, this may be the cause of your problems. Just a guess...

That may aswell be in Japanese!!! thanks though!!

[OSB]

Just out of interest how old is your battery because it's possible that it doesn't have the cranking amperage that it used to have when it was new.

I'm not sure to be honest, is there an easy way to check?

If your battery is more than 4 or 5 years old you are on borrowed time. Some quality OEM batteries do last longer but best to get it checked.
As someone suggested, go to a battery stockist or your local auto electrician or local indy garage and ask them to do a high amp discharge test. This basically means simulating the cranking strain on the battery and measuring the volts it can still deliver. If they dont know what you mean take it to someone who does!
If that shows your battery is ok then get one of the above to clean the battery terminals, and earth strap to body contact to make sure that there is a full flow of electricity when starting and when running. You don't need to know what this means - just tell them like you do!!

[andybon]

Has it had a timing belt done?

I had a similar problem on my golf tdi, turned out the timing was slightly out after having the timing belt done.

[gman1986]

Low pressure at low RPMs could be a failing high pressure pump, follower or cam lobe. Get those checked ASAP. If either fail completely, you could have an expensive bill on your hand.

Any mechanic that knows anything about these engines should be able to check quite easily. It's a 30 minute job to remove, inspect and refit. Replacing the follower as a matter of course wouldn't hurt either.

[Nickyboy]

I remember buying a bottle of cold start something or other on those late night shopping channels, and it done the trick! On the coldest winter nights up here in Scotland, ignition was always instant.