Hey all, since i bought the car 2 months ago.

I've been experiencing a resistance to starting up more aless straight away.

The glow plug symbols come on and go out more aless after 2 seconds.

How easy it starts can vary widely even on the same day, sometimes may start after a couple of cranks.

But sometimes it whirs on for 3-4 seconds before it starts, more aless the same situation even while warm.

The car has recently had a service consisting of Fuel/Oil/Air Filters and a change of oil.

Anyone have any ideas?

I've read the fuel filter housings have a water drain on them, but i cant seem to find one on mine?

Or i've seen people suggest it maybe the starter, but im a little confused.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

There is just a possibility that the fuel filter has not been tightened enough, or the seal may have a slight nick in it. and a slight air leek is getting in so when you turn it over it has to purge the small amount of air first

I had a similar problem with my old escort and it was a slight nick in the seal that let air into the filter so it would not start strait away

It was doing it before i did the service, doubt i've nicked the seal. Which seal are you talking about?

The multiple o ring one or the one around the top of the seal?

Theres no leaks from the unit on that side.

It was doing it before i did the service, doubt i've nicked the seal. Which seal are you talking about?

The multiple o ring one or the one around the top of the seal?

Theres no leaks from the unit on that side.

Any of the seals could be at fault, is the car new or secondhand, and how many miles, if its secondhand it could be the glow plugs they have been known to go or even the glow plug relay

My guess is the starter motor. Mine was fine from cold, but a ig to start when warm, at first it took that long when warm i used to miss it all the time! embarrasing! Starter repleced and fine. The tech at the garages dad had the same problem on his 1.9tdi and a new starter cured that too.

Second hand 54plate with 120k.

Mine can vary, sometimes starts when cold or hot.

The glow plug lights go out near enough straight away. Even when its one of the mornings where its getting cooler.

Edited 6 September, 200817 yr by Browny_37

It won,t be glow plugs.

As with the 2.0TDi its the starter motors at fault.Replace and iam sure you will find ok after

If you have vag-com do a scan if you get any faults relating to the glow plugs check the glow plug relay there has been problems with these in the past

Iam yet to find a MK1 or Mk2 thats had a relay problem :confused:

Dont have access to vag-com, but do have access to a car with shrieking brakes and burning the inside edges of the tyres off now