Terrible cold starting

[dstev2000]

2.0TDI '07 MY08 62,000 miles.

It can be a real pig to start when stone cold, takes ages to fire up and then coughs and stutters for a while. Bags of smoke too. It sometimes decides to idle at about 1100 rpm too :confused:

The fuel filter was changed on the last service. I thought it might have been contamintated fuel but it gets filled up 2 or 3 times a week so I know it's not that. It's currently on a tank of V-power Diesel as well.

There is nothing showing on any VCDS scan relating to any engine issues.

Any suggestions as to the cause??

Cheers,

Dan

[Hairy Chris]

Sounds like glow plugs not working.

[dstev2000]

I did think of the glow plugs but am I being optimistic in thinking a DTC would be logged. I presume the engine knows the glow plug conditions.

[Taxi 219]

When you say lots of smoke,what colour is it?

[dstev2000]

Grey/black mostly. Certainly not white. Presumably unburnt fuel whilst cranking the engine over.

[Taxi 219]

Has been known in another thread that its either the fuel temp sender or the coolant temp sender that does this.

[dstev2000]

I did have a search around and the fuel temp and coolant temp senders do appear on a Fabia thread IIRC.

I'll have a look at the fuel filter housing/fuel lines tomorrow to make sure it's all sealed up properly.

[Tech1e]

Might be a lift pump issue. But im betting a temp sensor issue.

[dstev2000]

Would I be able to pin down an erronious temp sensor with VCDS?

I'll check to see if it does it with the tank 1/4 vs full.

[cheezemonkhai]

To rule out the glow plugs, try letting them cycle 3 times by putting the ignition on/off 3 times before starting.

Would this temperature sensor issue being mentioned on here cause a lumpy idle when cold too?

[mrlapou]

Is the car using/losing water?

[tezza72uk]

2.0TDI '07 MY08 62,000 miles.

It can be a real pig to start when stone cold, takes ages to fire up and then coughs and stutters for a while. Bags of smoke too. It sometimes decides to idle at about 1100 rpm too :confused:

The fuel filter was changed on the last service. I thought it might have been contamintated fuel but it gets filled up 2 or 3 times a week so I know it's not that. It's currently on a tank of V-power Diesel as well.

There is nothing showing on any VCDS scan relating to any engine issues.

Any suggestions as to the cause??

Cheers,

Dan

Yes I had the same problem, it was totally cured by the dealer reflashing the software on the ECU, 20 minute job.

[Neo_VR]

Would I be able to pin down an erronious temp sensor with VCDS?

I'll check to see if it does it with the tank 1/4 vs full.

I would have a scan through the sensor values one morning with just the ignition on, that way all the temp sensors should read a similar value

[dstev2000]

Seemed to start better with 3 cycles of the glow plugs this morning as it goes, but it wasn't that cold outside.

I'll have a look at the sensor values when I get time to do it one morning.

Thanks for the suggestions people, it's given me plenty to look at.

Oh and @ Neo's avatar

[dstev2000]

It gets better, the bloody thing won't start at all now!

I've called the RAC out obviously

I wonder if the battery is on the way out?

If so will Skoda cover it under warranty? The car is an '07 with 63k on the clock :confused:

[mannyo]

First 2 years of warranty are unlimited mileage, so you should be covered. Only the 3rd year warranty provided by SUK is 60k miles max.

Sounds like a glo plug problem, the ecu may not log any faults though, especially if it is getting readings that are within normal tolerances. Only when the reading become invalid will a fault be logged.

[dstev2000]

Luckily it's off to the dealers tomorrow so they can add it to the list. Started OK yesterday but not today :confused:

[loadswine]

Did you find out what was causing the problem in the end?

[rwbaldwin]

Could be relay 109.

[dstev2000]

Still havent found out what the problem is, it seems to be worse when the fuel tank is <1/3 full. Its as if fuel is seeping away from the engine back to the tank. Still no faults logged either.

[Golf-Fiend]

Was this problem resolved? I had a similar problem this morning. Called Skoda Assist and after a few attemps the engine fired into life. I noticed yesterday that the idle was a little lumpy at first and it did not start as it usually does - on the button.

Skoda Assist man recons it's the lift pump and has advised booking into Main Dealers. I'm hoping that the Skoda Used Warranty will cover any repairs it may need?

Mine is a 54plate 2.0 TDi too.

[dstev2000]

Nick, PM sent.

I forgot to mention the lift pump, the VW assist chappy tested the lift pump which turned out to be ok.

[cheezemonkhai]

Still havent found out what the problem is, it seems to be worse when the fuel tank is <1/3 full. Its as if fuel is seeping away from the engine back to the tank. Still no faults logged either.

Have you put a small smear of grease around the connections to the fuel filter on from the fuel lines? If th poor starting is only after the car has been left then air can sometimes get in there, so this is usually an easy way to find out if it's the case.

[dstev2000]

Have you put a small smear of grease around the connections to the fuel filter on from the fuel lines? If th poor starting is only after the car has been left then air can sometimes get in there, so this is usually an easy way to find out if it's the case.

Thanks, i'll give it a try. I never thought of doing that. Any specific grease to use or any old stuff lying around?

Also, is it worth replacing the spring clips on the fuel hoses with jubilee clips? surely they will offer a tighter connection.

[dstev2000]

Sorry but............:bump:

I don't like bumping a thread but can someone give me the nod about replacing the fuel hose clips with the jubilee type to ensure they are air tight

Cheers