Hi,

I've had this problem with my vRS for a while now - When I turn the key the engine shudders quite violently for a split second, literally for the first few rotations of the crack shaft, and then it's fine - no other problems. The engine shudder is so harsh that it causes the back wheels to move when the handbrake is still on. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing this?

Thanks in advance :-)

How's your neutral position? Could be that the linkage needs resetting and your ever so slightly in gear.

What happens if you start with the clutch down?

Does this occur when the engine is rotating under starter motor drive, or when running. And as questioned above, does depressing the clutch pedal while starting have any effect.

Edited 1 December, 201114 yr by KeithCheetham

Good therories people, however I always start the car with the clutch depressed. My gearbox however does need adjusting because it's a little notchy, especially when cold.

@KeithCheetham - It's difficult to tell when the shuddering is occuring because the car starts so quickly. I'd say that it is happening when the starter motor is engaged and the engine starts firing. I have no fault codes logged.

bump ;-)

It might be between starter motor and flywheel. Your starter might be on a way out so it doesnt kickin like it should. If that is the case I would have this changes asap - otherwise you might run into bill for damaged flywheel and that aint cheap.

My car has started to act odd this week on start up too.

When I now start the car up, it cranks and fires almost instantly. And it does it pretty violently. So it's like, turn the key and then almost instantly BOOM it starts and idles...

Whereas before it would take a few moments of cranking before it fired up (ie like a normal car does)

So with it now starting violently and very much instantly, is that a problem with the starter motor?

Oh and if i start with the clutch in, it bangs into life even more suddenly, or shall i say violently...

Could it be the engine mounts?

Ours was getting bad and was really shakey on start up and on tick-over (the whole car shook really bad when starting and would do so at idle when cold).

I changed the rear (dog-bone) mount at the weekend and it's completely transformed the car! It's a doddle to fit and is literally 4 x 17mm bolts.

I got the mount from Sere motors in northern ireland as it was only £26 inc. vat and delivery!

Phil

I'm not sure if the engine mounts reply was aimed at my post, but i don't think it applies to my case, because the car now starts even quicker than before (ie almost immediately after turning the key), which wouldn't be down to engine mounts...

of course the extra sudden knocking/banging could be related to engine mounts, but i'm not sure why it catches so quickly now.

No my comment was relating to the first post.

Seems strange that your car is starting so suddenly especially just out of the blue. Ours takes at least a turn or two before it actually fires up even when warm.