Hi,

I have a 2001 Octavia TDi Elegance which is struggling to start when its gets warm. During the cold weather (below zero) its starts fine in the mornings however when I drive to work which is about 15 miles if I stop at a shop or whatever before work the car will struggle to start. It will start but it has to turn over a lot more than first thing in the morning, I want to get this sorted as I don't want to kill the starter motor.

I have recently had it serviced but it has not fixed this problem, the guy seemed to think it maybe a temperature sensor or air getting in somewhere.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

-Could- be the coolant temp sensor which controls fuelling to the ECU. The newer coloured ones are green.

Coolant temp sensor for sure. Fit a genuine green VAG CTS (£25)& not a cheap one as they normally don't work properly.

A common problem - Not a CTS. Take a look at http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/156090-poor-starting-when-warm/

A common problem - Not a CTS. Take a look at http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/156090-poor-starting-when-warm/

I agree. When hot the engine has to be turning over at more than 250rpm before the ECU turns on the fuel so a bad battery or dicky starter motor can cause this issue. When cold the fuel is injected from the start.

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm tempted to just try a new battery then rather then take it to have a new sensor fitted only to still have the same problem. It does sound strange though that when cold it starts fine as you'd think a faulty battery would be worse in the morning due to having to power the glow plugs etc.

The glow plugs don't do a great deal except when it is very cold. Sometimes I don't remember to wait for the light to go and and just crank it and OK so there is some smoke but it starts pretty quick.

What a random fix.

If pump timing is wrong they can't be very difficult to start when hot.

Going to try the old Jump lead trick and if that works then a new battery...I'll let you know what the outcome is.

Thanks everyone.

i have got this problem as well, i have changed the temp sensor still same, one thing i have learned on this thread is the starter motor speed, and that i have been told from a taxi company that run nothing but skoda's that they eat starter motors and alternators and mine sounds on its way out by the loud whirring noise after engine starts, mine has a brand new battery on it but still gives the impression of low battery after standing for a couple of days, again pointing to faulty starter, so looks like i have to spend a bit more money

i have got this problem as well, i have changed the temp sensor still same, one thing i have learned on this thread is the starter motor speed, and that i have been told from a taxi company that run nothing but skoda's that they eat starter motors and alternators and mine sounds on its way out by the loud whirring noise after engine starts, mine has a brand new battery on it but still gives the impression of low battery after standing for a couple of days, again pointing to faulty starter, so looks like i have to spend a bit more money

Start motors quite often get a but gummed up and don't retract quick enough and make a noise. This is more of an issue in the winter months (when it is colder).

If you are seeing 'flat' battery symptoms shortly after changing the battery, it is worth checking the fuse box for early onset of melting, and also to ensure that all the crimp joints are still nicely crimped and are clean. Otherwise I would check to see what the current draw is, maybe something else is drawing power, assuming it is charging properly.

My Octy has only had its battery replaced once since 2001 (when it was new), and is still on the original starter motor and alternator and that is after clocking up 193k.

Otherwise it might be worth considering this tread: http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/226644-battery-draining/

Edited 31 January, 201214 yr by mbames