Hi All,

 

am pretty new to this forum stuff,  I have an Octavia Mk 2, 2.0 tdi.   It runs like a dream and starts first time as long as it is dry, even in very cold temps it is still a fast starter, however if there has been heavy dew, rain/drizzle during the night it needs a lot of persuasion.

 

The starter motor runs but just doesn't ignite, after 10/15 secs the oil light comes on and then I restart the process, after the 3rd or 4th attempt it will splutter into life.

 

 

Anyone have any ideas as to what this could be??

 

i have had several cars with critical electrical problems and get the feeling this is one of those...

 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

This would be an easy problem on a petrol motor - just a question of HT leakage from the spark plug wiring. On a diesel that's not possible of course. But damp can cause electrical 'leakage' or even resistance in all sorts of places.

 

Try checking all electrical earthing points you can find, and the battery's connections.  If they look a bit tired and crusty, dismantle them and clean and reassemble.  It may not work, but it might, and it won't cost anything to try, and there's nothing to lose by doing it.

 

Good luck with it.

This would be an easy problem on a petrol motor - just a question of HT leakage from the spark plug wiring. On a diesel that's not possible of course. But damp can cause electrical 'leakage' or even resistance in all sorts of places.

 

Try checking all electrical earthing points you can find, and the battery's connections.  If they look a bit tired and crusty, dismantle them and clean and reassemble.  It may not work, but it might, and it won't cost anything to try, and there's nothing to lose by doing it.

 

Good luck with it.

Thanks very much for the info, will have a look around and see what I can find..

I have one of these. Does a great job. I have seen vehicles fail to start because of oxidation on the battery terminals and posts before so worth a try.

 

Not sure about your problem though, must be some kind of short or something when damp.

 

http://www.transtools.co.uk/hand-tools/engineering-automotive/automotive/silverline-battery-post-and-terminal-cleaner

I have one of these. Does a great job. I have seen vehicles fail to start because of oxidation on the battery terminals and posts before so worth a try.

 

Not sure about your problem though, must be some kind of short or something when damp.

 

http://www.transtools.co.uk/hand-tools/engineering-automotive/automotive/silverline-battery-post-and-terminal-cleaner

Looks a well handy tool!!   Just been around and cleaned everything up so hoping all will be well when I leave later.....

Cleaning the terminals and the few earthing points i could find didnt work :(  thanks for the help though....

 

If there are any other possible ideas would love to know.

soggy air filter? sucking moisture on startup

It may just be your imagination or coincidence that you notice the starting problem on wet days.

In any case if the starter engages and turns the engine over healthily I'd be inclined to look at fueling issues instead of electrical.

Perhaps there is a split fuel hose/connection, contaminated filter, worn pump causing your problem.