Hi

This is my first post guys and I'm new to all this so forgive me for starting off with the want of help.

Symptoms are car was starting but would then loose revs and die.

It has been an inconsistent fault and the main dealer has found no errors but it did turn out the spark plugs were only hand tight.

Since they have been tightened car now has on occasion taken a few cranks to get started and has died once so seems to still be there.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Ian

Welcome.

So were those hand tight spark plugs the correct ones and in good condition with the correct gap?

You need to check other service and maintenance consumables now.

Air Filter clean and present, fuel filter changed / when if ever.

An ignition coil or more can be on the way out or was damage by a cack handed DIYer or Technician / Fitter.

What month is that engine, January or February of 2012, and current mileage? Well I hope main dealer knows more than how to use their VAS/ODIS diag ...

Thanks for the replies guys. 

So spark plugs, oil and air filters were changed at about 40k and now it's only on 44k a year on and as you said never had a fuel filter done (for life etc). 

I do hope the plugs were correct but I can't confirm that as I've not checked it myself. 

Would the coil packs give intermittent starting problems? 

Very odd problem this one. 

Not really, but you just make sure the basics are right and do not give those that take £85 an hour for diagnostics more reason to spend time.

As to the 'For life' fuel filters, they are available at the parts desk because life is too short when it comes to VW Group OEM parts.

 

All the best with it.

Would a Vcds scan show anything that would help him?

Well, that seems starting issue still not solved? Do you know what month in 2012 was produced that engine? Sticker on upper cover of the timing. If it´s before 5th March, I would be very suspicious at the tensioner, I know about cases when diagnostics said nothing when the tensioner failed. Hope this is not that case ... Quick check through inspection hole at lower cover of timing will say, other very quick check for mechanic is taking the upper cover off (not sealed with liquid sealant, just rubber one there) to check marks on chain and camshaft wheels. Usually it jumps at intake side...

Edited 26 May, 20179 yr by rayx

Just checked date and it's 27/8/12

mystery continued 

Than should be timing OK as K tensioner fitted for sure.

They must try if petrol gets in the rail for injectors, I guess it could be high pressure pump. Pump at tank works, can you hear it when drivers dood open or key switched on?

So I think it's the the pump I hear as I turn the ignition on. I'm used to diesels and am still in the habit of waiting a few seconds before turning it over. 

Another weird thing I noticed today was the digital read out for the oil temp was behind the needle gauge!

Is that normal as I think I'm getting paranoid now?

The irony is I got shot of a hyundai i30 diesel that I put 130k miles on it that was still on original clutch and exhaust with the intention of reducing risk of forthcoming problems - what's the odds 

All I had to do was regular services, tyres and brakes (only front discs too) - oh the irony. 

Thanks to everyone here trying to help out,  it's much appreciated you friendly bunch.

 

Edited 26 May, 20179 yr by Eebo

Tomorrow open the drivers door and listen and see if you hear the pump prime the fuel before you even put the key in the ignition.

No need to sit with ignition on before turning the key to start the car.

I have heard that but I thought it was the electric seat doing something. 

I didn't realise it would prime the fuel without the key being inserted. 

Learn something new everyday.