Hi all,

 

My 06 Octavia RS starts very sluggishly when it’s around 0-4 degrees outside. It starts on the first try, but it’s slow and I have to hold down the key for a few seconds as the engine spurs into life. It only has this problem at these temperatures, it started just fine when it was -10 outside a few weeks ago.  
 

I’ve tried putting the key in the on position for a few seconds before starting, but that didn’t help. It also has plenty of fuel and runs just fine otherwise. The time it sits cold doesn’t matter, it still has this problem even if it’s only been outside for a few hours. It idles at around 1100 rpm on start up, but goes down to 800 after a minute max.
 

I replaced the spark plugs last week and the injectors are newly refurbished. Also changed the thermostat a while back. The battery is a few years old, but appears to be in good shape. Perhaps the starter is starting to give up?

 

Not sure if this is related, but I tend to smell raw fuel every time I start it cold. It disappears as soon as I drive off, however. Used to be worse before I got the injectors fixed, now it smells like raw fuel for around a minute before it turns into burnt fuel, so that could just be the car running extra rich to compensate for the start up troubles?

 

I’m pretty clueless as to what the issue is, so any input is appreciated 🙂

 

Oh yeah, one more thing, I’ve been running 95 octane during the winter. Could that also be a potential cause? Might try 98 next time I fill up 

Check the battery voltage.

 

Most places that sell batteries will perform a free battery test.

 

It may just need a good recharge (up to 48 hrs on a battery charger)

 

A failing or weak battery will always be worse in the cold.

@Bongoman2Million Which country are you in?

In the UK nobody sells 98 ron.  the 95 Unleaded is E5 and Super Unleaded E5 is either 97 ron min or 99 ron min. 

 

 

Edited 4 March, 20242 yr by Rooted

@Rooted I’m in Sweden, we have 95 and 98 here. Car’s way more fun on 98, but it’s also more expensive haha

Edited 4 March, 20242 yr by Bongoman2Million

59 minutes ago, Bongoman2Million said:

I’m in Sweden

OK, so do you have a sump heater? If so, is it working correctly?

Is the Air Filter Clean and dry, the spark plugs all good, gap correct, and has the fuel filter been replaced any time in the recent past? 

18 minutes ago, Paws4Thot said:

OK, so do you have a sump heater? If so, is it working correctly?

The previous owner had one installed, but I unfortunately don’t have an outlet by my place, so I haven’t been able to test it.

3 minutes ago, Rooted said:

Is the Air Filter Clean and dry, the spark plugs all good, gap correct, and has the fuel filter been replaced any time in the recent past? 

Spark plugs were brand new NGK ones and looked good.

 

Air filter was changed last year, but it’s not impossible that it got dirty. Gonna take a look at it tomorrow.

 

Fuel filter is the only one I’m uncertain about. Talked to my mechanic when I had the car serviced and he said there’s no need to change it. 

16 hours ago, Bongoman2Million said:

Spark plugs were brand new NGK ones and looked good.

 

Air filter was changed last year, but it’s not impossible that it got dirty. Gonna take a look at it tomorrow.

 

Fuel filter is the only one I’m uncertain about. Talked to my mechanic when I had the car serviced and he said there’s no need to change it. 

 

Strange enough i 'tried' to get my mechanic to change the fuel filter as part of maintenance. He told me there was not much point in changing unless there was a problem with it 🤷‍♂️

1 hour ago, Dowsett said:

 

Strange enough i 'tried' to get my mechanic to change the fuel filter as part of maintenance. He told me there was not much point in changing unless there was a problem with it 🤷‍♂️

Yup, that’s what I got told as well. Probably best not to touch it as long as the car runs fine, it’s gonna end up opening a whole new can of worms 😅