To be honest, as a relatively recent convert to the darkside (around 4 years ago), i've only really ever had brand new cars with diesel engines.

It started with a PD130 Golf Mk4 for 2-1/2 years, then a PD140 Golf Mk5 for 2 years.

I'm punting about in my wife's '03 Octy Elegance Estate right now (she's got my Merc A-class at present).

We've had the Octy for nearly 2 years now from 52k, and it's now showing 77k.

I do all the maintenance on the cars (most recent major work was cam-belt at 66k), and a long-life oil service two weeks ago.

So, am i going to ever get to the point?? lol........ok ok........

I am certain the car always had a little bit of a "misfire" when starting.......nothing you could suggest was major, just on a cold start it wouldn't fire smoothly for a second or two.

Recently, I diagnosed an engine coolant temp. sensor fault (the 4-wire one), and replaced it........the car now pulls stronger (in fact it's bloody flying!) but the starting issue is getting seemingly worse (perhaps it's just that i've never used it through a winter previously?).

Anyhow - I have vag-com and wondered if I can see if the glow plugs are all OK using diagnostics?

Seems to me like the glow plugs could be at fault here??

Furthermore..........

I noticed over the last two months or so that during cold idling, the engine seems far noisier than I remember it.

It does seem a bit quieter after it's warmed up, but it's kinda worrying me now as I wonder if it's fluel pump or camshaft/follower issues?

The noise is what you might call "a typically cold diesel engine" noise, but it just sounds too loud!

I had hoped the full service I did recently (including ALL filters etc) would solve the problem but to no avail.

Can anyone shed any light and suggest possible problems?

(PS - I did have a go with "Biodiesel" (wink-wink) recently - perhaps 2-3 months ago - could this be a factor?)

Nobody care to cast their opinion pls?

Hi Foxy

My 110 TDi sometimes misses a second or 2 these last few weeks of cold weather when starting from cold. I think if the heater plugs stayed on for a few seconds more it would be fine. My way round this is to turn the ignition on and off twice quickly to activate the glow plugs a second time. (The time the glow plugs are on probably is governed by some temp sensor.) You could check the glow plugs individually by removing all the wiring to them and then taking an insulated wire directly from the pos. terminal of the battery and touching the other end of the wire against the thread of the glow plug, if you get a few sparks their OK if not their dud. You could get a clamp meter that measures DC amps and using Ohms law work out what they should be using...(a nice exercise when I go back to work)

Your concerns that the engine has got noisier IMO is down to the cold weather. I've had diesel vehicles for years, these direct diesel engines really do hammer out the sonic bangs when idling and at low speeds in first/second gear but this should go when you accelerate. As long as you're not getting any smoke from the exhaust, oil pressure is OK and you say its pulling well I wouldn't worry.

I can't comment on your bio diesel escapades, although I would be interested in your comments having tried it?

Power loss on TDI 110s down to same problem as on Golf Mk IV. VAG acknowledges a fault with the ECU (038 906 018 BM) and specifies an upgraded unit (038 906 018 GQ) at £695.00 + VAT. According to VAG technical, this problem will eventually occur with all ECUs of the 'BM' part number.

from: Honestjohn Carguides

check the glow plug relay is working correctly i.e. pre and post glow

if it is try some glow plugs in it

benterrier , just putting a wire on the end of the glowplug wont always show that its good or bad , i've seen glowplugs almost totally melted away and yet i bet they would still spark if a pos+ wire was touched on the end

checking the current draw would work , but only if you knew what sort of figures you should be getting , i know they used to be about 25amps on old Fords