Starting problems from cold. Mk2

[ozzie]

I have a 2002 mk2 galaxy that has developed from a intermittent starting problem to doing it most of the time when cold.  If car has not been run for several hours, it dosen't start easily.  This has got worse over the last year or so.  It can take upto say 10 seconds to fire up and runs fine once running.  I have replaced fuel pump, filter, glow plugs are all good.  Any ideas welcome please, as I am losing the will to live with this car.  Thanks, Wayne.

[gregers]

 

just a stab in the dark,but have you checked the fuse box under the bonnet?

[brummygit]

I had problems starting from cold. It turned over sluggishly but once started it would be perfect until next time
It had stood and cooled down for some hours.

After much checking, replacing an apparently good (and relatively new) battery the problem was solved.


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[ozzie]

Just checked the fuse box next to battery and are all clean and not loose.  Checked with multi meter and all ok.  Battery is a recent one purchased from Halfords with a 4 year warranty.  Car seems to turn over quickly. 

[Chrispb]

What is the LED doing on the drivers door when not starting

[bigjeeze]

Check the glow plug loom if the engine rums fine after starting and the plugs themselves are ok it could be an issue with the wiring.

[ozzie]

Glow plug loom I looks ok.  I have taken each glow plug out and tested resistance of each one.  All reading same value and tested each in turn, all glowing orange.  Also checked each plug in turn, all reading 12 volts whilst manipulating wires.  The plugs  however, weren't as tight as expected, so I have crimped each one with mole grips and are now a snug fit.  I will have to leave car until morning to see if this has had an effect on the starting problem.  I will let you know tomorrow however.  Thanks, Wayne.

[SilverBeast]

How long does your glow plug light stay on for when you turn on the ignition?

Mine used to stay on for 10 sec or so.  I have just changed the engine temperature sensor as it had been flagged as faulty since I first got a VAG-COM lead and it now only stays on for a couple of seconds. I didn't have any starting problems, but if the sensor is faulty it may confuse the engine management so that it doesn't control the glow plugs properly.

[ozzie]

It stays on longer the colder it is, probably 5-6 seconds or so.  I am beginning to think it may be a fuel problem but have replaced fuel pump and new filter.

[Chrispb]

Forget the glow plugs for now it,s not cold enough for that to be a problem.
Again what is the door led doing when you try to start as this can give an indication as to whether you have a relay 109 problem.
Also can you hear the fuel squelch noise when turning on ignition

[ozzie]

Ok.  Car started this morning with no troubles,  wife will look at led on door in the morning and will let you know then.  Thanks again, Wayne.

[ozzie]

Still not found starting problem.  When I try to start car the light on the door comes on with key in first position but when turned into the start position the light goes off.  Engine turns over for about seven or eight seconds and then starts up.  The car will be ok for the rest of the day and probably repeat this problem the following day.  All ideas welcome.  Thanks, Wayne.

[Chrispb]

A couple of questions.
You said you replaced the fuel pump was this the one in the tank ( if so can you hear the squelch noise it makes when you turn ignition on) or was it the tandem pump on the end of cylinder head next to fuel filter.

Do you have or access to vagcom as you may have crank/cam sensor fault

[ozzie]

Hi Chris.
           It was the pump in the fuel tank that I replaced.  The one that I took off and the replacement pump both made a squelch noise
  My wife has told me this afternoon that the vehicle has started to lack power.  Would it be worth changing the tandem pump on the side of engine or can you get a new seal kit for it.  Banks, Wayne.

[Chrispb]

Tandem pumps are Ã,£330+ so you need to be sure, I think you need to get yourself a Vagcom/VCDS lite cable and software and get some scanning  done.

ps has the cam belt been changed recently.

[Mirez]

I would chime in that a scan may well reveal your problem. It could be the cam position sensor's on the way out.

[ozzie]

 I have noticed that if I turn the key on and off several times before trying to start the car, pausing for 4-5 seconds each time and allowing the pump in the tank to prime the fuel line, the car will start up straight away, even on these cold mornings.  Is this indicating that there may be air getting into the system, or the main pump may be on its way out?

[Chrispb]

I would say no unless it's leaking badly which you would probably already noticed.
It sounds like the fuels running back to the tank after standing a while.
Vagcat actually shows a non return valve in the feed line to the tandem pump from the fuel filter but have looked on my car and it's not there, maybe one is fitted on the in tank pump.

[ozzie]

Ok, I do a bit of research and have a good look over the weekend If I am brave enough to stand out in the white stuff.  Thanks again, Wayne.