2008 1.9 TDI cut out, intermittent starting

[Rudidudi]

I was driving when the battery light came on and engine cut out.

I tried starting the engine, but the engine turned over but didnt fire.

I tried again after about an hour and it eventually started up. It went from just turning over, to signs of firing, to actually firing and running.

A couple of days earlier I noticed that it took few seconds of the key turned for the engine to start.

The next morning (after the breakdown) the engine started immediately.

Any ideas on what it could be or where to start looking?

I have seen suggestions for:

Impulse Sender magnet (is this crank sensor)
Fuel pressure
Magnet flap in tank?

[niall campbell]

check the alternator output as it looks as if its not charging battery

or the alternator belt/ fan belt is stretched or slipping / slack and therefore the alternator is not charging

check battery for dud cell(s)

all these checks are free to do

could also be if the belt is slack in wet weather, the belt is slipping more as belt is loose

[Rudidudi]

Thanks for the reply

The battery was good, it cranked over quickly and strongly

I have tried starting it for a few times over the last few days and it fires up quickly. I am avoiding driving it in case it leaves me stranded again.

Any other things I can be check or things I can change proactively?

[hook]

Check timing belt hasn,t slipped a tooth or two very common on this engine, will run but hard to start like air in fuel system.

[Rudidudi]

Thanks hook

it's starting absolutely fine now, but I'm avoiding driving it so I don't get stranded...

I'm assuming if the belt had slipped that it would continue to be hard to start?

Can an old crank sensor result in this behaviour?

[hook]

Yes bad crank sensor can give non start when hot but then will work again when cold.