POLO 1.4TDI Starting Problem

[Smokey]

I've just bought a 2000 Polo 1.4 TDI (97k miles) and over the last week it has started fine on 10 occasions, but been reluctant to start twice (warm starts) and finally refused to start at all (cold start in hot weather).

Are there any specific weaknesses with these engines and does anyone have any ideas about where to start looking?

[kunaalv]

Hi,
I have the same car. Sounds like your Glow Plugs have packed up. These warm up to a high temperature which enables your engine to ignite the diesel.

Note: When you turn your key twice (the dash icons flash up but the engine is still off) - there is a icon of a 'coil wire' which illuminates yellow. This is when your glow plugs are warming up. You must wait for this light to go off BEFORE you start your engine fully.

I believe glow plugs are inexpensive, though I think our car contains 4 of them. Of course, not all off them may need replacing but it shouldn't cost you more than 80 to get them all replaced (worse case scenario)

See
http://www.carparts-direct.co.uk/die...ugs_detail.cfm

Your car will probably be the AMF 1.4 TDi model if it has the PD engine. It;s £9 a glow plug

Hope this helps

[Smokey]

Many thanks Kunaalv - After the ignition is switched on, the glow plug light is illuminated for about a second before going out - I guess thats not long enough for the plugs to reach the right temp, so your diagnosis is probably right - I'll try over the w/end. I always assumed that they were only needed in cold weather , so I thought fuel delivery was the most likely cause....
Fingers crossed and thanks again.....

[rahimhn]

My Polo won't start...I turn the ignition, it revs for a second, and then drops off, no matter how much I rev the gas. Sometimes it starts first time, sometimes it takes 20 attempts.

[Lukas1986]

Hi everyone I have problem with my polo 1.4tdi x reg.driving back from work yesterday push accelerate down car loose power.i stop on traffic lights and switch off engine try start again but not starting its turn over but no life.any idea please help

[niall campbell]

change diesel filter