2.0 TDi 140 stuttering / juddering on start

I have done a search of the forums but havent found any relevant info to my possible problem.

I have a 53 plate A3 2.0 TDI 140, with 36k miles and full (long life) service history.

If the car is not used for more than 3 or 4 days, when I come to start it, it occasionally starts with a horrible stutter for a second or two, followed by a bit of white smoke.
This only happens when it has stood for a few days, when used daily, it appears to be fine.

I am new to diesels, I also only got the car in May so it is still under warranty. Is this a problem, and if so, is it something that will get worse in the cold weather?

There are no stored fault codes on the vehicle, I had it scanned a few weeks ago when the ESP light mysteriously sometimes stayed on after starting the vehicle (still uncured but hasnt happened for a while).

Thanks in advance.

have the glowplugs and battery checked

Hi, I have the same problem. It started in a similar manner to which you describe and has got worse. In my case it happens even if left over night. I'm pretty certain it's to do with fuel supply and the fuel falling back to the tank. Not quite sure why yet. Keep me updated on your progress.


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Sorry to hear you have the same problem and that it occurs on a daily basis. What mileage is your car on?

I am hoping my poor running is related to it standing unused, its done 36k miles in 8 years (I only got it in May and use it more than previous owner).

I have purchased an Autel VAG405 code reader, hopefully delivered tomorrow and will run a scan.

If it comes up with nothing, I shall see if I can get glow plugs changed under warranty and what effect it has.

Does anyone know what the Audi reccomended interval for changing glow plugs is?

Just a quick update as I have just got off the phone to Audi.

They priced me up a new set of glow plugs, £186 fitted. However, apparently there is a software update for TDI A3 vehicles that suffer this problem. Apparently on startup the car can underfuel during the start cycle, resulting in the juddering, but they have to review your cars engine and I get the impression the update is done on individual circumstances as it is not a recall and I was only told about it when they rang me back.

By and large it seems that some juddering and a bit of smoke on start up seems relatively normal for a TDI. This is my first diesel car so maybe Im just not used to it yet!

Hi, sorry to hear of you trouble , i think you will find it might be the intake manifold flap valve that is the problem . you mght be able to remove and clean , but if the gear teeth have broken and jammed the flap valve i'm afraid its a new unit . good thing is its easy fix 3 x torx bolts.it also blows a 10amp fuse which also serves the rad cooling fan . is your engine warning light on and emmisions warning showing ,if so i think its defo the flap valve , best of luck