A4 1.9Tdi 2002 quattro wont start in very cold weather

**A4flyer** · 15-12-2011,03:57 PM

Hi Guys ,

Having a problem with cold weather starting in recent temperatures below 0degrees. The fuel guage was showing quater full on one particular morning and am wondering would it have anything to do with condensation building up in the tank overnight. its very frustrating. Had a similar problem 2 years ago and the low pressure pump in the tank was replaced and now the problem is back again and has me thinking was there anything wrong with the pump in the first place. Glow plug lights go out when i turn the key and no other lights visable on dash. Battery was replaced 3 months ago. Hope its something simple. Any ideas would be appreciated

**mikeybutch** · 15-12-2011,04:35 PM

How long dothe glow plugs stay on ? I would suspect them if its cold starting

**kite** · 15-12-2011,07:27 PM

try operating the glow plugs 3 or 4 times before cranking.

**toff** · 15-12-2011,11:09 PM

Originally Posted by kite

try operating the glow plugs 3 or 4 times before cranking.

Ditto this.. it's what I do when mine plays-up when trying to start.

Also, unless you've already changed it recently, consider getting a decent quality replacement battery. Old ones that have been installed for many years suffer badly in very cold temperatures.

Al.

**Marco34** · 16-12-2011,01:58 PM

I'd go with a new battery too. I got a new one last jan as the other was still the original from 2001. My glow plugs could be 6-8 seconds in very zub zero, much better after the new battery. Cranking is better too and promotes a good start.

**spartacus 68** · 16-12-2011,03:57 PM

We had temperatures as low as -18 last year. Car would fire up no problem after glow plug light went out, so a few degees below shouldn't make any difference. I'd opt for replacing battery too. If want to check the existing battery - ensure the the electrolyte solution covers the plates. You can add distilled water if required.

**nevo** · 16-12-2011,08:42 PM

I can see you've changed the battery,I would get the glowplugs out and see what sort of condition they're in,also in cold weather allow a longer preheat before cranking.

**spartacus 68** · 17-12-2011,05:59 PM

Originally Posted by nevo

I can see you've changed the battery,I would get the glowplugs out and see what sort of condition they're in,also in cold weather allow a longer preheat before cranking.

Missed the bit about 'new battery'. If changing the glow plugs - assuming they've been in from new - worth getting car to operating temperature before trying to remove. The last thing you want is one breaking on you. Install with a slight smear of copper-ease on the threads.

**toff** · 18-12-2011,01:32 AM

Originally Posted by spartacus 68

If changing the glow plugs - assuming they've been in from new - worth getting car to operating temperature before trying to remove. The last thing you want is one breaking on you. Install with a slight smear of copper-ease on the threads.

Apparently the glow plugs are an absolute nightmare to get out, especially if you've got a lump with high miles on it. Good hint on getting the engine up to temperarture though.

I've heard nightmares about the tips falling-off into the combustion chamber - make sure you get a set of OEM glow plugs, I don't imagine it's worth saving a few quid in this area!

Let us know how you get on if you do change your glow plugs. My 1.9 has covered 165k now and I'm not looking forward to the day I have to change the plugs!

Toff.