Starting Problems with Golf

[SLH]

I dont know if anyone can help me. I have a 2001 1.9 diesel TDi and am having huge problems starting my car.

It turns over but takes at least 4 attempts to fire and when it does fire there is a huge amount of diesel smoke which is omitted from the car. If the car is hot however it fires immediately its just when it has been standing for a period of time. The glow plugs have been replaced and I still have a problem.

Anyone any ideas what else it could be?

[s0niX]

Could be a battery thats on its last legs dude.

[SLH]

The battery is fine but thinking it could be the fuel injection sensor, out my depth to be honest, been in garages and no-one seems to be able to diagnose the problem. Going to book into VW specialist next week

[Paul Jay]

Hi mate

It may sound obvious, but have you checked for an air leak on the fuel side of things. It's common for pipes connected to the fuel filter to let air into the fuel lines when the car is stood for a while and then it takes a while for the system to bleed itself when you start it up.

The air in the system causes the ECU to direct the injectors to input more fuel and hence the excessive smoke and stink of unburnt fuel - or so I'm told!

Check pipe connections on fuel filter and if they're wet you may have a leak.

Could also be temp sensor or MAF problem.

HTH

Paul