Engine takes a few too many turns to start....

[Shamrockez]

It's not a problem as such, but something which annoys me on my Beetle.

He's a 98 ALH TDi (non PD), and when I start him he turns over a fair few times before he fires up. He never fails to start, so as I said, it's not exactly a problem.... but it's a bit embarrasing sometimes when he takes (what seems like) ages to start.

He starts better when it's cold - pretty much as soon as you turn the key. The colder the weather the better he starts it seems. But when he's been used, then restarted he takes a good 5 seconds to fire up.

Anyone know what the cause of this is? Is it the glow plugs?

Thanks

Lucy.

[whitedog]

Check out this thread on TDIClub.

Lots of information and troubleshooting. Start by getting the car hot then unplugging the coolant temperature sensor. If it starts faster, you know that your problem is the same as everyone else with the early A4s.

[hannaco]

Something to check. Have the pump timing checked. If it is not above the line, it will be difficult to start.

[-1-]

I had a 1999 NewBeetle TDI (March 99 - May 06). It was difficult to start after the first several years. Had it checked, new parts, nothing helped. Finally traded it for a 2006 Beetle TDI.

[whitedog]

Originally Posted by -1-

I had a 1999 NewBeetle TDI (March 99 - May 06). It was difficult to start after the first several years. Had it checked, new parts, nothing helped. Finally traded it for a 2006 Beetle TDI.

What parts were new?

[DR.billZ]

YOu probably just need a new battery. Diesels have a ton of compression and just a mildly weak battery will cause this.

[pencilneck]

Originally Posted by DR.billZ

YOu probably just need a new battery. Diesels have a ton of compression and just a mildly weak battery will cause this.

I second that! And just because a battery passes a battery test doesn't mean that isn't the cause of long cranking times on a TDI. Said battery might be "gasser good" but shy of getting that TDI crank up to speed.

[-1-]

Originally Posted by whitedog

What parts were new?

Last part purchased was a new 2006 NewBeetle TDI. Specifically, new glow plugs X2, glow plug wiring harness, sensors, mass flow air sensor. Not sure of what else. Had it checked several times, never got any better. New 2006 starts TOO easy.

[whitedog]

Regarding the battery:

He starts better when it's cold - pretty much as soon as you turn the key.

Therefore, not likely. Certainly get it checked to be sure though.

Did you try disconnecting the temp sensor before you start it when it's warm?

[mandujano1]

My Daughters car started doing that and i checked the battery and it was ok. I replaced the Bosch starter with a Bosch rebuilt one and it made the cranking time less.
rdsvw2@aol.com

[Dorado]

If it starts better when the engine is cold, then it doesn't sound like the injection timing or the quality of the diesel fuel.

Look at the thread posted above, and have the coolant temp sensor checked.

[oil pan 4]

Try replacing the factory battery to starter cable.
Have the battery tested, don't just run out and buy one.
I replaced the 4ga cable that some dumb person put in my truck with an 00 gauge cable. The old under sized cable was starting to burn up and degrade. Making my truck crank real slow.
Now with the 00 gauge cable it cranks like the '05 power stroke diesels I have where I work.

[JetPuf]

A buddy of mine over on TDI club had a similar problem in his 99.5 jetta TDI. the fix he had was a new starter. the old one wouldent spin fast enough. Worked will when the car was cold because of all the cold start help that the pump gives it, but took some cranking when the car was warm. Look him up on tdi club, Nicklockard.

[Shamrockez]

Sorry I didn't get the replies to this. He's had a new battery and I've replaced both coolant sensors - none of which made any difference.

I'll try the other ideas

Ta

[jpdeuce]

I've also heard that its not as big of a deal for the TDI not to start instantly. It's ok if it takes a couple turn overs to get going. Mine slows down some in the cold weather. But I tested the glow plugs and they are fine. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you aren't getting it to start at all.

[JetPuf]

A TDI shold start just like any other car. VW spent alot of engineering time so you can drive and operate the car just like any other car, it does not need to be driven special or anything.

However that being said like I posted earlier, it could be the starter. to get a good start the engine needs to be spun at atleast 400rpm.

[Shamrockez]

I unplugged the sensor (I think I did the right one? I removed the one in the coolant tank and the one which goes to the sensor in the pipe under the engine cover.) and it didn't many any difference at all.

[macdave]

Originally Posted by DR.billZ

YOu probably just need a new battery. Diesels have a ton of compression and just a mildly weak battery will cause this.

This makes sense, most big diesels use 24 volt starting.

[whitedog]

Originally Posted by Shamrockez

I unplugged the sensor (I think I did the right one? I removed the one in the coolant tank and the one which goes to the sensor in the pipe under the engine cover.) and it didn't many any difference at all.

The one in the coolant tank is the wrong but and I think the other one is the wrong one as well. Was it between the engine and the radiator, or was it between the engine and the firewall in a block attached directly to the back of the engine?

[Shamrockez]

Really? Does anyone have a pic of which wire to remove?