Author Topic: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold  (Read 10977 times)

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Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
on: December 28, 2015, 13:24:44 PM
I think there is a problem with the pre-igniter thingy on my Golf mk IV as every cold start involves turning the ignition on and off multiple times to try and get it warmed up (waiting for the little coil light thingy to go out each time then on/off again) before finally turning it over, and even then it struggles to get going, sometimes I have to do it multiple times and it doesn't seem like its doing the battery any good as it starts to struggle. Is there anything else it might be? Maybe the starter motor itself is on its way out? I'm loathe to spend any money as the heater/AC fan has just gone too but if its going to pack in soon I'll need to get it fixed so I can drive to work.

Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #1 on: December 28, 2015, 14:40:44 PM
hmm I had this on an old golf diesel (think it was a H reg to give you an idea how old the car was). can't remember the fix. Think my brother said it was the glow-plugs.
The warning light looked like a coil/spring. Would have to turn the ignition on until the light went out, then off & repeat until it would start.
Can't remember if I replaced the plugs or not.... as it was about 15 years ago. I think the cold & wet effected it more - and as you say, you can easily flat the battery by turning the ignition. I do remember I used to put an old quilt/blanket under the bonnet to make it easier.

Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #2 on: December 28, 2015, 16:59:19 PM
Yeah, sounds like glowplugs.
You can usually get away in normal weather not using the glow plugs but it gets difficult at this time of year.

If you can change spark plugs, you can change glow plugs.  It's usually either a metal bar going across the top of the plugs, or an individual wire to each one.  Unplug/Unscrew these and unscrew the plugs.
Dab of coppaslip on each one when you fit the new ones.

Less than a tenner each!
Last Edit: December 28, 2015, 17:01:41 PM by soopahfly #187;

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Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #3 on: December 28, 2015, 18:01:55 PM
yes, x-massy  glowplugs :) Also never crank many turns, just a few, wait  and a few more wait  etc. in that way you go easier on your battery also it starts faster.
Last Edit: December 28, 2015, 18:10:00 PM by bear #187;

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Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #4 on: December 28, 2015, 21:31:47 PM
Thanks, that seems to be the trick I've picked up bear :)

Would consensus be to not be lazy and get it sorted, or brave it until warmer weather?

Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #5 on: December 28, 2015, 22:57:07 PM
yeah best to get them done sooner rather than later... plus weather is still pretty mild right now... if we hit a cold snap it could well leave you stuck

fit bosch duraterma... they're the same price as others (maybe £1 each more) but they're miles better and last miles longer :-)
(they're made for people living in proper cold places)

if you fancy a trip up here I'll swap them over for you no probs ;-)

Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #6 on: December 29, 2015, 07:01:57 AM
Thanks, that seems to be the trick I've picked up bear :)

Would consensus be to not be lazy and get it sorted, or brave it until warmer weather?

try a blanket over the engine. cut down the amount of times I had to pre-warm the plugs a treat.
It may only be 1 plug causing the problem.

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Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #7 on: December 29, 2015, 12:32:13 PM
Cheers guys, I'll probably just book into the garage this week as I need to work out why my heater fan is intermittently working too.

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Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #8 on: December 30, 2015, 20:03:50 PM
Unfortunately i no longer work in the scrappy so won't be able to get you a new heater motor assembly for nothing! :P
Insert signature here.

Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #9 on: January 02, 2016, 18:35:19 PM
Cheers guys, I'll probably just book into the garage this week as I need to work out why my heater fan is intermittently working too.

It's a vw, so my money's on the resister in the fan dial.

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Re: Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold
Reply #10 on: January 06, 2016, 08:58:52 AM
Turns out its the heater motor - tenner off ebay and a trip back to the garage to have that fitted and glowplugs changed, should all be sorted by the weekend. :ptu:

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