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Diesel Golf struggling to start from cold

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Clock'd 0Ne:
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.

Eggtastico:
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.

soopahfly:
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!

bear:
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.

Clock'd 0Ne:
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?

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