‘98 Jetta TDI-cold start problems
Brought my car in because it was a (sudden) very hard starting in the cold AM, blowing black smoke and the check engine light was on. It was difficult to start after sitting for 6 hours or so but restarted easily when warm.
Dealer replaced glow plugs and relay, cleared the CE light, good to go. I went to pick up-hard start, blowing black smoke, CE light came on. They checked and said the harness needed to be replaced (was done 1 year ago). Did that while I waited, took it home, next AM hard start, smoke, CE light. Brought it back-printout said it was a sporatic fault but they have been unable to fix it.
The service guy has been good to me-and I didn’t buy the car there. I’m on my 2nd day in a new Jetta while they work on mine. The mechanic even came out to talk to me-I know they are trying but not getting anywhere. I only intend to keep the car for a short while due to other problems so I’d appreciate it if anyone here who has experienced this or a similar problem can offer suggestions.
When I start it cold I can just hold the key and crank it till it starts or try it for short bursts until it starts-it seems to take about the same time. I can hear it “”almost”" catch, then finally start and run. Once it starts it’s fine, doesn’t stall or falter-. I have no clue and it seems they are stumped too.
Thanks,
Dorothy
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297 Said,
March 8, 2006 @ 5:21 am
‘98 Jetta TDI-cold start problems – Read this informative thread on TDI Club. Hell, print it out and give it to the service tech.
vabeachautohaus Said,
March 16, 2006 @ 9:14 am
‘98 Jetta TDI-cold start problems – What fault are they getting.?.Sounds like pump timing is out and have them check the egr valve and make sure it is not sticking.
vabeachautohaus Said,
March 29, 2006 @ 3:14 am
‘98 Jetta TDI-cold start problems – possible coolant temp sensor fault.coolant temp regulation in sensor going bad.
Tototwo Said,
March 29, 2006 @ 12:03 pm
‘98 Jetta TDI-cold start problems – The fault is glow plug heater. I posted at length in the tdi club cold start thread-so far no useful replies yet.
After replacing the relay, glow plugs and harness they also replaced a flat fuse and a relay controller that they described as “”like a computer”". They kept the car for several days and it was fine for them. I got it back and after 3 cold and several warmer starts over a 2 day period i called to tell them is was OK.
That night it started funny-as if I hadn’t waited for the GP light to go off- – and, the CE light didn’t go out after it started. I drove it for a bit, stopped, shut it off, waited and restarted. Good start, I drove it about 1/10 mile and the CE light came on. Next morning the GP light went off almost instantly-too quick for the temp-I had a hard start and CE light on after a short drive.
Called the dealer-they told me to hang in until they can get a loaner for me. The car has been about the same. It appears the GPs are not heating enough, the light goes out too soon. I’m frustrated, so are they. Logically, it has to be something farther up the line that is blowing out but I don’t know what. The service rep said there isn’t much else in the GP system to address.
If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions i’d appreciate hearing them.
TIA-
T2