Technical problem need advice

Our car, a Golf TD is having problems starting. It has an intermittent problem when some days it takes a few seconds to fire. On one occasion it wouldn't start at all and only started after turning the car over for about 20-30 seconds when it started after a struggle.

We took it to a main dealer and they could find no fault with it. It has been fine for two weeks and now, again, it's struggling to start, taking about 3-4 seconds and not sounding too healthy.

A few months back it cut out completely. The fuel pump was replaced. It cut out again and the garage (not VW) couldn't diagnose the problem as it started for them. It cut out again so taking it back they changed the fuel filter and a relay (not sure which one). Perfect for a couple of months until the problems mentioned at the beginning of this note started.

Any help would be really appreciated as to possible cause of our problem.

Asked on 17 February 2013 by Martino

Answered by Alan Ross
You do not say what year the car is and the size of the engine.
However have assumed that it is up to a 2006 model with a 1.9 TDI engine fitted.
Therefore we would suggest that the following is checked.
1. The fuel system, ie fuel pipes/connections
2. The fuel pre heat valve
3. If no leaks found then check the fuel gauge tank sensor. Normally a diagnostic check would be carried out and a fault code identified. but if you are saying no code can be found,then check the following.
4. Glow plug control module- if fitted
5. Glow plug relay - if fitted
6. ECT (engine coolant temp sensor)
7. Injectors- may need a leak of test
8. Fuel Injection timing solenoid
9. EGR (exhaust gas recycling) solenoid
10. EGR valve - mechanical
A long list but if no diagnostic fault code then you have to check all other items.
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