Hi, I have a VW Golf '96 TDI. In these cold mornings it doesn't sart up very well. It seems to struggle. This morning it was a bit more hesitant than normal hence this request.
About a week ago I had my alternator and battery checked and was told both were fine.
Once it's been running it'll start up almost instantly any time afterwards. For example, I made some small start/stop journeys yesterday and it was fine, it's just in the mornings that it seems to find difficult. Should apply some gas (ie put my foot down on the accelerator) before starting etc? Any sure way of telling if it's the glowplugs? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
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I have just replaced my glow plugs.For the same reason.Though different car..
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Steve
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Sorry forgot to mention it starts first time now..
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Steve
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If it's the glowplugs, one or more cylinders will be full of unburnt fuel on startup. Get someone to look at exhaust on startup: if you see grey smoke = unburnt fuel suggesting plugs.
You can take them out one by one and test them - search for a thread here on how to do it.
madf
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I wasnt very helpfull there..As madf said. If the glow plugs. are not heating the air in cylinder enough to assist Compression Ignition ..Ie to create ignition of fuel..Fuel builds up causing soot.This builds up on the plug.Making it harder still to start..It can be a fiddly job taking them out to test..So I always replace rather than test..
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Steve
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I'm mean: I took out on SWMBO's Peugeot 106 and tested and replaced 2 only from Halfords. Despite what people say, the Halfords ones have lasted 5 years so far: as long as the original 2 that failed.
madf
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Either use a DC current clamp or disconnect each glowplud and measure the resistance with a good meter or better still use a 20amp current range meter and connect each one in turn to the Positive battery feed and note the current 12 to 16 amps from memory. Regards Peter
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Thanks for your answers guys. Looks like I'll need a change soon. I'd rather do it early before I get caught out.
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I'm pretty sure I've got one glow plug out on my Xsara as it runs quite rough for 5-10 seconds on a very cold start with lots of white smoke. It's never yet failed to start (in 2 years) but I wonder if I'm causing damage to the engine by not changing this plug?
The trouble is, to change it, I believe the intercooler has to come off, making it an expensive job.
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Well this morning it failed to start...called the recovery services and the mechanic thought it was most likely the battery as once he put his power pack on it started up first time. Unfortunatley I don't know how old the battery is. I've had the car for about 2 and a half years now. So, glow plugs or not? Maybe the battery hasn't got what it takes in the colder months. The recovery guy checked it afterwards to make sure it was charging and it was. I think I'm going to go with the battery option myself, though I'm not 100% sure. Sod's law would have that they're both probably on their way out!!
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Unless you have had problems ie battery is turning engine over slowly.I doubt its that..Symptoms suggest glow plugs.Even more so in this colder than normal weather..Just my thoughts
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Steve
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Most quick fit type outlets will test the battery using specialist test equipment. My local outlet will do it FOC. You have to decide whether you trust them to give an honest answer!
The battery in a diesel does have a hard life, especially in this weather!
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Well I thought I'd post back after having put a new battery in my car. It was a cold night with lots of snow...and it came on first time!! Don't want to get too optimistic though. I'll see how it goes over the next couple of days.
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Sounds like problem solved..Rather easier than changing glow plugs me thinks..
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Steve
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