Jetta 97 Diesel cold canadian weather.

My new toy won't start.

Battery is good, When I turn the key, I can hear a click-click from the hood. The engine turn, but don't start.

The engine didn't start either when the weather came around -10C which is not that cold.

Could it be some kinds of malfunctioning relays or the starter?

Thank in advance.

Reply to
spinoflex
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Check the condition of your battery and make sure the cable clamps are clean. The battery is best checked when it is warm (bring it into the house) and use a battery fluid tester. I don't have the specs in front of me for the specific gravity, but the battery fluid testers that are now sold have the green "acceptable" range clearly shown on them.

A quick way to see if it your battery (aside from checking the cleanliness of the clamps and the ground strap where it connects to the engine block) is to leave a battery charger on the battery overnight - once again this is best done with the battery indoors and warm. Cold batteries don't take a charge as well as warm ones (in my opinion and from a chemistry perspective).

Let us know what you eventually did.

Was the starter turning the engine? Slower than normal? A diesel needs to be cranked quickly to start. Did you have the block heater plugged in? What weight of oil are you using? For diesels in Canadian winter you should be using a synthetic oil. Others will relate the viscosity they use. You should check with your user manual for the viscosity range VW recommends.

I'd check the battery and connections first. Then oil viscosity. Glow plug relays are also important.

Reply to
Ken Pisichko

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