2001 TDI - Smokey start, low cold power

Sep 18, 2006 3 Replies

I already had this issue at the end of last winter, I think I am better solve it before the cold starts again:



I spew a lot of smoke and start with very low power in my 2001 VW Golf TDI. Now at 100,000 mi, and no other issues to talk of. In fact the car gets all the boost after it's warmed up. Also it happens sometimes that the engine does not start at first few rotations, I have to crank a second time when really cold outside.



For the record, I still have my original glow plugs, but they measure good resistance. There are no check lights, no computer reporting on this issue. Filters, oil etc. I change on schedule.



Any suggestions what to do?


Have you just tried running something like Diesel Kleen through it for a fill up or two? Not saying this will solve anything, but when stuck for an answer to this it is something I would consider.

fundamentalism, fundamentally wrong.

Sure sounds like weak glow plugs -- exactly the symptoms I experienced when my glow plugs would go. First, check the glow plug fuse. The plugs may be good, but if they aren't getting current, they aren't much good. I don't know about '01s, but my diesel had a fuse mounted on the firewall, in a separate box, which was a fusible link, a short strip of metal mounted between lugs.

Cool, didn't think about a blown fuse.

fundamentalism, fundamentally wrong.

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