Cold-start, diesel

Describe your problem in more detail. Does the engine not turn over? does it start but run rough? Does it make no sound at all? Has this always been a problem since you've owned the car? COuld it be poor quality fuel?

I have a 2001 Golf and it starts very well in frigid weather. Sometimes I'll turn off the ignition and let the glow plug warmers cycle through again.

I suggest you get some Stanadyne, Power Service, Primrose 409 or some other good fuel additive and use it throughout the winter every time you fill your tank.

The engine turns, but but ignites poorely. The fuel is ok. The problem occured first morning it was freezing. I think the preheater doesn't work, but no fuses are blown. I don't know how to test the preheater-system, I guess there is a relay somewhere. It did start after several attemps, though.

Sounds like one or more dead glow plugs to me. Does the exhaust smell like raw (unburned) diesel fuel? That's what I've found. With one dead glow plug it starts but is rough at first. As soon as a second goes it gets VERY hard to start in cold weather.

I had similar problems, e.g. it seemed to be worse when a dramatic swing in temp takes place. Steady cold temps didnt seem to cause as many issues as big swings (e.g 70F to 45F overnight). No issues since the new plugs came from mail order (vwparts.com). My tdi is the same age as yours....August '99.

Bent Pedersen wrote in news:3fd8b0ff$0$25816$ba624c82 @nntp03.dk.telia.net:

A blown glow plug, or faulty wiring harness, wouldn't be unusual, and would cause this problem, but you should have a check engine light for either of those causes. Is anything else happening at the same time?

Do you get a "Service Engine Soon" light when these things go? Just curious because I just got a 2003 Jetta GLS TDI.

I've never had to replace a glow plug on a TDI. Most of my experience was with an 84 Jetta TD that I kept for 9+ years, and a 92 Jetta TD that I kept for 4+ years. Neither of those had a check engine light.

No lights other than the normal. But it has only happened once, so far. I'll have to wait untill it's freezing again.

Mine just passed 220000km so maybe I'll have to check the preheating system. But sofar there has been no problems at all, so I don't complain :-)

First thing to look for is the battery if this is the original.

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