VW Golf MK5 Diesel starting issue help please

[wigtin]

Hi,
I'm having an issue starting the car for the first time most days.
I turn the key, the ignition fires up for half a second, then the engine conks out.
I then have to turn the key again but hold it starting (cranking away) for about 10 seconds before it finally starts normally.

A restart of the car later in the day normally starts the car fine.

I don't use the car every day, and may start it in the afternoon, which may be nice and warm, so it isn't like its a cold morning issue.

I'm pretty sure the starter motor is fine, was replaced about 8 years ago.
Battery was also replaced about 8 years ago, and seems fine, although I may need to charge it up after all this excessive extra cranking of the car.

To me it seems like there isn't enough fuel getting through straight away, so it starts from the remains the day before, and then there's a lack of fuel to keep it going?

Any help gratefully received.
Thanks

[stevemcs]

It could be lots of different things, probably worth getting diagnostics carried out to see what live data shows. But the first thing I would try is the fuel filter if it hasn't been replaced in the last 2 years.

[wigtin]

stevemcs said:

It could be lots of different things, probably worth getting diagnostics carried out to see what live data shows. But the first thing I would try is the fuel filter if it hasn't been replaced in the last 2 years.

Good point, yes will do that first and then see if does the same thing. Thanks for the suggestion