Engine Not Starting Properly - 04 Ibiza
Discussion
Hey guys wonder if anyone could advise me on a starting problem.
Nearly all the time the car starts fine, but occasionally I start the car from cold and after 2 seconds the engine dies. I start the engine and all is well.
Today I started and moved the car a few feet forward on the driveway (so I could hoover it) and then started it later in the afternoon when I needed to use it. The engine died after the first start so I went to turn the key again, but this time the engine was really struggling. It was really struggling to crank over and with a bit of throttle (I never normally use any throttle on during a cold start - I've always thought it to be bad practice) it started, I lifted my foot off the throttle and it died again.
So I put my foot down on the throttle and tried again, it fired into life again and I held my foot on the throttle (at 2k revs) for about 20 seconds. I lifted my foot and all was well with the car.
I went to Halfords for a battery test and their test tool said the battery was "good" and putting out 410A(it says 360A on the battery). I started the car in Halfords car park and it was fine.
Drove back home (drove fine) turned it off, went back out in it to the start of my evening run. Finished my run 45 mins later and tried starting it again, and it started absolubtley fine.
I'm trying to think what it could be? I am probably way off but from a thread I read years ago I may have read that the EGR valve being dirty/blocked could be a possible cause.
Many thanks,
Matt
Nearly all the time the car starts fine, but occasionally I start the car from cold and after 2 seconds the engine dies. I start the engine and all is well.
Today I started and moved the car a few feet forward on the driveway (so I could hoover it) and then started it later in the afternoon when I needed to use it. The engine died after the first start so I went to turn the key again, but this time the engine was really struggling. It was really struggling to crank over and with a bit of throttle (I never normally use any throttle on during a cold start - I've always thought it to be bad practice) it started, I lifted my foot off the throttle and it died again.
So I put my foot down on the throttle and tried again, it fired into life again and I held my foot on the throttle (at 2k revs) for about 20 seconds. I lifted my foot and all was well with the car.
I went to Halfords for a battery test and their test tool said the battery was "good" and putting out 410A(it says 360A on the battery). I started the car in Halfords car park and it was fine.
Drove back home (drove fine) turned it off, went back out in it to the start of my evening run. Finished my run 45 mins later and tried starting it again, and it started absolubtley fine.
I'm trying to think what it could be? I am probably way off but from a thread I read years ago I may have read that the EGR valve being dirty/blocked could be a possible cause.
Many thanks,
Matt
Look to the right side of the engine as you're above it and see if there's a cylindrical unit bolted to the side of the head/block. Some of the lower sized VAG engines have EGR valves that can get clogged with soot when running rich. If it has, take it off (there should be 2x 30/40 male torx bolts that hold it down) and clean it then re-fit it and try again while it's cold. If it doesn't, disconnect the electric connector and try start it again. They make a hell of a difference when they're clogged up.
If it starts when it's disconnected / cleaned, take the plugs out and check them for wear. While you're in there, look to the left of the engine at the injection manifold (plenum) and there's a small sensor with 2/3 vaccuum pips connected to it. They're prone to splitting and leaking in air which makes it overfuel. Take the MAP sensor off (it just plugs in with a rubber gromit but be gentle) and see if it too is clogged up. If it is, get rid of the soot and replace and make sure that all the pipes are fitted without any splits.
My guess is they will be leaking and causing the symptoms you're experiencing.
If it starts when it's disconnected / cleaned, take the plugs out and check them for wear. While you're in there, look to the left of the engine at the injection manifold (plenum) and there's a small sensor with 2/3 vaccuum pips connected to it. They're prone to splitting and leaking in air which makes it overfuel. Take the MAP sensor off (it just plugs in with a rubber gromit but be gentle) and see if it too is clogged up. If it is, get rid of the soot and replace and make sure that all the pipes are fitted without any splits.
My guess is they will be leaking and causing the symptoms you're experiencing.
Defcon5 said:
The immobilisor allows the engine to start and then cuts out after a couple of seconds
The standard factory fitted immobilisers cut power to the pump and the starter so he wouldn't get the motor to turn if it was an immobiliser problem. You would also get an illumination on the dash board as rule which would flash as you turn it over. Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff