Warm / Hot Start Issue

[onefifty370]

Hi All,
I've taken delivery of a 2008 Passat TDI (125kW) and after a few weeks of driving have had a few occasions where I have not been able to start the car. It turns over, but refuses to fire.

The problem has always occured after a relatively long drive (engine is up to normal operating temps), and when the car is re-started shortly after shutting down (1 to 10 min). It also occurs when outside ambient temperatures are low (~10 degrees). After a wait of around 10-15mins, the car fires up fine (as if nothing was wrong).

Has anyone experienced this issue? Being new to diesels I'm not really sure what could cause the issue, though I believe the glow plug indicator lamp does not come on for long when the problem occurs (though this could just be coincidence).

Hope someone can help ... as I'm sure I wont be able to replicate the problem for the service department!

Thanks
Mike

[nutttr]

First thing to try is waiting about 10 seconds before starting it. Even though the glow plug light is not on, the plugs will still be heating.

You may have bad plugs, or there might be an electrical issue. Either way the dealer may be able to check for a code in the ECU as it may have thrown one.

Mine does take longer to start when hot and it clunks into life rather than being smooth!

[h100vw]

Mike, It needs scanning for fault codes. Either by Solitaire, an independant like German Auto or someone with a VCDS lead.
Internet diagnosis is not often accurate.
Gavin

[onefifty370]

Thanks Guys,
Appreciate that. Thought it may be a common problem (or worse operator error!).

Have heard bad things about certain VW service departments ... and being under warranty, I figured they may try and avoid a repair, so I wanted to at least arrive with some knowledge in hand

Mike

[flat04]

Mike, history tells me that cars that start fine when cold but have difficulty turning over when warm have earth troubles. If the earth connections are not contacting or the wires are too thin then when the car is running they get warm/hot. This increases their resistance so when you go to start the car it has trouble getting enough current to the starter motor.

Please note this might not be your issue but is what we have always found in the past with our various farm vehicles.

Let us know how you go, if you're half handy I would be borrowing a decent earth lead and making sure the battery connections are perfect.

Andrew