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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Dan380 on 13 February 2017, 21:04

Title: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: Dan380 on 13 February 2017, 21:04

Hi,

I'm new to this forum, had a scan around and couldn't find any other thread with the same topic.

I have a mk5 08 Golf GTI that I've had no problems with, but recently when trying to start the car, it seems like it's struggling to ignite. Upon turning the ignition, it turns over and attempts to ignite, then appears to "choke" and attempts to ignite again. It either ignites the second time or third time.

Could this be the battery or spark plugs perhaps? I did a voltage test on the battery with no engine running and it's just below 12 volts.

Any help would be great!
Dan

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: lemski on 14 February 2017, 08:45

Whats the mileage? Ever had the high pressure pump cam follower done?

Does it feel as if its a little sluggish when driving

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: Dan380 on 14 February 2017, 08:53

It's on 83000 miles. I haven't had the car that long so haven't done any work on it myself.

It doesn't feel sluggish once it's going. The problem only happens on the first initial start of the day or when left for a while. After it's been run it starts easily

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: lemski on 14 February 2017, 09:00

Have you history with the car.
The cam follower lasts roughly 40k miles.
If its worn theres less fuel pressure. Ive never seen one excessively worn so dont know if it would be the problem but its sounding like the fuel pressure isnt there straight away

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: Dan380 on 14 February 2017, 09:43

Yeah it has full service history, even serviced by the garage I bought it from. But it wasn't a vw garage

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: lemski on 14 February 2017, 18:27

Id be looking to see if its ever been changed then. If not id be starting there for definate

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: golfhappy on 14 February 2017, 19:35

Your initial battery voltage is too low, should be at least 12.8v with no engine running.

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: Dan380 on 14 February 2017, 21:30

I'll give the battery a change and hopefully it will help. I'll try look into the cam follower info in the servicing. Thanks for the advice

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: WolfsburgEd on 19 October 2017, 19:55

OP - did you get this sorted?

I've got the same issue, the battery has been replaced but its still taking ages to start from cold. Turns over at a fine speed but just wont catch and sounds a bit odd as it gets ignited then its all fine and is fine for the next start for the return home journey 8 hrs later.

Title: Re: 08 Golf GTI Struggling to start
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 13 June 2018, 20:24

Quote from: lemski on 14 February 2017, 09:00

The cam follower lasts roughly 40k miles.

Sorry but that is horse poo.  Providing the engine oil has been changed regularly with an appropriate LongLife III oil, the cam follower will last around 100,000 miles.