Starting problems

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Hi all. newbie owner here.

tried the search for this one but nothing seems to hit the nail on the head.

Just aquired a golf 2.0 (115BHP) on 03 plate. It appears to be developing an intermittant starting problem. only appears to happen when engine is cooling down. so not when hot and not when cold. When turning the key the engine spins, almost fires (still on the key here) as soon as key is released it then stalls. second attempt same thing, gave a little juice and it fired, revs at about 1300 for 2-3 seconds then returned to normal idle. Car drives fine at all times with no lack of power.

Cheers

Chris

[richw911]

Faulty fuel pump relay??   

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Cheers for the reply.

Is the relay an easy\readily available thing to replace as a matter of course to see if it cures the prob.

Thanks again

[richw911]

Hi yes. i had the same probs as you with a different make of car (Vauxhall!!  ) replaced it for £15 IIRC. In that car was just pull out the old one and push in the new one!! Ive no idea where it is on the mk4 golf tho soz!! 

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Cheers for that. i shall look into it at the weekend and update thread accordingly.

thanks again

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Update:

Went to stealers to get a fuel pump relay. They couldn’t find one for that model engine. (Bit strange methinks) after a few words with one of the mechs he suggested it may be the coolant temperature sensor that plugs direct into one of the waterways. So I came away with one of those (20 +vat) replaced that, and all was well until the next morn. Maybe a new problem, or an old one masked by previous problem but now only when starting from cold. Turn of the key, release key when engine fires. it then splutters for a second or so (possibly misfiring on one cylinder?) then all is well again until engine is stone cold. This weekend I plan to do a full service including plugs so my question is what sort of oil do you all recommend for these engines? Any other advice on this problem(s) is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Chris

[richw911]

Hmmmm strange. Could be a number of things: Faulty coil packs, dirty throttle body or injectors, MAf sensor (Air sensor)  The best oil is 5w 30 (gtx magnatec IMO!  ) Tho you can use 10w 40 which will be fine. Dont go to the dealers for the oil or spark plugs tho, Halfords is your best bet think thay have oil on offer at the mo!! I got a price for some spark plugs for my 1.8T from the dealers thay wanted £60 lol, Went to halfords got the same plugs with the same part number (just diddnt have vw audi badge stamped on it!!) for £16    I always use genuine oil filters from vw which cost the same as "cheaper makes" thats just my own choice tho.. Hope this helps mate. 

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Cheers for the tips and advice.

want to leave the coil pack till last as all other work is minor and gonna need doing anyway and still have 2 weeks left on warranty from garage I bought it off. Only thing is I need the car daily so can’t afford to let them have it back unless absolutely necessary. Also, I read here somewhere that if there is a faulty coil pack the Steelers replace FOC as its a recognised weakness? Is this right?

Is the maf sensor the one near the airbox that’s held into the pipe with screws? At the moment I have been quoted 6.45 + vat (each) for plugs. If halfords are cheaper ill have a look there tonight. Hopefully the oil is still on offer as my other quote for oil is 36 + governments bit. As for dirty injectors + throttle body is redex fuel system cleaner worth a shot? Some swear by it, some think it’s a waste of money, what do you think?

Thanks again for the tips 

[AlanD]

Mate, If you have the car under warranty I really wouldn't worry about all this and take it straight back to them and get the to fix it.

I realise you need the car daily, but is there no work around for a few days, bus, train?

It will be a lot easier and cheaper to do this, not to mention you have probably paid for this warranty which would be reflected in the price you paid for the car,

[Chris 'N' Jen]

I hear what your saying that’s why I’m only doing the "service" items as whenever I get a new car I always do a full service anyway just for piece of mind more than anything else. Then if I do need to go back to them they aren’t going to fob me off with fuel filter is clogged or similar. If I still have problems after this weekend I will be paying a visit next week sometime.

Unfortunately there is no other way round getting to and from work as I work at 3 different establishments which I travel between daily.