Starting a Diesel

[Ben_1uk]

I've noticed over the last couple of mornings with the colder weather, the car has been a little hesitant to start? It always starts first time everytime, but there's almost a fraction of a second delay between turning the key in the ignition and the engine turning over - almost like I'm doing something wrong..?

I know on some older diesels you have to wait for various things to go out on the dash, or for things to warm up.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying the car isn't starting - it's just starting differently from when it does at normal temperature. Is this normal or not?

Thanks,
Ben.

[Rhyso]

i've noticed it too - make sure you give it a second or two AFTER the glow plug light has gone out and then start it 

also make sure all electrical items such as aircon and your headlights are off until you start the engine - this will give you more starting current and should aid the start 

[Dubbz]

Yeah same as, i've noticed mines louder, and ticks over slightly higher. But it was very cold last night  still no black smoke out the zorst.
I just have to check i aint got a plough on the back. 

[dai-cymru]

it's cold and glow plugs will be taking longer to warm up, dont worry about it as long as it starts. 

[Ben_1uk]

Thanks for the reassurance guys! It started much better this morning taking the advice from Rhyso. As long as it's nothing to worry about!

[Ridg]

it's cold and glow plugs will be taking longer to warm up, dont worry about it as long as it starts. 

on any derv you need^* to wait for the glow plug to go out before you turn the key, failure to do this will damage the glow plugs and cause them to fail prematurely.

^* If you read the hand book, it states the golf can be started with the light still on above 6^oC  however i'd recomend waiting for the light to go out regardless of the temperature.

[Ben_1uk]

on any derv you need* to wait for the glow plug to go out before you turn the key, failure to do this will damage the glow plugs and cause them to fail prematurely.

* If you read the hand book, it states the golf can be started with the light still on above 6oC  however i'd recomend waiting for the light to go out regardless of the temperature.

Noted!

[Rmachines]

I have had to wait for my glow plug light to go out and then turn the ignition off and back on again to reheat them to get it to start sometimes, it needs it extra hot, but then if its -3 and u got knackerd glow plugs it doesnt help    Oh and this is on a MK3 so yer... ha

[bobbarley]

My makes Corsa diesel sounds like a RIGHT tank at the moment!!

[stevec]

i find that in the cold morning mine does take abit more to start but it helps by pressing the clutch peddle down before starting the engine.