Cold Start Problems: Car Won't Start?

Hello, fellow diesel drivers.

While this page describes the cold start issues with TDI engines very well, unfortunately, I'm still experiencing this problem.

I recently acquired an Audi A6 Avant (90 TDI) engine, identification number 1Z.

When I start the engine in the morning, it takes 4-6 seconds to start (only when it's cold).
It also produces a lot of white smoke and runs somewhat unevenly for the first 15 seconds.
(like a 3-cylinder engine). The problem is described in detail here, and I've already been to the workshop, but without success.
The battery and the starter relay are new.
The spark plugs have been checked and are in good condition.
These have already been exchanged for new ones.

I bought the car from a third owner, and unfortunately, it doesn't have a service record.
(But it was very cheap for that!)
The timing belt has been checked and was recently replaced.
The car has now covered 180,000 km and, considering its weight, performs very well with its 90 horsepower engine. The fuel consumption is between 5.7 and 6 liters.

Maybe someone else among you has an idea.

By the way, my temperature gauge isn't reading above 60 degrees, even though it should. It also has an oversized radiator for the 'little motor.' Could that be the reason?

Thank you very much for your TIPS .

Hello,
'In my case, the engine also started after about 4 seconds. I suspect it was due to a weak battery. I believe the spark plugs didn't heat up properly because of the weak battery, and secondly, the starter motor didn't spin fast enough for the same reason.'
With a new battery, the problem was solved.

Hello,

Before we get too heated in this discussion, I recommend you check out the "Monsterthread."

/viewtopic.php?t=1610

He had similar problems there, and the incompetence of the workshops was also outstanding!

Hi,

I would also recommend this thread to you.
/viewtopic.php?t=1880&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
My AAT had the same quirks.
It should be the start of the injection process - when I bought my car, the timing belt was also replaced, but apparently not adjusted correctly.
It's strange that your workshop didn't confirm this.

I also experienced the issue where the cooling temperature didn't reach 90 degrees.
The thermostat is likely defective.
Even less likely would be a faulty display unit or a defective temperature sensor that provides the temperature reading to the display.

P.S.:
On the fringe.
Do you have a C4 A6, or what?
Before I finally decided on the 2.5-liter engine, I also test drove the 90-horsepower version. It really runs quite fast for such a large car.
Unfortunately, it is very rare because the combination of engine and body was not very popular and raised doubts about its performance.
I didn't buy it only because it was completely overpriced.
And the 2.5 has a fuel consumption of 6.5 liters, which is very good.
Besides, the sound it makes on the highway is very soothing – like a comfortable touring bus (and that's exactly how it feels to drive).

I also experienced the startup problems described.
For me, it was the default setting of the ESP.
Since then, it often starts up even before the key is fully turned.
Good luck.
Best regards from Bielefeld.

Peter.

Bertil wrote:

The incompetence of the workshops was also impressive!!

and especially my .

@Tommy:

First, check the starting time with the engine running. This is very likely the problem, as mentioned above. Also, get a digital multimeter to measure voltage (battery check) and current (at least 20 amps for the glow plugs).

Best regards, Christian.

haehnlein wrote:

and above all, my .

Hi Christian,

Your clumsiness is understandable, as you had to learn. However, if the workshop doesn't recognize the problem (and they should be familiar with it), that's very concerning!

Bertil wrote:

However, if the workshop doesn't recognize the problem (which they should be familiar with), then that is very concerning!

Hi Bertil.

I probably should have written something like "usual" or "normal" instead of "questionable" .

Of course, exceptions only confirm the rule, and hopefully, readers from similar workshops won't encounter the same problem .