Difficult to start

[DEREKCO2 1]

Hello I own an Audi A4 2008 2.0ltr tdi CAGA engine code in winter the car is difficult to start (Summer it’s fine ) I replaced the battery , glow plugs and relay still difficult to start I have yet to test the voltage to the plugs the fuses in the boot above the battery are fine any thoughts would be gratefully acceptable .Derek

[Charlie1280 0]

Following this as I have the same problem with mine, I’ve just got a battery charger & that’s helping getting it started through the winter x 

[Magnet 340]

Hello both,

I depends what you mean by difficult to start.

If you mean the engine turns over slowly, then check battery (may test OK at normal temps., but can suffer from voltage drop at low temps.), battery terminal connections, main body and engine earth connections, starter motor issues and connections on to this. 

Its worth noting that Diesel engines run at over twice the compression ratio of petrol engines, so all the above are under greater stress than petrol engines - particularly at low temps., and batteries will need to be heavier duty to cope with this. 

If the engine turns over enthusiastically at low temperatures, but the car is still difficult to start - refer back. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Magnet 340]

Hello both,

I’ve had already had a couple of PMs from Charlotte giving more detailed,meaningful information against other issues with this car. I’ve replied to her and thanked her for that.

I’ve now had a PM from Derek - the original poster on this thread. This PM gives some - generally already known information, but nothing in reply to clarifying the ‘slow to start’ question:- engine turning over slowly, or enthusiastically but slow to start/fire? 

I wonder if I can ask posters not to PM me with answers to questions asked in the open forum, but to post their answers so everyone can follow the thread. 

I have asked Derek to post the content of his PM (and hopefully answer the basis question. 

Many thanks,

Gareth. 

[DEREKCO2 1]

Engine turns normal no drop in battery voltage just turns then eventually fires after that car is fine , in the summer the car starts ok so am check supply feed starting with fuses in the boot on top of the battery then investigate forward 

[DEREKCO2 1]

At the moment I have removed the glow plug module to test voltage supply I have checked the glow plugs resistance for all plugs is 0.1 ohms I have checked continuity of Reed wires to the plugs no breakages resistance is zero this reading is taken from the tip of the supply cables back to the module mounting socket. Should I have the ignition on when I test voltage from battery I believe this voltage goes through the engine management module before it gets to glow plug module ?

[Magnet 340]

Hello Derek,

I would say you need to have the ignition switched on when you do the voltage check. If this all proves to be serviceable, to my mind, I would think you have been as thorough as possible with the DIY work and checks you could be expected to do. 

With serviceable glow plugs, and the engine turning over enthusiastically ( and starting OK when hot, but not cold) then if it were, I think I would now be investing in an hour’s labour at a trusted local diesel specialist to investigate further - possible injector issues?? 

For ‘trusted local diesel specialist’ I normally suggest asking for recommendations at your local taxi rank - these chaps depend on such contacts. Unfortunately, I doubt whether you are going to get many taxis on the rank in these troubled times. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[DEREKCO2 1]

Thanks as I am a retired diesel mechanic 🚌 public service vehicles I ain’t going to give up yet I have a brand new 457 glow plug module to fit plus I have a few avenues to investigate will keep updates coming for other members