Polo 1.9TDi Starting Problem

[Tebello]

Hi everyone I need some assistance please.
Every morning when try to start my polo it cranks for long periods then the oil lamp comes on and at this point I'd turn the ignition off then on again. The after cranking for a couple of seconds it would start, and for as long as the engine is warm it'll start with no issues. Once it gets cold then the long cranking scenario starts again. I've changed a can speed sensor, batteries and still no change.

[MeanTdi]

Hi everyone I need some assistance please.
Every morning when try to start my polo it cranks for long periods then the oil lamp comes on and at this point I'd turn the ignition off then on again. The after cranking for a couple of seconds it would start, and for as long as the engine is warm it'll start with no issues. Once it gets cold then the long cranking scenario starts again. I've changed a can speed sensor, batteries and still no change.

Have you checked the cam position sensor? Try scan for errors.

[Tebello]

@MeanTdi thanks for the response, yes I have checked the cam position sensor and even changed the cam speed sensor as it was giving the cam speed sensor fault, but not anymore now. It's only the long cranking when the engine is cold. But I will try a full scan to see if I can pick up anything else.

[MeanTdi]

Have you changed the cam belt recently? Maybe timing is out?

[vee4410]

Could be glow plugs as well.

[Tebello]

@MeanTdi yes I have changed the cambelt. Funny thing is that I once changed the battery and problem went away for about 7 weeks then it started again recently even with a new battery from VW.

[Tebello]

@vee4410 I also suspect that could be the problem. The problem has to do with the engine's startup temperature.

[Neuk]

Cambelt position sensor is more likely, unless you live in arctic weather conditions, the glow plugs are never activated. Seeing that you mentioned your battery, have you checked the earthing at all?

[amstel18]

I would have the timing checked on vag com. The PD motors are quite sensitive to timing.

Could be that with the new battery the cranking speed was strong enough to overcome the timing that is slightly off.

As Neuk mentioned also check the earth. Both on the body and the gearbox. Remove, clean and re-tighten.

[Tebello]

@Neuk, no I haven't checked the earthing. So that's another item on the list to be checked.

[EduanNell]

Hi guys my polo 1.9 tdi starts easily in the morning,and after I drop the little one at school doesnt want to start again.Changed the battery,did a full service,new glow plugs,glowplug harness,temperature sensor,cam speed sensor.Dont know what to do one day it starts fine other days .It gives one a hell of an headache.Please if someone had the same problem help...

[BIGMIG]

Fuel temp sensor? Also have you scanned the car?

[EduanNell]

The scan said the cam position sensor and crankshaft speed sensor but I already replaced the speed sensor

[Neels0829]

Hi guys. I have the same issue as EduanNell here. My Polo 1.9TDI also intermittently takes much longer to start. 5 to 6 seconds, or on the second attempt, hot or cold, there is just no patern to the problem. I scanned it, no error codes, I replaced the 5 year old glow plugs, but still the same issue. I am scared to take it in for fault finding, and it never shows.. Did any of you have success yet?

[Tylertdi]

I have the exact same problem mine is the asz engine 1.9 tdi Polo 96kw and another fault which I don't really know if it is a fault I replaced the pipe to clear reinforced hose after fuel filter and after I turn off the car the fuel runs dack into filter and leaves pipe empty could this be the problem

[ES1987]

Hi guys. I have the same issue as EduanNell here. My Polo 1.9TDI also intermittently takes much longer to start. 5 to 6 seconds, or on the second attempt, hot or cold, there is just no patern to the problem. I scanned it, no error codes, I replaced the 5 year old glow plugs, but still the same issue. I am scared to take it in for fault finding, and it never shows.. Did any of you have success yet?

I had the same problem last year - turned out to be a dying battery. It could also be dirty injectors.

In fact, it could be any one of a wide array of issues but I would start to look at the battery.

Fault finding may just be the best way to narrow it down.

[Neels0829]

Thanks guys. I have done a battery change, but the "taking longer to start intermittently" problem still continued. Sometimes, it starts fine for weeks, then suddenly it takes 5-6 seconds to start, twice on one day. I must do the 300 000km timing belt service in the next year, hoping that if it is a timing issue, it will be resolved. If it is dirty injectors, can I do a tank with injector cleaner? or any other specific product you can recommend to clean injectors? My 1.9tdi is still very original, clutch, turbo, injectors, cv joints, all original still. So I guess its about time for something to give trouble

[Ashveer03]

U most likely have a failing cam sensor, it's almost always responsible for intermittent starting issues.

Liqui moly super diesel additive can be diluted with diesel in the tank.
Liqui moly diesel purge must be used as the only fuel source, basically the engine must run on it until the can is finished.

I frequently use the above products and the results speak for itself.

These products are mainly used for preventative maintenance, not for restoring faulty injectors.

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[ShivenRamlal]

Hi ... did you manage to resolve the issue ... because my tdi is also displaying same symptoms