Hi, this is my first post on the forum since buying my 2001 1.4 TDI in April and I really hope someone can help.
I've got a problem with cold starting, this started to happen about 2 months after I bought it, up until then it was fine. The problem is: When the engine is cold (only cold) I have to crank it for some time before it finally splutteres into life in a cloud of smoke. After it warms up the smoke clears and starts fine. Now I know a bit about cars, I changed the cambelt myself on this and the nearside shock.
First I suspected a clogged fuel filter so changed that; no difference. I bought the diagnostics cable, ran a test and it came back with error code 01406 - No Flame. This suggested air in the fuel line. This is probable; since the pump sucks rather than blows it could easily suck air in through a weak joining clip, but I've searched the car from end to end and from what I can see they look fine. I was advised to put some clear pipe up near the pump and look for air and sure enough I could see air bubbles in the fuel. This would fit with the symptoms - (air build up over time at the pump input causing an air lock - bleed issue). Also I think I've found a little (poor) workaround: by flooring the accelerator pedal just as I turn the key it appears to pull it over the dead spot. Though revving a cold engine can't be good for it. It certainly doesn't sound like its doing it any good. And desn't always work.
I've looked at all the posts on the forum that are similar - crank sensor / temp sensor etc and can pretty much discount these although I haven't totally written these off.
The temp sensor is a possible. If this fires up the glow plugs. I've yet to put a meter across the glow plug supply and see if they are getting a voltage and for how long? Is the temp sensor that is often refered to the one in the fuel line or in the bottom of the water tank?
If anyone has any suggestions they would be dearly welcome!
Many thanks
I've got a problem with cold starting, this started to happen about 2 months after I bought it, up until then it was fine. The problem is: When the engine is cold (only cold) I have to crank it for some time before it finally splutteres into life in a cloud of smoke. After it warms up the smoke clears and starts fine. Now I know a bit about cars, I changed the cambelt myself on this and the nearside shock.
First I suspected a clogged fuel filter so changed that; no difference. I bought the diagnostics cable, ran a test and it came back with error code 01406 - No Flame. This suggested air in the fuel line. This is probable; since the pump sucks rather than blows it could easily suck air in through a weak joining clip, but I've searched the car from end to end and from what I can see they look fine. I was advised to put some clear pipe up near the pump and look for air and sure enough I could see air bubbles in the fuel. This would fit with the symptoms - (air build up over time at the pump input causing an air lock - bleed issue). Also I think I've found a little (poor) workaround: by flooring the accelerator pedal just as I turn the key it appears to pull it over the dead spot. Though revving a cold engine can't be good for it. It certainly doesn't sound like its doing it any good. And desn't always work.
I've looked at all the posts on the forum that are similar - crank sensor / temp sensor etc and can pretty much discount these although I haven't totally written these off.
The temp sensor is a possible. If this fires up the glow plugs. I've yet to put a meter across the glow plug supply and see if they are getting a voltage and for how long? Is the temp sensor that is often refered to the one in the fuel line or in the bottom of the water tank?
If anyone has any suggestions they would be dearly welcome!
Many thanks