2.0TFSI Engine struggles to start when cold?

[T0ma5]

Need some help please!

My car:
2006 Leon Fr
2.0 TFSI
Roughly 55k miles
No modifications

Something I've noticed recently;

When starting my car from cold, the engine seems to struggle to turn over. It always starts eventually but you can hear it chugging for a brief moment (2-3 seconds) before it eventually wakes up and starts. I always turn the ignition on for a few seconds before starting then engine and I always dip the clutch as well.

When I start the engine during the day after its been running for a while it starts like a charm (taking about 1 second from when I turn the key). It's only when I start the car in the morning or late at night when it's been left for about 4 hours or more.

The car idles fine; sits just over 1000 rpm when cold started and eventually rests at about 750 rpm. Drives like a dream too so no other symptoms really.

Any ideas on what could be causing this chaps?

Cheers

 

[DAZFR72]

Could poss have a fuel pump lifter fault , apparently the cam follower wears , there is a thread called change in tfsi design saying something about the lifter , has the fuel filter been changed ?

 

[manhota]

BATTERY is on its way out your car is fine, buy a new battery to solve the problem thats what i did.

 

[tom.b]

IV had this exacly the same problem for around a year, never had any further issue.... However thinking about it the battery sounds right would make sense seen as though its only after its been left for a few hours, mite go get a new battery

 

[davyboy]

Nothing to worry about its just how the 2 litre TFSI engine is mine has done this almost from new 07 petrol FR and always starts with no other running issues however it did go in recently for a coil pack recall so had new plugs at the same time starts perfect everytime now, if it idles correctly as you say it does and doesnt appear juddery i wouldnt worry its fine.

 

[Paulki]

I recently replaced the original battery on my 06 TFSI Sport; although it never had any problems turning the engine over even during the winter, but the voltage was low at 12.4v when it should be a minimum of 12.5v, new batteries will be over 12.65v.

The low voltage seems to have been the cause of my EPC error which needed the ECU reflashed to fix and clear the errors.

If you don't have a multimeter to check the voltage; lift the battery cover up and have a look at the battery condition display window, it should be green; if it's red or black you need a new battery.

I bought an Exide Premium EA640 which has higher 'Cold Cranking Amps' than the standard factory battery, is a bit smaller (width) and much lighter.
.

 

[Tricky Red]

'Might' be the tumble flaps are not operating correctly.

 

[T0ma5]

Really appreciate the feedback guys.

I'll deffinately look at the battery display window Paul, thanks for the info.

Davyboy - I've got the car booked in for the replacement ignition coils this weekend also as I heard about the recall through this forum so hopefully it'll fix the issue like it did yours.

Will update you all with any progress!

Cheers.

 

[MrFwibble]

Hmm, interesting, mine has this trick also!

Would appreciate anything you find out

I have had the coil packs replaced and the camfollower also. (The one removed was in good condition).

Does anyone know the process that happens when you open the door to prime to fuel pump. Is it the one in the fuel tank that does this job?

Ta
Dave

 

[vincent5525]

Ill second the battery is getting tired. They tend to last around the 5-6 year mark on cars, so if its the original then youve done well.