Cold Start Rough Idle 2.0 TDI

[MABSTER]

My 2005 Altea 2.0 TDI Sport has a rough idle on cold startup until it warms up. The car feels very lumpy. However when the air con is switched on the problem goes away as it tells the engine to increase revs.

I have had the car put on diagnostics at a local garage and it has no faults. The 'computer said no' so garage could not help.

Does anybody have any ideas.

 

[Toxic]

have you had the timing belt changed recently?

 

[MABSTER]

Car has now done 40k and timing belt was changed last year. Just after the timing belt was changed the car kept dropping revs and shaking. I had the car recovered to the garage. I was told that it was a tempreature sensor that had gone. This was replaced and sorted the problem out.

It has really been having the problem since about April this year.

 

[oldtimer]

Did the garage tell you what temp sensor they replaced? May be worth changing your fuel filter, if it hasn't been done.
Typical of garages these days, if the diagnostic check says nothing is wrong then that's it, even though in your case something is obviously not right. What ever happend to mechanics ( or should they now be called part replacers ) listening to an engine, and knowing by experience something is amiss.

 

[MABSTER]

You are completely right, in my option the latest generation of mechanics have been completely deskilled because of the onboard computers. If the computer says no, they are really unsure what to do.

This must be great for the dealers, as I was refered back to SEAT as I was told that they would know the engine better.

This is a 2.0 TDI which is probably now one of the most popular engines accross the VW group.

I fear local garages will just become part replacers and service monkeys.

 

[MABSTER]

To add, not sure what the temprature sensor was they replaced, cost be about £30 for the part.

It seems you have to work out the issues yourself by browsing the Forums and telling local garages them where to look. Otherwise its the dealers.

 

[PhilOfCas]

if it makes you feel any better, mines been like that since we got it, about 5 year, i'm just seeing how the problem develops ha-ha. I did post on here quite a while ago asking for help with VAG COM but I never got it done, I do honestly think the slight bobble on tickover (even when warmed up) can be a trait of the engine. Mate of mine had a similar problem with a Golf V5, had it VAG COm'd, threw a couple of hundred quid at it (based on the garage saying this that and the other) and still had a problem !, just leave it is my advice (until it very clear what the problem is).

 

[MABSTER]

Recently had car serviced and computer came up needed new temp sensor. This was changed but made no difference. SEAT specialist could not work out what the issue was!!!!!

Popped into SEAT dealer recently to enquire about wiper blades (v expensive so did not buy) was told car was due a recall (the one on fuel pump) now all sorted. Happy Altea owner again.