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Starting problems

Gavlar81

Active Member
Jul 20, 2015
3
0
Hi,

I have a 2009 plate 1.4 Ibiza which has intermittent starting problems, on most days it starts fine on the odd occasion it will be a struggle to get it started but eventually it will start. Engine cranks over, just doesn't seem to have enough oomph to get it going. Once its been started it will be fine and re-start, even from cold. Seems to be related to the warmer summer months as I have only had it since October and it has only been a recent problem.

Been into the local garage and nothing found, no fault codes, battery checked, sparks checked, starter motor was suggested as possibly being as issue but as it starts surely this isn't the fault ! Coincidentally it started fine every time despite them trying at various intervals during the day.

I have read a few posts about it being an n80 valve possibly, and TPI issues with this particular engine. Tried calling Seat who won't look up on this system unless I get the car in for a diagnostic, despite telling them there are no fault codes !!:confused:

Does anyone have access to check the TPI's or any ideas on possible areas for my garage to check ?

Seems the hot weather is an issue for the Ibiza !:wtf:
 

Gavlar81

Active Member
Jul 20, 2015
3
0
Fuel filter was October last year and it's done 51k.

Usually fill up at Tesco, but the fact it happens every so often I would have thought rules that out.

I think it's fuel related, just doesn't seem to be getting they little extra to fire.
 
dm222

dm222

Active Member
Dec 7, 2013
1,488
49
I don't think it's the starter motor because I had to replace mine 2 years ago because it was damaged on an accident so it's an after market part and I have the same problem...

Did change this part 1K0973751 sometime ago, but I only changed because I broke mine testing the cause for the starting problem... Very sensible part...

I will post feedback in another month or so if it doesnt happen again than maybe it was that part but I doubt it.

Also I noticed this mainly happens if I fill up at REPSOL. I need to try again REPSOL to confirm that...
 
Last edited:
STU3Y

STU3Y

Active Member
Nov 11, 2013
1,271
2
Kent
There are many issues that could cause problems with poor starting. Fuel filter, worn starter, fuel pump, tandem pump, injectors, coolant temperature sensor, crank sensor. People spend hundreds trying to resolve the issues. I had issues with mine not starting at all, so changed various parts like coolant temp sensor, fuel filter etc and then tandem pump. It seemed to solve the non start issue, however then developed a new one meaning it took longer to start when engine was up to temp. I stripped my starter and cleaned it which helped, but eventually had my hot start map changed to match the cold start. Now it starts perfect every time and I won't need to spend loads replacing parts unless one actually fails.

Basically unless the engine cranks at 280rpm when starting it won't fire fuel into the injectors so won't start. However when the engine is cold it fires straight away. So worn starters and weak batteries etc which affect cranking speed are no longer an issue. There are loads of threads about it but not many have a clear conclusion. Without a t fault codes it's a guessing game unless your a vw expert
 
Last edited:
dm222

dm222

Active Member
Dec 7, 2013
1,488
49
STU3Y said:
There are many issues that could cause problems with poor starting. Fuel filter, worn starter, fuel pump, tandem pump, injectors, coolant temperature sensor, crank sensor. People spend hundreds trying to resolve the issues. I had issues with mine not starting at all, so changed various parts like coolant temp sensor, fuel filter etc and then tandem pump. It seemed to solve the non start issue, however then developed a new one meaning it took longer to start when engine was up to temp. I stripped my starter and cleaned it which helped, but eventually had my hot start map changed to match the cold start. Now it starts perfect every time and I won't need to spend loads replacing parts unless one actually fails.

Basically unless the engine cranks at 280rpm when starting it won't fire fuel into the injectors so won't start. However when the engine is cold it fires straight away. So worn starters and weak batteries etc which affect cranking speed are no longer an issue. There are loads of threads about it but not many have a clear conclusion. Without a t fault codes it's a guessing game unless your a vw expert
Click to expand...

This problem comes without a fault code...
 

RUM4MO

Active Member
Jun 4, 2008
8,103
1,118
South Scotland
Just to clarify things, it is the 1.4 16V 85PS petrol engine that the two original posters are meaning, these cars do not have tandem pumps.
 
lc_allan

lc_allan

Northern Monkey
Sep 15, 2006
3,389
4
There was also an ECU update. Gf's Copa had a similar issue and was updated.
It has only happened once since and that was well over 3 years ago.
 
dm222

dm222

Active Member
Dec 7, 2013
1,488
49
This problem is terrible here in Portugal because we have lots of sun, in april there was a week that happened to me every day... But since May that I don't have this problem...
I forgot... I changed the battery twice (second time on waranty because I'm also experiencing steering problems, but the battery was OK) and the spark plugs so we can rule that out too....
 
STU3Y

STU3Y

Active Member
Nov 11, 2013
1,271
2
Kent
dm222 said:
This problem comes without a fault code...
Click to expand...
That was my point, that it's difficult to diagnose without any which is why people end up spending so much. That's why I was suggesting the hot start map being changed as this resolved the issue for me, without all the guess work on who part is worn or contributing to the issue.
 
Last edited:
dm222

dm222

Active Member
Dec 7, 2013
1,488
49
4 months after the last time, it started to happen again!
It's happening every day now!
I guess it will stop happening and then a few months later it returns, I'm so pissed with this car!
 
Dannheath

Dannheath

Seat Ibiza Sport Owner
Jun 30, 2014
46
0
Its the N80 Valve mate, I had the same issue every time it was warm in my 1.4 09 Seat, As soon as it got replaced it started every time even when it was a heatwave! PM if you get stuck :)
 
dm222

dm222

Active Member
Dec 7, 2013
1,488
49
Dannheath said:
Its the N80 Valve mate, I had the same issue every time it was warm in my 1.4 09 Seat, As soon as it got replaced it started every time even when it was a heatwave! PM if you get stuck :)
Click to expand...

My problem only happens when its warm from sun exposure, if its warm after driving it it doesnt happens.
 
Dannheath

Dannheath

Seat Ibiza Sport Owner
Jun 30, 2014
46
0
dm222 said:
My problem only happens when its warm from sun exposure, if its warm after driving it it doesnt happens.
Click to expand...

Yeah that was the same as mine, Once it was running its fine, It just cranked over a few times to get going when in direct sunlight.
 
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