Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Fri 15 May 2015 09:28
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - SammiD

Hi all,

Completely new to this but desperate to find out what is wrong with my car. I recently purchased a second hand Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate from a dealership. There have been numerous issues from day one but one particular ongoing problem which at the moment they are telling me is fine.

In short, my car will randomly not fire up. I have had times where on 6 attempts it tried to start but failed and on the 7th time it fired up as normal. It doesnt follow any pattern of cold weather, short journeys etc because I drove for almost 2 hours and then used it about an hour later and it didn't start. On all occasions it does eventually decide to start as normal and this can vary from not starting on 2 occasions to 6 occasions. I also have times where it fires up but gradually comes to life as well.

The first time it went in they replaced the camshaft sensor, the second time it went back they decided it was the battery, the third time (currently with them now) they can't find a fault and therefore would like a customer demonstration! Given that it is so random as to when it decides not to start I have politely told them that is not possible. I was also asked if I am turning the key properly.....this was also the opinion of my partner and so yes, the key is turned fully and the most recent occasion I have turned the key fully, its started to fire up and then died with no noise at all and my key is still fully turned.

Any advice would be most appreciated!


Thanks,

Sam.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 15 May 2015 09:46
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - daveyjp
Whilst a live demonstration may not be possible due to it being random, start taking videos so you can record the problem.

You could then Post it on owners club websites, which quite often have a better pool of knowledge than a technician in a garage.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 15 May 2015 09:56
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - SammiD

Thanks will try and do that. Sam.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 15 May 2015 21:12
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - kiss (keep it simple)

I had a similar issue on a much older POLO. I don't know if the system is the same on the newer cars but it turned out to be the immobiliser's key reader. It was simply a bad connection to the box which sits above the steering column. A quick re-seat of the offending multiway and it was sorted (well the fault has not recurred in over a year)

HTH

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 16 May 2015 12:59
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - dieselnut

When you say the car won't fire up, does the engine sound like it's turning over or is it completely silent.

If silent, it could be a problem with the ignition switch, starter motor or associated wiring.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 18 May 2015 15:18
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - SammiD

It starts to fire up and then cuts out so even with key fully turned it's absolutely dead. Other times it will start and gradually come to life as if you were turning a power button up and then most of the time it fires up as it's meant to.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 May 2015 11:11
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - nortones2

If you have a VW breakdown package, try calling them out next time it fails to start. They probably have more experience in fault finding than the dealer.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 May 2015 16:18
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - SammiD

All I have is 12 months warrenty from the garage which is quickly dissapearing and they are an hour away. The problem is it does always eventually start its just sometimes it takes 6 attempts and others it take 2 and even after 6 times the 7th can be absolutely fine and fire up like it has no problem at all. The garage want me to have it back as the can't see there is a problem (even thought they have fixed this problem twice before) and I'm not willing to have it back knowing the issue hasn't been fixed and I only have 4 months of warrenty left.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 May 2015 17:21
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - smilingdammy

I had a Clio which had similar problem, I actually sold it off like that. It was embarrasing and a nightmare. It may be the starter motor or the key not connecting with the immobiliser. I suggest you take it to VW, they might be able to do a free check, and pass on the findings to the dealer.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 May 2015 17:45
Golf 1.4 TSi 59 plate - Starting issues - SammiD

Well I'm trying to get a refund or get them to by it back off me because its been a nightmare start to finish and has spent more time in their garage than it has with me! Not hopeful about a refund but I feel like they should have the problem not someone else. I went to a VW dealer thinking I would get good after sales service.......not the case at all and whilst I have a comprehensive warrenty I can't actually take it to another VW garage for a second opinion, it has to go to back to them.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link