Cold Start Problem on a VW 1.8 Turbo -- Helping a Friend
 

A co-worker owns a '03 VW GTI 1.8. He posted the following thread on a VW forum, and didn't get much help. I know we're lucky enough to have some very talented and knowledgable techs on this site. Do any of you have any experience with this engine?
He bought the car from a private party, and has taken it to the dealer. But they seem unable or unwilling to track down the problem.

Here's his post:

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My 2003 gti 1.8T has had a cold start problem the dealership cannot find. In the high rpm idle when starting it miss fires and if I put it in gear it tries to, and sometimes does, stall. I need to let it warm up for about a minute and it runs fine. They claim it is carbon build up. I've tried 3M and Chevron Valve Cleaner as well as TECHRON and it still does the same. It is highly suspect that it would build up so quickly. They have replaced thermostats, checked wiring, and can't find a problem. It seems like a cold start valve, if there is one on the car. It doesn't seem like it should be tough to find but they can't find the problem even though the computer is registering misses in starting idle on 2 and 4. I am at 19,000 miles and am still under waranty. I am tempted to take it to a independent german/foreign car mechanic to see if they can find the problem. Part of me wants to sell the car but financially I can't now, plus once it is up to temperature it is so much fun to drive... I am getting frustrated though. Does anyone have a solution?

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Thanks in advance for any help.

Jeff Pierce

VW dealer service SUCKS.

That said, did he search vwvortex.com and clubB5.com forums?

Good luck to him. He's gonna need it if he expects the dealership to diagnose the problem.

There is an ignition control module that goes bad on these but it usually takes 50k miles or so. It's on the top of the air intake nearest to the air filter box, about 3x2 inches in size. Mine went bad and showed alternate cyl misfires on the OBD2 code reader, but it is usually a hot engine prob not a cold one. the thing is held on with two 8mm screws and has a multipin connector on each side. I'd try wiggling those connectors as a quick test; the part is $300 from the dealer or like $80 from Mercedesshop.com. easy ten minute install.
-tom

Thanks for the info Tom. He's researching the problem on those two sites.

Does anyone else have a suggestion? My friend has had this car at the dealer 3 times. As stated earlier, "even though the computer is registering misses in starting idle on 2 and 4." they don't seem compelled to fix it.

It seems to me that if they can't track it down, then they ought to start replacing parts until they find what it is. That's what they'd do if my friend was paying for it. But since it's warranty work, they seem to be taking a different approach.

Again, any and all help is appreciated.

Jeff Pierce

The 1.8 turbo engine has individual coils on each spark plug. There was a huge recall on them last year. Apparently, they failed like crazy. I'm not sure if any 2003 model year cars were included in the recall, but given that your friend is having misfire problems, I'd be suspicious of the coils.

- JimY