Car starting problem - Help!

[Kohaashi]

Alright guys,

So, I have a VW Polo '95 and recently it's been giving trouble starting up.
When I turn the key the car makes all the right noises and goes 'eirrrrrr' (like cars do before the engine starts) only it conks out.

It takes me a random amount of tries to get the engine started, although it does eventualy start. When it started (about 2weeks ago), it would take me about 2 or 3 attempts to start, but now it's a lot more like 20.
Reving the engine when turning the key seems to help a bit, but not much, although I think if i didn't rev the engine then it defiantly wouldn't start at all.



Car's recently had it's MOT and Service (3months ago-ish) and this year has had new battery, spark plugs, air filter, leads, turning rotor and distributor cap.
I just have no idea what it could be

When started, the car never stalls (unless you make it), it's just getting it to start.


Any possitive replies much appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Cob]

A lot of Polos from the mid to late '90's seem to have the same problem. My Jan '98 does it (gets worse during the winter, but usually starts the 4th or 5th time) and an old friends did it too. She managed to fix it by getting the chokes air sensor (or summit) changed. But it came back after a few months.

Once it's started does it idle at below 1k RPM instead of the usual 1.5k or so? Or do you make a quick get-a-way like myself

 

[BigglesPiP]

While you're fixing it, pumping the throttle isn't the way to start a fuel injected car, try this:

Open Door.
Poke your head out.
Push the throttle down about 1cm.
Turn on the ignition.
Listen for the fuel pump (if you can't hear it you may have found the problem).
When the pump stops, immediately begin cranking.
Momentarily after you begin cranking (like 1/4 of a second) let go of the throttle.
Let it crank for a few seconds (don't ever keep on cranking and cranking, starter motors are exensive).
Repeat.

 

[Kohaashi]

Once it's started does it idle at below 1k RPM instead of the usual 1.5k or so? Or do you make a quick get-a-way like myself

Tends to idle at below the 1k but never conks out when it's started - don't think it's ever idled at 1.5 :/

While you're fixing it, pumping the throttle isn't the way to start a fuel injected car, try this:

Open Door.
Poke your head out.
Push the throttle down about 1cm.
Turn on the ignition.
Listen for the fuel pump (if you can't hear it you may have found the problem).
When the pump stops, immediately begin cranking.
Momentarily after you begin cranking (like 1/4 of a second) let go of the throttle.
Let it crank for a few seconds (don't ever keep on cranking and cranking, starter motors are exensive).
Repeat.

Cheers for that, will remember for future.
(If you keep doing that though can't you cause damage? pumping too much petrol?)

I've taken car to the garage this morning to hopefully get it fixed, i'll let you know how it goes.

 

[BigglesPiP]

(If you keep doing that though can't you cause damage? pumping too much petrol?)

You shouldn't be able to flood a fuel injected car, but that method has less risk of doing so than plain pumping the throttle.

Pumping is the best method on a carb tho, just takes your 1337 skillz to not flood it.

 

[ZG002]

What engine is it mate? if its the 1.4 then i belive is carb? not injected?

 

[Kohaashi]

What engine is it mate? if its the 1.4 then i belive is carb? not injected?

It's the 1.3ltr mate.



Anyway, turns out the problem is the 'immobiliser reader coil'.

It's got a weak signal so I'm told, so i've booked it in for a replacement.

£125.00 exVAT when I take it in.

Cost £40.00 today to find the fault.


What a lot of money for what I thought would be a simple fix.
Just hope that's all it is when they fix it.

 

[BigglesPiP]

looks like they've taken under an hour to trace the problem, and like most garages, are charging one hours labour for that. If it is one hours labour, then £40 isn't bad.

Part is pretty expensive, but it's probably a single unit with the coil and receiver.