Reluctant starting

[Wardy TDi]

Been happening for a couple of weeks now, just wondered if anyone had any ideas?

Engine turns over, sluggish, then starts up. Sometimes it obviously isn't quick enough though, and the TCS doesn't engage, resulting in that warning light being illuminated on the dash.

Battery levels seem fine (TDi Sport, so have the gauge). Sitting at just over 14 when she does eventually fire up.

It's taking between 2-4 starts to get her running without the TCS light. I've searched and read about other starting problems, but these all seem to be about cars not starting at all and being related to the shortness of the wire between the battery and starter motor? Doesn't sound likely in my case though?

As ever, any ideas welcome

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Guinness]

mine was doing this due to flat battery, was a key sign it was going to go flat.

 

[davels]

i would say dodgy battery aswell mate, the volt meter would show 14.4v as it's running off the altenator when the engine is running(it's only a 12v battery afaik) take it to a garage and get them to test the battery, but if nothing shows up it could it still could be the battery as it only checks votls iirc not amp hours, so see if the could try it with a new bat on aswell to see if it helps

 

[Guinness]

what I did to get mine working other night was got a lift to the Halfords and bout a battery charger for £25. Gave it an over night charge and that was great the next day started no problem, but as I mentioned above turning over does become reluctant on my 1.2 it was taking about 3 attempts 2 turn over before finally going flat.

 

[Wardy TDi]

Cheers guys - I'll get the battery charger on it, see what the result is.

Steve

 

[maxcars1]

Does it run fine once started though?

 

[Ant FR]

should be able to just check the test light on the battery, is it still green.

But being 2002 means your battery is fast approaching 5ys old now, so don't be surprised if it needs replacing.

 

[Nath.]

sounds like a dodgy battery to me too

14v is the correct reading in tickover but that is with the altinator charging too

probably a cell going in your battery I reckon

 

[Guinness]

batterys arnt that bad price either for ibiza, about £45-£55

 

[davels]

i don't know whether they are more expensive on the TDi's tho, as there a stronger battery. (more Ah)

 

[Guinness]

aye probably according to etyres the battery its £60 with fitting, for all ibiza 99>

 

[Ant FR]

batterys arnt that bad price either for ibiza, about £45-£55

cor rip off.

Pop down a local motor factors and you should be able to get a Varta one for about £40 max. will come with a 3yr guarante and surprise surprise SEAT and VAG use Varta as original equipment.

Also get the highest rating you can.

I did this and one morning i left the lights on from 6am to 9pm in the evening, came back and the car started straight away. Nevr skimp on batteries as **** ones will let you down.

 

[Nath.]

Nevr skimp on batteries as **** ones will let you down.

agree 100% but if you are skint go to a breakers yard, we have one in Southampton and they sell all battery's for £10 and that includes ones from 06 reg right off's too

it saves them disposing of the acid in them

 

[Guinness]

yer

 

[Wardy TDi]

Does it run fine once started though?

Yep - runs as it's always done once up and running. No cause for complaint.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll investigate the battery this week. Not gonna be using it much, but first chance I get...

Steve