Hard Start Solution Poll

[nycion]

My 2.0 would crank longer when temperature drops below 30F. I searched the forums and found out that I need to wait for the fuel pump to prime. That seemed to make it better, but it would still crank 5s to 10s before starting. Recently the temperatures droped below 18F. I decided to wait 45 to 60 seconds after turning the key to the last position, and then start the engine. The car cranks 2s to 3s now and it starts!!! As far as I'm concerned, my (engine) hard start problem is solved!

As some of you know, the hard start is a common problem for the 2.0 when the tempeatures drop. The reason I post is because I would like some of you to try this out (tomorrow morning?). Please post back if the problem was solved or if you noticed any improvement. If it's a repost or a known solution, please let me know.

Clarification: By hard start I mean that the starter turns as it should, but the engine doesn't start. Please vote only if you had checked/eliminated all the other probable causes (bad battery/starter, HPFP, in-tank fuel pump, fuel filter, leaking injectors, etc.)

Thank you!

[nycion]

...and I am first to cast my vote!

[a4dc89]

Ive heard its related to carbon buildup. Anyone else also have their car take like 15 minutes to get warm?

[Homer]

Take it to the dealer. There is a software update to fix the exact issue you are talking about.
I have no issues down to 10F so far this winter. A month ago I had problems anytime it got below 40.

[nycion]

Well - my problem is solved now (it seems). I don't like to run to the stelarship since every time they fix something, they break something else, lol.

[VZWalex]

it works ... I do it on my car all the time ... I turn the key on .. wait a few secs and bam starts right up ... figured this out when I switched to the HPFP.

[Sprode]

I'm guessing its the fuel pump to begin with. Takes a little bit to build up proper pressure in the lines when cold.

[{PMS}fishy]

I think it depends on the car. I'm on my 3rd 2.0T and only my 06 had the cold start problem. No issues with either the 07 or the 08. All cars were low millage 40k and under.

The "software update" didn't do anything for the 06, neither did a new HPFP or camshaft. I just had to live with it, and Audi didn't seem to care, telling me that it is normal.

[Coderedpl]

Ive heard its related to carbon buildup. Anyone else also have their car take like 15 minutes to get warm?
Happens to me now that the temperatures dropped really low...someone said to leave the heat off while the car is warming up and it will actually speed up the process....seems like it but i havent checked it well enough.


it works ... I do it on my car all the time ... I turn the key on .. wait a few secs and bam starts right up ... figured this out when I switched to the HPFP.
I get in turn the key, wait a few seconds and then start. Seems to work better some days than others but no complaints

[Leo14]

Ive heard its related to carbon buildup. Anyone else also have their car take like 15 minutes to get warm?

Mine usually takes a little bit longer, maybe even a lot longer to fully warm up. I thought it was normal, but I could be wrong. My friends B8 warms up in a heart beat, and stays warm too. I dont get it lol

[Coderedpl]

Mine usually takes a little bit longer, maybe even a lot longer to fully warm up. I thought it was normal, but I could be wrong. My friends B8 warms up in a heart beat, and stays warm too. I dont get it lol

The B8 2.0T also makes more power and torque from the start. Could probably whoop our 2.0s stock lol

[shiro1745]

Take it to the dealer. There is a software update to fix the exact issue you are talking about.
I have no issues down to 10F so far this winter. A month ago I had problems anytime it got below 40.

for some that's a fix, but it didn't help me. worth a try

[nycion]

it works ... I do it on my car all the time ... I turn the key on .. wait a few secs and bam starts right up ... figured this out when I switched to the HPFP.

I've ben doing the same, but that is not what I am talking about. Not I wait at least 45 secs insead of few secs...Not sure anybody actually read my first post. I also don't care what causes the problem anymore since the car works fine now. I just want to know if anybody finds this useful.

[nycion]

Ive heard its related to carbon buildup. Anyone else also have their car take like 15 minutes to get warm?

Our cars take longer to warm-up, but the 15 minutes is excesive. Make sure the heat is off until the engine reaches the operating temperature. Next, have your thermostat and coolant temperature sensor checked (the sensor in the block).

[elwigglero]

turn the key to aux, listen and wait for the fuel pump to finish priming (hums for 5 seconds), turn ignition. Problem solved.

[Leo14]

The B8 2.0T also makes more power and torque from the start. Could probably whoop our 2.0s stock lol

Lol and they do, even though I'm FWD he has done a 0-60 against my friends quattro b7. Both 2.0t, both auto. But from a rolling start I won lol. Less drive-terrain?
Gonna get my temp gauge checked out though, maybe that is whats wrong.

[J.Owen]

turn the key to aux, listen and wait for the fuel pump to finish priming (hums for 5 seconds), turn ignition. Problem solved.

I wish it was that easy.

[elwigglero]

I wish it was that easy.

I had hard start issues if I don't use that method. Since I've started doing that, no problems.

[nycion]

I wish it was that easy.

That's why I created the thread - the 5 seconds (pump priming) dind't work for me, but the 45s did.

[xpanel]

lol 45 sec. prime, what are you driving a diesel? haha

I had to, my dad drives a diesel truck for work and the start up wait time is like 15 sec.

[highlandarx]

My mechanic and service tech also told me that going one grade lower in octane when filling up the tank solves the cold start problem. That's been working for me. For those of you that run 91 all year long, try 89 this time of the year.

[nycion]

lol 45 sec. prime, what are you driving a diesel? haha

I had to, my dad drives a diesel truck for work and the start up wait time is like 15 sec.

Wish I had a diesel! I have never seen a starting problem with modern diesel cars. They can start faster and easier at temperatures that gas engines have problems. Not just words - I've seen it in Europe (Vauxhall Cavalier 1.7 TD).

[Mc Suly]

turn the key to aux, listen and wait for the fuel pump to finish priming (hums for 5 seconds), turn ignition. Problem solved.

+1