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Cold start problem

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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 11:56 AM
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Default Cold start problem

Only when the car is cold it takes a while to turn over. Cranks, rumbles for a little then starts. When it's warm it's starts perfectly every time. I have replaced plugs, wires, tried different gas etc. still happens. No codes thrown. Any suggestions? Compression issue? Thanks.
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 12:03 PM
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Your explanation of the cranking issue need MORE info.

DOES IT:

Not Crank when you turn the key to CRANK?

or

Crank for an extended period of time before it actually RUNS?

or

Cranks slowly before the engine starts and runs?


Bill
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 12:49 PM
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I would check the coolant sensor for one of the places to begin !!!
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 12:58 PM
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Option 2: Cranks for an extended period of time before it actually starts. The crank noise sounds normal ie does not appear to be a battery or a starter issue to me. The motor sort of "skips and grumbles" before it actually starts - crank, skip, grumble, crank, then start - if that makes sense. However, if the motor is at all slightly warm, then it cranks and starts normally. Car only has 50k miles on it never been opened up, etc. and the issue only started in the last 5-8k miles. Dealer said that new plugs and cables would clear up the issue but it still remains. Once the car actually starts it runs perfectly. Thanks for the help.

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Your explanation of the cranking issue need MORE info.

DOES IT:

Not Crank when you turn the key to CRANK?

or

Crank for an extended period of time before it actually RUNS?

or

Cranks slowly before the engine starts and runs?


Bill
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2016 | 01:05 PM
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Fuel Filter - doesn't say what year you have..
needs more fuel at cold start. And fuel system to "prime up" for a moment.
Would replace Fuel Filter to see if it helps
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 01:07 PM
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2001. Thanks.

Originally Posted by foggy
Fuel Filter - doesn't say what year you have..
needs more fuel at cold start. And fuel system to "prime up" for a moment.
Would replace Fuel Filter to see if it helps
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 11:47 AM
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I changed out the fuel filter and also got a new battery. The issue still remains. Only on bone cold start up the car flutters while cranking and has extensive crank before firing. Starts perfectly the rest of the day when warm. Any other thoughts. Thanks.


Originally Posted by foggy
Fuel Filter - doesn't say what year you have..
needs more fuel at cold start. And fuel system to "prime up" for a moment.
Would replace Fuel Filter to see if it helps
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2016 | 12:52 PM
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As mentioned above I am thinking it has to do with the Coolant Temp sensor. I just changed mine and the cold cranking issue happened right afterward.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Ludeaem
As mentioned above I am thinking it has to do with the Coolant Temp sensor. I just changed mine and the cold cranking issue happened right afterward.
I was going to repeat my post ??? Coolant Sensor ????
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 03:08 PM
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Thanks. I will try that next.

Originally Posted by akapounder
I was going to repeat my post ??? Coolant Sensor ????
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Old Jul 19, 2020 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by STRMLNE
Thanks. I will try that next.
Did you ever find the fix? My 98 A4 started doing this on cold starts as well.
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Old Jul 19, 2020 | 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by LeoLivinLife
Did you ever find the fix? My 98 A4 started doing this on cold starts as well.
Leo, most cold start issues are associated with a faulty ECT sensor...there is a resistance vs. temperature chart you can use if you can remove it and you know your way around a multimeter !!...after the car sits overnight compare the coolant temp to the outside temperature...they should be very close !!
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