TDI - Not starting when cold
 

(Sorry for my English writing quality. I am speaking French)

I am an Audi A3 2.0 TDI 2012 - 70 000km owner. I 'm on my third cold winter. The first two years , the engine has always started on the first try, whether connected or not, cold or extremely cold weather.

The problems started this winter. * I always do at least two cycles of preheating whe the weather is cold (GLOWPLUG)

First very cold days - early December
The car will not start. Requires a battery boost. Even with the helping boost, the engine had difficult to start. The next day, same problem . I bring the car to the dealer. Diagnosis: diesel quality . They put two bottles of conditionner in gasoline. It would not be winter diesel (No. 1) ??? However , I take my gas at a large retailer (Esso ) which rolls much diesel . This problem is not covered by the warranty, because the problem is external to Audi . Audi confirms that many TDI are in the same situation in Quebec city. They call service stations in the region to find out what was happening. As requested, I completely empty my tank before making a new full.

Seconds wave of cold - late December or early January
The car will not start. Requires a boost . Even with the boost, very difficult to start. I put myself in diesel conditioner . Requires three boost (three different days). I called the dealer.

Mid-January ( - 5oC )
The car has trouble starting. No boost needed. I bring the car to the dealer. They finally changed the battery ( has been worn by many surges ) . Problem should be solved .

Third wave of cold - January 21, 2014
The car has trouble starting. At the third try (new battery) , I give the gas with the pedal. Finally start . Call the dealer. They think that this is a problem with the quality of diesel . Asked me to call back tomorrow to see if it gets better start . Tell me they are going to call for more information about the problem. Again, I would not be the only one with this problem in Quebec City... Always with TDI .

What happens? ?

Is what I am the only one? Do you have any ideas ? What is the quality of Diesel really changed in 12 months ? It is the manufacturer's responsibility in this situation? Do you have problems this year (compare to other winters) ?

I want answers . This is unacceptable that a 2012 TDI will not start the winter !

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

FourCircle

Re: TDI - Not starting when cold
 

Have you or are you using the Block Heater your car is equipped with?

Re: TDI - Not starting when cold
 

My 2011 had the same problem....the battery is weak. I plug mine into my block heater for about 30 minutes in the morning and don't have any problems.

This winter has been especially cold - so wouldn't fault the car - a lot gasoline engines are having hard times too!

Re: TDI - Not starting when cold
 

tdiclub.com
Hands down, best TDI resource you'll ever find. Make sure you're using the block heater if you have one. If you don't then get a coolant heater. Diesel quality does change a fair bit from region to region and from month to month but it's not the most likely cause for prolonged winter problems.

Re: TDI - Not starting when cold
 

Sorry Fourcircle have had no problems with my A3 TDI starting during the brutal cold back in Dec.

Re: TDI - Not starting when cold
 

No problems starting on mine so far, I have 72000 kms. At home its parked in the insulated garage but stays out in an open parking lot all day when I'm at work. As others suggest use the block heater if parking outside most of the time. Good luck.