Gretchw20
Member
I am having problems with my 2004 VW Jetta TDI starting in slightly cold weather and severe cold weather.
I have been having to turn the key partially a few times to let the glow plugs warm up. IF it is really cold out (usually below zero) I have to do this about a dozen times before my car starts. Sometimes it takes me a half hour to get the car started. (BTW I am getting about 35-37 mpg)
When I do get the car started, it start ups great and then idles down for a few moments and then idles up (not sure if idle is the correct word for it) and runs like it should. IF the car is warm it starts like a dream- there are no problems as well as in warm weather.
Sometimes when I take off in the car it will take off in slow motion and barely go. If I step off of the accelerator and then press down again it will take off as it normally should.
We have checked the glow plugs, changed the oil, air, and fuel filters, and changed the oil recently. All those are working fine.
I took the car into the shop and they told me it was the cam shaft censor. I had them replace that and the service tech told me the timing, glow plugs, and the timing belt were great and no problems there. I got the car back and the next day it was doing the same things.
I have taken the car back and they are now trying to tell me they "think" the timing belt has been stretched and it needs to be replaced. They have no evidence to support this idea- (The check engine light has never been on.)
Does anyone have any suggestions on what could be going on? I am not willing to drop about 1000.00 on top of 400.00 to fix what they "think" is the problem with out a viable reason behind it.
Any information would be helpful. Thanks in advance.