Anyone with similar issues - if it's warm outside car doesn't want to start

[Michael B]

Sound ON to hear my clues for when the car will start or not...

If the weather is warm or i've recently driven the car (jetta tdi) it doesn't want to start.

only started a few weeks after I got my anti-shudder valve replaced due to being filled with carbon. (June 2024)

Basically, it seems like when it's hot outside, (over 50-60ºF) or I've driven my car for a bit and under the hood is hot, I cannot get the car to allow me to start. It will say "ESP Error" and then flash PRNDS.

But, when I haven't driven for a while, or if I park under the shade of a tree, I found that I can turn the key, see if I hear a click, and if not, take the key out and try again, until the click happens, and then there is no issue.

When I took the car back to the place that replaced my anti-shudder valve, they treated me like a personal experiment where I got to pay for a complete DSG transmission service and stuff. They then wanted to try replacing the whole wiring harness, and that's when I said no, I don't want to do something unless they know what's going to fix it, because I don't have 1200 dollars every time they want to try something new.

Has anyone seen anything like this? During the winter season, I had zero problems. Cold weather made this a non-issue. But now that temperatures started reaching in the 60s+ it is happening once again.

 

[Rx7145]

There was somebody on here a while ago that had the same problem. It was something in the steering column if I remember, right.

 

[Michael B]

There was somebody on here a while ago that had the same problem. It was something in the steering column if I remember, right.

Oh man I should try to find that post... it's so weird to me!

 

[Michael B]

There was somebody on here a while ago that had the same problem. It was something in the steering column if I remember, right.

Unfortunately I was unable to find the post you were talking about. Anyone have ideas on this curious issue? I still can't believe that when it's cold outside the car clicks and can start normally, but in hot temps it won't click and will flash PRNDS.

 

[privateTDIjet]

The last time my car flashes prnds, it couldnt communicate with the transmission. Also replacing an anti shudder valve due to carbon? This is a common rail which don't clog up easily and they can be easily cleaned. Have you considered the techs that did the job for you nicking some wire in the process of replacing your ASV?

 

[Michael B]

The last time my car flashes prnds, it couldnt communicate with the transmission. Also replacing an anti shudder valve due to carbon? This is a common rail which don't clog up easily and they can be easily cleaned. Have you considered the techs that did the job for you nicking some wire in the process of replacing your ASV?

When my diesel particulate filter light finally came on and put me in limp mode, I knew I had to do something. I knew it was coming, and I had ordered a specific carbon cleaner to do it myself, but the limp mode happened before that came. I asked them to please just clean it for me, and they told me they couldn't and I'd need a new one. I wish I would have then called around to other places because it was expensive, but fortunately after about 150 miles of driving with good RPM, the DPF light finally disappeared.

So when this issue started happening shortly after this repair, I immediately thought it involved something they did when they replaced it. Took it back to them, and they said it wasn't related. And had to get diagnostic charges, and then they thought a DSG transmission service would fix it. It didn't. And then more diagnostics. And they wanted to replace the entire wiring harness. Not wanting to spend another 1200 dollars on something that seems like another guess, I have been trying to figure out what's going on myself. Not really working. All I know is that in the cold, it starts beautifully. But if I have recently driven it won't for a while, or if it's a warm day, it might not start at all. Just on Monday, it was 85 degrees out when I left work that day, and I couldn't get it started.

If there was a wire that was damaged that communicates with the transmission, do you know where it would be located so I could take a look? Or would it be hard to notice?

 

[privateTDIjet]

When my diesel particulate filter light finally came on and put me in limp mode, I knew I had to do something. I knew it was coming, and I had ordered a specific carbon cleaner to do it myself, but the limp mode happened before that came. I asked them to please just clean it for me, and they told me they couldn't and I'd need a new one. I wish I would have then called around to other places because it was expensive, but fortunately after about 150 miles of driving with good RPM, the DPF light finally disappeared.

So when this issue started happening shortly after this repair, I immediately thought it involved something they did when they replaced it. Took it back to them, and they said it wasn't related. And had to get diagnostic charges, and then they thought a DSG transmission service would fix it. It didn't. And then more diagnostics. And they wanted to replace the entire wiring harness. Not wanting to spend another 1200 dollars on something that seems like another guess, I have been trying to figure out what's going on myself. Not really working. All I know is that in the cold, it starts beautifully. But if I have recently driven it won't for a while, or if it's a warm day, it might not start at all. Just on Monday, it was 85 degrees out when I left work that day, and I couldn't get it started.

If there was a wire that was damaged that communicates with the transmission, do you know where it would be located so I could take a look? Or would it be hard to notice?

Under the battery tray you can easily find the starter and transmission plug, start from there. I dont know why they'd even get to that point but its worth a look. While you're at it, look at your grounds. Are they corroded, rusted, etc.. Get inside the car, lift the fake shifter leather and look at the wires and connectors. I dont know this car by heart but my problem ended being a cheap chinese fuse. Check your fuse too