Failed to start

[tacman]

My 2 week old Passat TDI wouldn't start this morning. The road service guy was pretty sure it was due to the cold snap we had here last night in the Berkshirs... it was down below zero over night.
So, I'll be towed into the dealer tomorrow morning!

I've really been enjoying the car but I must say, the Honda cr-v I just turned in never failed me in 3 years.

Looks like I may have to add some cold weather additive to prevent gelling... let's see what the dealer has to say.

[Keithuk]

Welcome to the forum.

It maybe a silly question but are you letting the glow plug light go out before you crank it?

[tacman]

Not a silly question at all... i could easily see this happening, especially as I'm new to diesel engines.
In this case, however, I did allow the glow plug light to go off. The engine started on the first try this morning, then stalled after several seconds. It wouldn't start on further attempts, though.

[Keithuk]

Well the reason I ask was because I read a thread last week in another TDI forum where a guy in Canada was having trouble starting in this freezing weather and we asked do you let the glow plug ligh go out before you try and start it.

Glow plug light whats that? The dealer never told me about that.

[MyAvocation]

Subscribed.
Hopefully just a case of gelling. Anti-gel additive is a must in cold climates... small cost is worth it, over the hassle of gelling. Many of us carry an extra fuel filter in the trunk and the couple tools necessary to change in a pinch.

[ranjr13]

Canadian vehicles come standard with the engine block heater. I mandated one to be on mine ordered here in CT for very cold mornings - may not need it all the time, but easier on engine when starting. That plus anti-gel additive should negate any problems in starting a diesel engine in the cold.

[ancnfamily]

It was like -16C the other day and had no issues starting. Car was not plugged in nor I use any additives. Diesel should have anti gelling additives in it during winter.

[MyAvocation]

Yes, but it's what's in the storage tanks that warrant anti-gel additives. After buying the 2006 Jetta I made the mistake of mirroring your stance. I only refuel at trusted stations, which only limits exposure to such incidents. My belief is the problem was in my tank. Despite the fact that I run the tank near empty 90% of the time, there may be condensation buildup during the warmer months -- and my gelling incident occurred during the car's second winter's first below 0°F morning.

[darrelld]

Originally Posted by tacman

My 2 week old Passat TDI wouldn't start this morning. The road service guy was pretty sure it was due to the cold snap we had here last night in the Berkshirs... it was down below zero over night.
So, I'll be towed into the dealer tomorrow morning!

I've really been enjoying the car but I must say, the Honda cr-v I just turned in never failed me in 3 years.

Looks like I may have to add some cold weather additive to prevent gelling... let's see what the dealer has to say.

I have Kessy and noticed that when the temps drop into the 20's the system will take longer to engage the starter. Kessy waits until the glow plug light goes out and a second or two beyond before attempting to start. This can take up to 5 secs after I press the start button.