Cars turning over, but really hard to start up. Ideas?

[yosin]

Recently took the car to get serviced about 2 weeks ago at formula one autocenter and had the annual service done which includes all the air filter and spark plugs etc. Okay, what was all done and got car back no problems.

However since 2-3days ago, i noticed the car started to find it difficult to start up. I put the key in, turn it, it starts choking and choking but then i let go of the key thinking its going to start up, but i was wrong. So i did it again and had to turn the key, hold it in position and push the gas down a few times, thats when it boots up. I took it for nice 30 mile trip and get out. Then 1 hour later or so its the same story!. Also the Service inspection light has come back on.??.

So heres the few things that maybe the reason for all of this?

- Spark plugs? since the service inspection light has come back on. Maybe they scammed my arse and didnt even bother to change it?
- Dead battery?
- starter motor?

Also to note another problem with the car . Has anyone felt that their car at around 1500 rpms that you feel a drop in power, like a major gap stutter drop in power. A really sudden 1 at 1500 rpms.?

Really baffled to this?. Maybe related to the battery thinking the car is going to die out?

[tegwin]

Its most likley going to be a sensor causing weird stuff to happen...


Try unplugging the water temperature sender and try starting the engine again..... If the sender is buggered it overfuels the engine on statup and doesnt let it start....

If you unplug it the ECU should put in an average default value, and the car should work...


Also, check your HT leads are plugged in and that the coil pack looks in good condition...

Have you run VAG-COM on the car?

[yosin]

Where abouts is the Water temp sensor located?

Nope havent got round to sticking the vag com inside, i thought it was most likely to be the battery since it was the problem last time.

However im going to take it to the place i got it serviced and asked why is the light back on?

[Tim_GTi]

Wouldn't you have to drain the coolant to try the car without the temp sensor?

[yosin]

well took it to quick fit to get free batt check and that turns out to be the problem.

However the drop or slurrrr in the power between 1100-1800 is very noticeable.. just wondering if anyone felt this?

Also im just being lazy here instead of searching, but when do most you guys recommend to change the cambelt.

It was already done at 53000, but its hitting 91000 now. So is it "x" miles first or amount of years? I went to the VW dealers and i asked the guy when to change it. He was kinda lost and then i asked what are the symptons to know when its about to go, again he was clueless and just said to me " you cant know, its like pot luck" ...

[Tim_GTi]

when was the last time your throttle body was cleaned? it's unlikely that it's the problem, because it's at a consistant point in the rev range, but it's a really cheap fix that can often do wonders for your engine.

cambelt - i'd get look at getting it cahnged mate. intervals are something like every 40k or 5 years IIRC. only symptoms you get of it needing to be changed are often too late! you can however take of the belt cover and inspect the tensioner for cracks in the plastic, and the condition of the belt and it's teeth.