Igniting the engine. . .

[aaronon]

Hey guys. Up until a short while ago if I went to start my car it would start instantly when turning the key.

Nowadays if I start it (after it being rested for a length of time) it can take upto a second of the "ignition sound" before the engine turns on.

Is this normal?

I've also noticed that if I drive to the shop or drive somewhere and stop . . .then come back to the car after a short while and turn it back on. . .it will turn on instantly (like the olden days lol) BUT it will take a second after the engine is on before the rev counter actually moves up to 7,000 revs.

Could anyone help put my mind at ease?

Thanks.

[Rich_T]

Hi aaronon, mine does the same, before i had a works van and i used my car everyday and the polo would start instantly, now i only use my car once maybe twice a week tops its very slow to start like you say, I had noticed this myself a few months ago but put it down to winter conditions and maybe the battery getting tired, was going to change the battery as its four years old now but still not done it yet.

[aaronon]

Hey. Thanks for the answer.

When I said "for a length of time" I just meant overnight, not a few days.

I've never charged my battery either - perhaps I should? I thought it charged itself as you drove.

I guess it's just worrying that it isn't starting right away like normal

[blazeguarder]

Mine does this too, exactly the same as yours. It happened a lot in January when it was cold but it seems to be less now its warmer. I never bothered trying to find out what was wrong, always started in the end

BUT it will take a second after the engine is on before the rev counter actually moves up to 7,000 revs.

7000 revs? Mine also does this - there's a short pause between the engine firing and the rev counter actually moving off the stop.

[aaronon]

That's good news. . .I thought maybe I needed a new ignition part or something

Yeah around 7,000 revs. . .well 7-9,000 I'm not really sure!

Glad I'm not the only one with a short pause (wonder why it doesn't do that all the time :S)