TTMoose

I have been having a cold start problem for the last couple of years (02TT225CQ), that only happens when the gas is in the red. Typically it will take a few extra turns to start, but this week, it has been failing to start on the first try (~5 seconds), and starting on the second, but with the gas guage at 1/4. It also stumbles when cold, only when the gas is low. I had my fuel sensor replaced since the last fill up, so I can't really tell if the cold start problem is happening at a different fuel level.

My coolant sensor was replaced about a year ago, without any change in the problem. It is largely a small problem at this point, but my warranty expires in August, so I don't want to let a potentially big problem get away from me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

TTinCT

try this....when you go to start the car, leave the key in the run position and wait till the OK light goes out..if the car starts normally, then you are experiencing a fairly common problem. Some have gone to great lengths to try and prevent it,...but in the end it is related to fuel pressure. By waiting till the ok light is out, you are fully priming the line and fuel rail.

Depending on your mileage, you may want to replace the fuel filter (if it has not been done in the last 40k) and run some techron through it....

Dealer will probably not consider it an issue...

DasTT

:-) Couldn't resist. That is, don't let your fuel level go into the red.

Hans' advice usually works. The reason is that the tank saddles the quatrro driveline and there is only one "real" pump. When your fuel is low, the pump has to get the other side primed in order to build up pressure because it has leaked down overnight.

When the tank is full enough for the saddle to be wet, no priming is required.