I have a 96 tsi and sometimes, cold or hot the car starts up with no problem whatsoever. Then, out of the blue, seemingly for no reason, it has rough starts. The starter goes and goes and goes, but it just doesnt start. And when it finally does catch, it runs real rough like it wants to die for a few seconds, then it runs fine.
someone told me they also had this problem on their talon. Whats the deal with this??

brian

How does your spark plugs look? Moreover, is your car turning over at all, or do you only hear the starter?

Could be a fuel pump going out or bad fuel injectors as well.

Remember, you need fuel and spark to start her up. If your starter is working correctly, then it's either one or the other if the car isn't even turning over. Could also be some wiring(or a bad relay) related to the fuel pump that could be failing as well.

If it's none of these things, then it might be something more serious such as a bad valve.

Just changed the plugs last weekend. Seemed to have helped a little bit, but it still happens once in awhile. Yeah the starter works fine, it just doesnt start up. and when it does, it feels like it would die if i dont give it a little gas. but then after a few seconds, it runs and idles perfect.

brian

Well, you may have helped answer some of your own questions. I would look to your fuel system. It's either some bad injectors, bad fuel pump (or relay or wiring), or harness wiring to your injectors.

Never dismiss the fact that the problem can be the wiring behind the mechanics. Also, I loosely used the word "bad." Some fuel system/ injector cleaner may solve all of your problems or you might need a professional fuel injector bench (or rail) cleaning. You also may want to take a multimeter to your fuel pump before trying to start your car but with the key in the on position. There might be something screwy there.

Along those lines when was the last time you changed your fuel filter? It is a every 30k service item.

Check those things Jason suggested and let us know.

"The fastest draw is when the sword never leaves the scabbard,
The strongest way to block, is never to provoke a blow,
And the cleanest cut is the one withheld."

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e-mail: Michael_97RS@2gntDSM.zzn.com aol IM: MJKulga
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I just got the car about a week and a half ago. I dont have any of the previous maintenance records :( . Im going to put in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner and maybe a bottle of heet, see how that works out, hopefully nothin serious.

brian

I like Michael's idea about the fuel filter. Check that too!