So I just bought an 03 1.8T and ive noticed that the car starts hard. Sometimes I have to start it twice cuz it dies the first time I start it. I replaced the spark plugs w/ the correct gap and the problem still is persisting. Anyone have any suggestions? Could it be the battery??

 

dirty throttle body and possibly, a dirty MAF (mass airflow sensor)

Remove and clean both of them and see what happens.

Do a search for procedures. Theres tons of info out there

 

Thanks for the reply! I was actually going to take a look into that anyways and see what I could find. Thanks again!

 

Same problem, was a dirty throttle body, but I cleaned the MAF just to be sure.

 

Well performed both and they were both very dirty. Improved starting a bit but I think I know what else is causing the delayed start. The other day when I was driving I noticed my thermostat stayed in the cold "C" position so it's stuck open allowing the coolant to be forced in to the engine which in turn is causing the engine to stay in "cold" mode. So the engine is receiving more fuel than it should be which is why it is not starting well when it's warm cuz the amount of fuel that is being injected in there during a warm start is too much. And it's flooding out. So im gonna replace that too. Just gotta find where it is first lol. Any help or suggestions would be great! Thanks.

 

You might need to replace the coolant temp sensor... On a 1.8T they are an absolute BITCH to get at!!

 

The coolant temp sensor (new one anyway) is green. I have a new one I didn't end up needing if you want to buy it from me. Never used.

 

Where is the coolant temp sensor located? Id be interested in buyin it...how much you askin??

 

Well bought a new sensor and put it in lastnight and I must say what a bitch! Thank god I don't have huge hands otherwise I would have never been able to get in there! Bought the new sensor for 27 bucks and put it in. Seems to be starting alot better now so im happy.

 

Good deal man. Yeah I was inspecting mine to see if it was the green one and I ripped my hands open trying to just look at it!