Team-BHP - Skoda Rapid Diesel: Cold start issues

Hello mods,

Please move or merge this thread ifI this is not in the appropriate place.

I drive a Skoda Rapid Diesel variant which is just 1+ year old.

My problem is not big, but quite disturbing at times. When I start the car in the morning I make sure to idle the engine. As I normally use my Jopasu to dust the car after switching on the engine it normally goes for 3 to 4 minutes. Also, I do nearly a minute idling before switching off the engine. For short drives and intermediate stops I try my best to have at least 15 to 30 seconds idling. Now, my problem is that I experience occasionally lack of pickup and very bad engine noise even after 2-3 minutes idling after a cold start up. The noise is too bad so that it sometimes resembles to me like a mini tractor - of course a little exaggerated, but yes it is bad. Also, the car doesn't easily respond to accelerator at this time. It happens only once in a while. And, this all vanishes normally after a few minutes drive or if I be a little hard on accelerator couple times. So, basically after the Turbo was kicked off couple times. However, I happened to notice that when this is happening if the engine is switched off and started again fast, the problem will be solved. I am not sure if this is a common issue with Diesel cars as this is my very first diesel car. I was looking for some expert's advice on the route cause. Hope my glow fuse and other stuff are good.

I am facing the exact thing as you. My Rapid is 1.3 years old and has run 13000 kms. I got it serviced at one year in April 2013 at approx 10500 kms.

I face the issue of lack of pickup at cold starts and clattering noise. And this became more prominent when I got the tank filled from Shell. It does get very frustrating at times, and it appears the engine is dying down. Was just wondering today morning on what do I need to do. I follow all the precautions (idling of 45-60 seconds at start and before stop), no sudden acceleration and drive it with utmost care and love.

I plan to take it to the service center when I get the time. But it will be difficult for them to replicate the problem, as by the time it reaches the Service center, the engine, turbo, fuel pipe etc would have warmed up.

Check your engine oil level anyway using the dipstick. Check if the oil is contaminated as well.

If there does not seem to be a problem with the oil, I found this on the net:

Quote:

Lack of acceleration when cold; Limited RPM; Hissing noise under hood; Possible DTC's P0470-P0478:
Exhaust (back)Pressure Regulator valve/servo.
When the engine is cold--EOT less than 140 degrees--and the ambient temperature is less than 37 degrees, the PCM activates the EPR solenoid to divert oil pressure to the EPR sevro which closes the EPR valve at the turbo outlet. This causes exhaust backpressure to help the engine warm up more quickly. The PCM monitors the amount of backpressure through the Exhaust BackPressure sensor. On accel, the EPR is deactivated, but if the valve sticks, it will cause the above symptoms. You may or may not be able to duplicate the concern, since it normally only occurs on initial start-ups when the PCM activates the EPR for prove-out. If you are able to duplicate it, inspecting the position of the EPR linkage can confirm the problem (the servo linkage will be extended and the bellcrank tang will not be on its stop). To repair, replace the turbocharger pedistal.
A similar condition can occur if the EBP sensor tube plugs up with carbon, causing the PCM not to see an increase in exhaust back pressure resulting in the PCM not deactivating the EPR solenoid. Remove the tube and inspect for blockage. Clean as necessary.

Source: http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/symptom.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by rajni (Post 3179695)

Now, my problem is that I experience occasionally lack of pickup and very bad engine noise even after 2-3 minutes idling after a cold start up. The noise is too bad so that it sometimes resembles to me like a mini tractor - of course a little exaggerated, but yes it is bad. Also, the car doesn't easily respond to accelerator at this time. It happens only once in a while. And, this all vanishes normally after a few minutes drive or if I be a little hard on accelerator couple times. So, basically after the Turbo was kicked off couple times. However, I happened to notice that when this is happening if the engine is switched off and started again fast, the problem will be solved. I am not sure if this is a common issue with Diesel cars as this is my very first diesel car. I was looking for some expert's advice on the route cause. Hope my glow fuse and other stuff are good.

Check this you-tube video link. Is the sound like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfJIpiQZtR4

Please also check the colour of the smoke from your exhaust and the oil level on cold start (12 hours after last turning ignition off).

I have also seen this problem in my Rapid. Even after idling for 3-5 minutes, engine struggles with even 1st gear. At times I had to do 1-2 kms of run-in before engine actually warms-up.

Recently I tried with 3M Diesel Fuel Additive and it did help to quite-a-bit !
Siddu recommended to use it if your car has done between 20k - 50k kms. Mine has done almost 28k, so tried it and result appears to be promising.

3M™ Diesel Fuel Tank Additive
For professional use only

Multifunctional additive with unique Detergent & dispersant formula for all diesel engines.
Helps Restore and maintain optimum fuel economy
Cleans fuel injectors of all diesel engines
Helps Reduce moisture condensation in fuel tank
Helps Prevent corrosion on the fuel tank & fuel lines
Improves acceleration
Helps Reduce exhaust emissions
Helps Reduces knock, noise, misfire, ignition delay, and crank time
Results in easier cold starts and better warm up

Directions For Use

For use as a fuel tank additive for diesel engines
Remove cap and seal.
Pour full contents into 30 to 50 litres diesel
Repeat usage for 2 consecutive times
For best results, continue using every 2000 kms

http://solutions.3mindia.co.in/wps/p...Fuel-Additive/

As this is 1st time I have ever used, I want to try it one more time on next refuel to compare the results.

Not really sure on its long term effect on engine [experts can help here]

Otherwise, now cold starting is not that of an issue.

Recently someone had posted 3 Advisories by Skoda for Rapid. Not sure if these are applicable.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...on-system.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrman (Post 3179830)

I am facing the exact thing as you. My Rapid is 1.3 years old and has run 13000 kms. I got it serviced at one year in April 2013 at approx 10500 kms.

I plan to take it to the service center when I get the time. But it will be difficult for them to replicate the problem, as by the time it reaches the Service center, the engine, turbo, fuel pipe etc would have warmed up.

You said that right hrman. I had brought up this issue during the 7.5K Pre-checkup and 15K First Service as well. But, both the times despite me spending 15 mins explaining I wasn't able to convince the SA. My car was left in the service station for two nights (due to some other reason) and still they said they were not able to reproduce the problem. I seriously doubt if they even minded to take a look into this after I left. Well, one common thing I see with our cars is that my car also was bought in April (5), 2012. So, I suspect something is wrong with that batch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild child (Post 3179831)

Hi Rajni

Check for the following.

1. Clogged air filter. - a clean one ensures a quieter engine.

2. When your engine is sounding like a tractor, see if white / black colour smoke comes out of the exhaust.

Cheers

Thanks Wild Child! I will check those.

Quote:

Originally Posted by v&v (Post 3179835)

Rajni,

IMO it could be even soot accumulation in catalytic converter. When did you had a spirited drive ?

Try using system-d once a while and take you rapid on a 20-30 kms drive. Keep the rev on higher band during this drive. Might be you problem will vanish.

cheers

Thanks V&V! Do you know if System D has any long-term side effects? I normally go for a 50-60Km drive in the weekend and of course I come back home with a smile. Once it is warm, Rapid is like a Wild Horse! :cool:

Quote:

Originally Posted by joybhowmik (Post 3179854)

Check this you-tube video link. Is the sound like this?

Please also check the colour of the smoke from your exhaust and the oil level on cold start (12 hours after last turning ignition off).

:eek: Nope - it definitely is not that bad. But, when it happens I can hear the clattering even with the Windows closed or even with a mild music playing in my Stereo. Also, in the idle position (in neutral) if I give a little throttle and leave suddenly I can feel a vibration within the cabin. This all vanishes once the engine is warm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500ContyCruiser (Post 3179906)

Thanks 500ContyCruiser! If my memory is correct, your car was also bought sometime in April, 2012 like mine and hrman's. So, I seriously doubt this is a problem with this batch. Also, I am a skeptical about using System D or 3M's Fuel addictive as I am also not sure about its long term effects on the engine. This is the reason I am trying to find the root cause.

Also friends, I have been seeing this problem from the very beginning as I noted. And, persists even after the First service at 15K where oil and filter had been replaced. So, it is something else.:Frustrati

Just found EagleEyes latest reply (#10). Thank you friend. I will check that thread. I too feel this has to do something with the April 2012 batch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rajni (Post 3179794)

The car has done 22k kilometres and the last service was at 14.8k. The company recommends the service every 15k or 1 year as it is synthetic engine oil. And of course the service was done at &Scaron;koda's service station.

Rajni,

I suggest that you take your car to the nearest A.S.S. I was told that there will be a free check-up every 7500 kms. I can say this confidently because only this Monday i got my car from her 1st service (@ 13900 kms) and the SA advised that i should get the car for a free check by th 6th month / 7500 kms from the current odo whichever is near.

As others have said, this could be a problem with clogged filter and there is no harm in taking it to the A.S.S.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rajni (Post 3180585)

My car production date : 18.07.2012 (just realized its gonna complete 1 year of manufacture in 2 days :D; not purchase date though)

ARTICLE: Find your car's date of manufacture (VIN)

Whenever I go to service center with any complaints, I get standard answer, "All issues are rectified in latest version and your car is latest" :confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500ContyCruiser (Post 3180622)

My car production date : 18.07.2012 (just realized its gonna complete 1 year of manufacture in 2 days :D; not purchase date though)

Whenever I go to service center with any complaints, I get standard answer, "All issues are rectified in latest version and your car is latest" :confused:

Mine was manufactured on 29th of March to be precise - or may be more aptly thats the time they fixed the VIN number onto the car :D - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/buying...ml#post2743409. Well, so your car is then the new batch and still the problem persists. Did you check the link posted by EagleEye? I need to visit the Škoda ASS shortly to double check about those articles. May be, all of us who have confirmed about this problem in this thread can catch up and go together to give some fight if needed.

As I mentioned in the first post, my problem is not so severe as some of you guys have posted. It does not happen every day; but say, twice or thrice in a week. May be, the strict idling I do for cold start (~3 min) and stop (~1 min) every day helps a bit here. But, when it happens even the idling does not help. Also, did anyone else try the Stop/Start Engine when this problem appears. It helped me many times.