1.4 TSI engine sounds like a diesel at start up.

[Capone1983]

Hi all

Everytime I start my car, it sounds like a diesel for just a second.
Anyone else having the same problem or know what is the probelm?


1.4 TSI 118kw
27010 km

Please help.

[kenti]

I think it sounds a bit like a diesel also, but only at the front of the car..
It's been mentioned before, it's the characteristics of that 1.4 engine I believe.

[RW1]

Its is most likely a brief malfunction of the camshaft positioner on cold start if its very loud. Quite a commonn problem with the 1.4 engine. They will want to change the camshaft if its diagnosed that way. Its a rattle that lasts for 1 to 3 seconds as the engine starts. It is covered by warranty.

The part on one end of the inlet camshaft, Item 3 - Part No. 03C 109 088 B is causing the problem.

The dieseling effect lasts much longer, about 30 seconds. This is the above camshaft positioner unit adjusts the inlet valves for a short period (30 secs) to create the same effect as an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. Primarily to rapidly warm up the exhaust catalytic converter to reduced emissions rapidly.

C.

[veeedubba]

don;t worry about it my 2 .0 tsi has sounded like that from day 1 and its 2 half years old my neighbour took great delight in telling me the first time he heard it!!

[skippy]

Yes, I agree with veedubba, my 2.0 TSI also sounds like a diesel for 2 or 3 seconds after start up, although after its recent service (since the new oil has gone in) I have to admit it sounds smoother.

[popjunkie]

I believe this to be a characteristic of direct injection engines. My 2.0 TSI can sound like a diesel, but not as much the current E90 BMW 320i!

[maisbitt]

Is the use of timing chains, not belts on the petrol variants making them sound more like Diesels? Peugeot used to put timing chains on their petrol engines and the chain used to give a bit of a diesel chatter. Direct injection is a potential cause too - the combustion of petrol is becoming more diesel like.

[viperoc]

I thought it was just mine! Very disappointing diesely chatter for a few seconds every morning....quite disconcerting as I chose the petrol to avoid the diesel sound..doh!!!

[Shaun]

Has it always sounded the same ? My edition 30 was the same from new and i guess the R is a bit too, its because the engine uses a similar technology to the diesels so dont worry unless the noise has got worse over time, if in doubt try googling "MK5 gti sound like a diesel"

[Capone1983]

Thanks guys for all the replies.
Started happening about a month ago.
First 25000 km no sound at all at start up.

Going in soon for 2nd service will bring it up and see what VW say.

[Hughesy88]

hi guys,

just an update to this thread, I had the same problem as the OP but it was loud, tinny and lasted 30 secs (embarrassing) and the temp light flashed all the time.

VW today said it was the camshaft positioner unit and it needs replacing...and they are doing it under warranty.

so if you have this problem get to VW and thy will sort it.

[Ryy]

I think my 2.0TSI does every morning, especially in the cold. Don't really care. It's how it drives and feels. Funny though.

[salsajoe]

My 1.4TSI sounds as though the exhaust is blowing for the first few seconds after cold start but not when warm. Done just under 3000miles. The 2.0 TSI GTI Golf has done 9000 miles and is very quiet for a cold or warm start. I thought it was just the way the 1.4 engine sounds but I might get it checked out by the dealer.

[RW1]

My 1.4TSI sounds as though the exhaust is blowing for the first few seconds after cold start but not when warm

That is normal on the 1.4, as I explained in my 1st post above, the valve timing is changed to allow more exhaust gases to be retained in the cylinders to speed up the warming cycle for lower emissions. It produces that sound in the rear exhaust area as a result.

C.

[Komar]

I agree RW1

My dad said to me when I started a car......... "Are you sure your exhaust isnt punctured?"