Hard start question

NC01NBtdi · Post by **NC01NBtdi** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 9:58 pm

I recently bought a 2001 new beetle tdi w/95k miles and the car runs and drives great but as it started getting colder it was hard to start in the mornings.
Being familiar with diesels and noticing that the glow plug light only stayed on for a second or so no matter what the temp was lead me to believe that the coolant temp sensor was bad. The next cool morningI unplugged the sensor wire and the glow plug light stayed on for 5-6 seconds and the car started right up .
So I went to the local parts store and ordered the new sensor, new style with green instead of black(less than $5.00 nice surprise) it arrived and I installed yesterday but still hard to start this morning and it is not that cold yet.
Is the new sensor bad or did I misread something?
Thanks for the help,

coke · Post by **coke** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 10:02 pm

There are many colors for sensors on these beasts. Best bet is to go with the one that matches the color of the one you removed.

NC01NBtdi · Post by **NC01NBtdi** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 6:36 pm

Green is the replacement. It appears the black is not available.
Thanks.

NC01NBtdi · Post by **NC01NBtdi** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 10:55 am

I was getting a check engine light off the new sensor so I ordered another one. No check engine light but the glow plug only stays on for a second and the car does not start, unplug the sensor and the glow plug light stays on for 15 seconds and the car starts right up.
What the heck!
Does the connection at the sensor put another relay in play that I need to check?

MayorDJQ · Post by **MayorDJQ** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:14 pm

I know this is an old thread, but........ In temps above 30*F the GP light will only stay on for maybe 2 seconds. Did you test the GPs? Considering the car's an '01, it might be time for a new set.