Cold Start Problem (Please HELP!!!)

This problem may not be unique.
I have a 1985 VW Golf CL with approx. 180,000 Kilometers.. Whenever, I try to start the engine, I need at least two tries (maybe more if it's really cold)before the engine would start. Then, I have to keep my foot on the gas ... sightly depressed... for at least three minutes or else the engine would die. However, if I go through the same process when the car has been driven for a while, everything works like a charm. This problem recently started when it got cold (this is the first time this happened) I am afraid that this racing of the engine to warm it up will distroy it.

I got a new timing belt, new spark plugs, an oil change, a new battery, all lubricants have been topped (typical winterizing the car)

I am trying to rule out possibilities.
1. Fuel filter (I haven't changed it)
2. Timing
3. control pressure regulator
4. Would the racing of the engine to warm it up destroy it??

Has someone experienced the same issue? If so, what was the cause?
Does anyone with an expertise in VW Golf engineering have any advise??

I have a '94 Golf CL and I have recently also been experiencing problems with starting my car. The colder it gets outside the harder it is to start the car, and at idle the engine is very irregular as if it wanted to die any second. After the car has been driven for a while these problems go away but then the next morning it happens again. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Are you still having problems starting. Let me know. I did some research and it may be the control pressure regulator. If it is not working, it won't reduce the pressure above the fuel plunger in the fuel distributor, that allows the engine to run rich during warm up. I am going to have my mechanic check my fuel mixture, and then fuel pressurers, to determine if I need an adjustment or if the control pressure regulator needs replacing. I am getting this done soon since the weather is becoming really cold now and harder for me to start my car and afraid I might be causing more damage to the car. I'll re-post again what the outcome is. But I'm also having my fuel filter changed since I can't pin-point what the root cause is.

I have a '94 Golf CL and I have recently also been experiencing problems with starting my car. The colder it gets outside the harder it is to start the car, and at idle the engine is very irregular as if it wanted to die any second. After the car has been driven for a while these problems go away but then the next morning it happens again. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Are you still having problems starting. Let me know. I did some research and it may be the control pressure regulator. If it is not working, it won't reduce the pressure above the fuel plunger in the fuel distributor, that allows the engine to run rich during warm up. I am going to have my mechanic check my fuel mixture, and then fuel pressurers, to determine if I need an adjustment or if the control pressure regulator needs replacing. I am getting this done soon since the weather is becoming really cold now and harder for me to start my car and afraid I might be causing more damage to the car. I'll re-post again what the outcome is. But I'm also having my fuel filter changed since I can't pin-point what the root cause is.


Hey, I have the same problem with my 1992 Golf CL 1.8; in the morning it turns over ok but evenually runs the battery flat so that I need to be jump started. When the engine is warm the car starts ok. Other symptoms include that once started from cold, I have to keep the accelerator depressed to ensure the revs don't drop and the car cuts out. Has anyone figured out the problem? I too have had new spark plugs and HT leads but if anyone has had the same problem and fixed it then I'd be grateful to know what caused it! Thanks.

I had the same issue on my ford fiesta. My dad had it fixed at a mechanic, my dad being my dad did not ask how the issue was fixed but i got this much out of him, basically there was a corroded cable/wire connected to the accelerator, he got that replaced for next to nothing and the motor worked like a charm.

I probably havent helped but i do know it something to do with a coroded cable.

Should be an air temp sensor that causes idle to adjust accordingly?
otherwise try removing the throttle body housing (where the filter pipe goes)
and get sum cold start from an auto shop, spray that in there for a temporary solution!

your problem could be the control pressure regulator - this controls mixture when cold. Also the auxillary air regulator is responsible for a increased idle speed when cold. Your tech will have to hook up the CIS guages in order to check the CPR

check the glow plugs