Engine Rattling When Starting Ignition

[lukdot6]

I have a 2000 Jetta GLS with approximately 59,000 miles on it. For the past 2 weeks, I've noticed that whenever I start the ignition, my engine rattles or rather chugs. It seems like it's having a hard time starting the car. It stops right after that & my engine light is not on. Has anyone have that problem?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[CaseyVR6]

Maybe I'm being silly, but have you had the battery checked or replaced recently? That seems to be very low miles, and I can only imagine you have a very short drive to work. Over time you could have drained the battery down by not giving the alternator enough time to charge it back up on the drive. I guess that's the first thing I'd check because it's probably the cheapest and easiest thing to look for.

Have you kept up with all the tune ups? Oil levels are fine, coolant is full, spark plugs aren't more than 10,000 miles old at the oldest?

[lukdot6]

I don't think it has anything to do with my batteries and I have my car maintained on a regular basis.

I called the VW dealership today & the service department said it could be caused by the humid weather. They also said to get some fuel injection cleaner, which I did. I'm hoping that would stop the rattle.

[veedubmechanic]

If its a growl noise right after you start your car, its the starter thats going out.

[lukdot6]

Thanks...I will definitely get that looked at next time I bring my car in for an oil change.

[JTucker81]

All VW's do that. My Jetta and my girl's Passat. It seems like the engine warms up or something but I think it's normal.