VW passat 2001.5 1.8T Cold start problem

[vwmichigan]

I recently purchased a VW Passat 1.8 Turbo.I t has 85,000 miles now. I have a problem starting now when it gets cold here in michigan...It starts but then goes out..Today noticed that the engine light was flashing at the same time.. The rpm goes up the down and then up again.. The second time it started but the car was like shaking a little, and then when it warms up its fine. Have no idea what it could be. This is my first VW that i ever purchased need some serious help... just a student here and cant afford taking it to a dealership thanks alot ..

[Will12]

I had similar problem once. However, my car was sitting outside for two days in 40-50 degrees F without strarting; my oil was 5w-40 (not 5w-30 the usual), and I have not changed oil for sometime as it is leaking a little and I just add a little. The starting problem was only once, but once I changed oil for the correct one, no problems there. As for flashing check engine light, go to autozone and they'll check it for free, and get the codes too.