VW Taos Cold Start Struggles: Rough Idle, Multiple Cranks

Had a similar issue with my VW Tiguan last winter. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, rough idle on cold starts and occasional hard starting. The engine misfire during warm-up was particularly concerning. After diagnostic testing, the fuel system showed a faulty injector which was causing irregular fuel delivery to the engine. The fuel rail pressure was inconsistent, leading to those cold start problems. The mechanic found carbon buildup inside the injector, restricting proper atomization. The repair involved removing and cleaning all injectors, but one needed complete replacement due to internal damage. This was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since bad injectors can cause long-term engine damage and increased fuel consumption. The problem has not returned since the repair. Would strongly recommend getting a proper diagnostic test focused on the fuel injection system. These symptoms typically worsen over time and can potentially damage other engine components if left unaddressed. While cleaning might resolve the issue, be prepared that a full injector replacement could be necessary. Modern direct injection systems are quite sensitive to fuel quality and injection timing.

Thanks for sharing your experience. When my Taos showed those same cold start problems, I was wondering if I was dealing with a similar fuel delivery problem as yours. The mechanics found some debris causing blockage in two injectors. After cleaning the fuel system and replacing the problematic injectors, my car starts perfectly now, even in cold weather. Can you tell me how much the repair cost in your case? Just curious since engine misfire issues can vary in repair costs. Also, have you had any other fuel system related problems since the fix?

Following my VW Tiguan fuel injector repair experience mentioned earlier, I can confirm the fix resolved all cold start problems completely. The total repair cost was 515€ for replacing the faulty cold start injector. The investment was worth it since the engine misfire issues disappeared immediately after the repair. The fuel injection system has worked flawlessly since the fix, with no hard starting or rough running during cold starts. Regular fuel system maintenance and using quality fuel have helped prevent any recurring issues. The engine runs smoothly in all conditions now, especially during those critical first minutes of operation. Good to hear your Taos is also running well after addressing similar injection problems. These direct injection systems are quite sensitive, but once properly repaired, they tend to remain reliable. No additional fuel system related problems have emerged in the past year since the repair.

Thanks for the informative replies. After taking my Taos to the mechanic, they ran a thorough injector test which revealed debris blockage in the fuel injection system. The total bill came to 480€ including cleaning and replacing two injectors. The cold start problems completely disappeared after the repair. The mechanic also showed me how carbon deposits had built up, restricting proper fuel delivery. They recommended using higher quality fuel to prevent future issues. Since the fix three months ago, the engine starts perfectly even in cold weather with no sign of engine misfire. This experience taught me not to wait when experiencing fuel system issues. The quick and efficient repair actually saved me from potential long-term engine damage. Much better outcome than my previous frustrating mechanic visits.