Occassionally need to press gas pedal to start - what gives?
 

Anyone know what could cause this? Twice in the past month when trying to start my 2003 Passat (V6), the car wouldn't turn over. First time the battery died and I thought it was the battery but when jumping it, the car still wouldn't start unless I pressed on gas pedal and the car seemed to be sputtering prior to turning over, almost as if it was spitting out build up in the gas. The second time it wouldn't start I just immediately started pumping the gas and the car started. Each time, once the car started it drove perfectly as if nothing ever happened. Anyone have any ideas on this?

RE: Occassionally need to press gas pedal to start - what gives?
 

Prolly just some dirt build-up on the injectors. Mine does it every once in awhile, I put some fuel injector cleaner in and it's fine. When was the last time the air filter was changed?

RE: Occassionally need to press gas pedal to start - what gives?
 

don't know about the air filter. i bought it used two years ago and haven't changed it since. i probably should have it changed.

RE: Occassionally need to press gas pedal to start - what gives?
 

low battery voltage can make the injectors hang open flooding the cylinders.
or you could have worn out spark plugs. to large of gap

RE: Occassionally need to press gas pedal to start - what gives?
 

Most spark plugs you buy will say right on the box something like gapless, like already pre-gapped. I have a gap checker from auto zone I use, plus the box and a manual will tell you what the proper gap is. Voltage is another cause, but seriously change your air filter!! lol

RE: Occassionally need to press gas pedal to start - what gives?
 

most plugs are pregapped
just get the plugs the car calls for and you wont have a problem with gap
NGK or BOSCH

RE: Occassionally need to press gas pedal to start - what gives?
 

In my Jetta NGK from the dealership are the best. I used Bosch and after about a month I chucked them and got the NGK!