MWeber92

Seat Ateca starting issues

Alright, I'm officially stumped. My 2016 Seat Ateca with a gasoline engine is giving me major starting issues. When I turn the key, sometimes the engine starts rough and then immediately dies. Other times, it just cranks and cranks without firing up. I'm suspecting an ignition switch problem, but I'm not sure where to start troubleshooting. I've checked the battery, and it seems fine. Could this be a faulty ignition coil or something else entirely? Any advice on diagnosing this starting issue would be greatly appreciated.

4 comment(s)

Sounds like a similar issue I had with my Seat Leon. Does the engine crank at all when you turn the key? If it does, it's less likely to be the ignition switch itself and more likely something further down the line, like the fuel pump or ignition coil. But if it's completely dead, then yeah, ignition switch is a prime suspect.

Thanks for the quick reply. The engine does crank, but it's very rough, like it's struggling to get going. Sometimes it starts, but then shuts off after a few seconds. Other times, it just cranks and cranks without ever starting. You mentioned the fuel pump or ignition coil – is there any way to test those before I start replacing parts?

Given the rough running and the fact that it sometimes starts then dies, I'd lean towards an ignition issue. Before you go tearing into the ignition switch, check the fuses related to the ignition coil. A defective fuse could cause those exact symptoms. If the fuses are fine, then yeah, it might be time to visit the workshop.

Just a note that your advice was spot on. It was indeed a defective fuse related to the ignition coil. Replacing it myself, cost 52€ for the fuse and a trip to the auto parts store. The Ateca is running smoothly again. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

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