VW Transporter Cold Start Struggles, Injector Fix Guide

Had similar symptoms with a 2014 VW Golf GTI. The rough idle and hard starting issues were identical, especially during cold starts. After running an injector test, it confirmed a faulty fuel injector causing inconsistent fuel delivery. The diagnosis showed one injector was stuck partially open, leading to poor fuel atomization and uneven fuel distribution. This is actually a serious issue since it can eventually damage the catalytic converter and cause increased emissions. Rather than just cleaning, complete injector replacement was necessary as the internal components had worn out. The repair involved: Full diagnostic scan, Fuel pressure testing, Removing intake manifold, Replacing faulty injector, Programming the new injector, System adaptation The symptoms completely resolved after repair. With your mileage and symptoms, especially the cold start and rough idle issues, it strongly indicates injector problems rather than just needing a cleaning. Would recommend getting a proper injector test done to identify which one is failing before deciding on repair options. When left unaddressed, faulty injectors can lead to increased fuel consumption, drop in power, and potential engine damage. Getting it diagnosed early helps prevent cascading issues.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the GTI injector issue. My Transporter has been running perfectly since the repair, really glad I got it sorted quickly. Just wondering how much you ended up paying for the complete fuel injection system fix? Also, have you noticed any other issues popping up related to the fuel system since getting it repaired? The rough cold starts were definitely stressing me out, but the hard starting problems disappeared completely after replacement.

Thanks for asking about the repair costs. After seeing the mechanic, the faulty cold start injector was fixed and my GTI has been running flawlessly for over a year now. The total bill came to 515€ for the complete injector replacement and programming. The investment was worth it, no more rough idle or hard starting issues since the repair. The fuel system has remained trouble-free, with no related problems emerging afterward. The fuel injection system now works exactly as intended, especially during those critical cold starts that were previously problematic. This repair typically resolves the issue completely when done properly. Just make sure any replacement injector is properly programmed to work with the engine management system. The improvement in cold start performance and smooth idle is immediately noticeable after fixing a defective injector. From what you describe, it sounds like your Transporter got the same proper fix mine did. These symptoms are classic signs of injector failure, and addressing them promptly helps prevent more extensive engine damage down the line.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! Finally got around to having my Transporter checked out at a local shop. Turned out one of the fuel injectors was indeed failing, causing those annoying rough idle and hard starting issues in the morning. The mechanic ran a detailed fuel rail pressure test which confirmed inconsistent fuel delivery. Ended up costing 490€ for the complete fix, new injector, programming, and labor. The difference is like night and day now. Engine fires up instantly even on cold mornings and idles perfectly smooth. Really glad I got it sorted before it caused any additional problems. The shop showed me the old injector and you could see the wear on the internal components. Definitely learned my lesson about addressing these fuel system issues early rather than waiting until they get worse.