I bought this car in November. 2006 model
19k on the clock and was owened by a little old guy who had sadly passed on.
Since day one the car has been had to start from cold.
It spins over ok and fires but then dies almost straight away.
each subsequent attempt to start the car results in it running a little longer but still dying after a few seconds.
After maybe half a dozen attempts it will keep running.
Hot starting is fine.
Only other thing i've noticed is that the temp gauge is moving around erratically,moving up to the top and the red light coming on while i'm trying to start it.
Could these two problems be connected?
I'm wondering if maybe the temp sender is sending false info to the cars brain and it's messing with the fuel/air mixture?


Thank You

If i was you I would try a temp sensor first as you have probably guest right that it is sending the wrong info to the ecu also have you cleaned the plugs or tried another set

Temp gauge is unlikely to be related to starting issue, this is a software issue that can be sorted with a flash at a dealer. Mine and probably many others do it, not a problem.
Starting issue sounds like it could be a map sensor, look in the guide section. Be good idea to get ECU checked for fault codes before dropping any cash though.

Cheers

Ben

check readings of air intake temperature, map pressure and water temperature......


the red light on starting was a software / voltage issue (check the main engine bay earth) but my first GP did this and i just ignored it

I had same cold start prob. It was diagnosed as the temp sensor, so had this replaced and it made no difference! Cleaned the map sensor, no better. So, I bought a map sensor from ebay from a company selling lots of similar parts. Checked their feedback first and it was very good. The new map was only £12 and it fixed the problem straight away. Very easy to fit, too - see "Guides". Good luck!