Quote Originally Posted by RallyD
on those cars the coolant temp sensor plays a huge part in fuel metering. Possibly when the temp is so cold and not plugged in, the sensor is out of range and gives you an incredibly rich mixture.
Thank you both, gentlemen.

Its digifant. My old Scirroco was CIS and never had these issues.

Regarding the coolant temp sens, if I unplugged it at start-up, would it send a tropical weather report or default to a cold report/rich mixture ?? May try it tomorrow am.

Thanks again,

Dave M