Bad Starting/pulsing Lights

[Aidsy1]

This morning when starting the car, it took a few seconds of stuttering until she finally turned over. After she started the lights on the dash were fluttering. As were the overhead lights until I revved the engine a bit. I read somewhere about the vacuum control valve (or similar) could it be this valve that is preventing smooth startup and the power problem. I have 2.0 diesel

[Heidfirst]

sounds more like ann electrical issue to me - Battery, alternator, earth etc.

[Aidsy1]

That was the first thing I checked testing Battery voltage and alternator output which are both fine, and not entirely sure how I would check the earth, but it is fine after I have revved the engine a little bit. It just is strange.

[Phil_1985]

If it's spluttering into life and cranking fine - mine had this issue. Mine however is the 2.2.

Common themes for a fix on this forum are - SCV and/or ECU update.

Mine was fixed via an ECU update at the dealers.

[Aidsy1]

how much will it cost (do you know) for an update at the stealers? being an 08 it isn't under any warranty any more, and I don't wanna spend money if it isnt going to fix it.