Member Since: 21 Aug 2007
Location: Wales, mun ;-)
Posts: 164
Cold Starting Advice
I've read many threads on this issue and had a quick look but couldn't find exactly what I wanted!
I have an 05 plate diesel auto with 95k on the clock. I suspect the heaters/glow plugs aren't functioning anymore and I was looking at a -6 Degrees Celsius this morning. I usually park the car tight in front of the kitchen window on nights like this. The AGA is constantly on and helps to raise the temp a few degrees, which makes all the difference. Not this morning.
I let the glow plugs (or what's left of them) warm up until the light went off. Turned off the ignition and did it again. On the third time I tried to fire it up and it just grumbled. Fourth and fifth time similar result. In a blind panic I tried the sixth time, pumping the accelerator and it coughed into action.
Is that the usual/best procedure? I can't remember exactly. Should I pump the accelerator, place my foot on it or leave it alone?
Changing the glow plugs is a monumental job IIRC. DOn't htink I'll be doing that. I can remember a while ago someone selling a kind of heater that you started 20 minutes or so before going out in the car. Anything else I can try? Would a hot air blower for 5 minutes make a difference for example? Blanket on the engine? Anything else?
Thanks in advance.
30th Nov 2016 2:31 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
Remote control for the FBH is the way to go. Pre warms the engine so it's easier to start. Glow plugs are cheap, but getting them out seems to be a lottery.
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30th Nov 2016 2:33 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
You need to find out if it is a sensor issue, glow plug issue, injector issue or poorly fuel pump. All of these can cause the issue you describe so worth knowing which one before spending money.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 21 Aug 2007
Location: Wales, mun ;-)
Posts: 164
Bodsy wrote:
Remote control for the FBH is the way to go. Pre warms the engine so it's easier to start. Glow plugs are cheap, but getting them out seems to be a lottery.
I'll message you with some options.
Thanks.
30th Nov 2016 2:43 pm
Daf
Member Since: 21 Aug 2007
Location: Wales, mun ;-)
Posts: 164
Robbie wrote:
You need to find out if it is a sensor issue, glow plug issue, injector issue or poorly fuel pump. All of these can cause the issue you describe so worth knowing which one before spending money.
I thought that the glowplugs just failed given the age of the car?
30th Nov 2016 2:44 pm
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
Just read recently that the glow plugs will often stay energised even after light goes out so switching on & off may not be best. Try Switching on for 20 secs then crank
30th Nov 2016 4:02 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72779
Daf wrote:
Robbie wrote:
You need to find out if it is a sensor issue, glow plug issue, injector issue or poorly fuel pump. All of these can cause the issue you describe so worth knowing which one before spending money.
I thought that the glowplugs just failed given the age of the car?
I was having the same problems, which miraculously dissapeared when new(ish) injectors were fitted. 06MY D3, injectors changed at ~150k miles.
30th Nov 2016 4:07 pm
Skynet
Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: Melksham, Wiltshire
Posts: 868
Once the ignition is on, doesn't the FBH kick in after a min or two anyway when its below 5DegC? Would you able to leave it this state unattended for 15+ mins?Dave
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I think the FBH will only cut in once engine is running, then continue if shut down if coolant isn't hot enough.
Last edited by DSL on 30th Nov 2016 4:23 pm. Edited 1 time in total
30th Nov 2016 4:15 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Daf wrote:
I thought that the glowplugs just failed given the age of the car?
Nope, some early D3s still have 6 good plugs.
The note above about the dash light not being representative of glow plug activity is correct. A longer pause, even after the light has gone off, will provide more heating. But as said, it isn't always the glow plugs so best to find out what the real problem is and if it just happens to be the glow plugs then get them changed as they are not optional items.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Much as FBH's and remote options for prestart running of them are great additions to aid starting a cold engine by warming up the water jacket, they aren't really a replacement for working glow plugs, they don't get the same level of heat into the combustion chamber Altox GSM FBH controller thread
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30th Nov 2016 4:22 pm
Skynet
Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: Melksham, Wiltshire
Posts: 868
If I use the FBH on mine, the glowplug light pops on for millisecs as a check then straight off. Dave
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Skynet wrote:
Once the ignition is on, doesn't the FBH kick in after a min or two anyway when its below 5DegC? Would you able to leave it this state unattended for 15+ mins?
Engine needs to be running for FBH to kick into automatic mode.
The FBH can be remotely operated as a park heater incorporating a 1533 timer for about £100.
Might be wise to do that mod before throwing big money at injectors or risk the potential pitfalls of glow plug removal.
Chances are it will improve cold starting dramatically as it has for countless others.Mods:
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Last edited by Narpy on 30th Nov 2016 8:53 pm. Edited 1 time in total
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30th Nov 2016 5:33 pm
Skynet
Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: Melksham, Wiltshire
Posts: 868
I'll also use my FBH timer between 10 and 5 Deg as my home to work run is only 20mins and I like a warm cab ASAP.Dave
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