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simple solution for no glow plugs

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Erea

Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509

2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Commercial Manual Zambezi Silver

+1 it works!!
I’ve my Discovery since 2010 and back in 2010/11 in -15 it started First time every time. Fast forward to the beast from the east.
-7 and no start I put the hairdryer under the bonnet while I had breakfast and then held it to the air intake and it started.
Then I read a few treads about tricking the temp sensor. So the next day that it refused to start at -5 I got the hairdryer and aimed it at the temperature sensor for about 30 seconds and it started straight away.

Now why this works is debatable but I’m guessing and open to major correction,
my guess is when the ECU detects minus temperature it turns on the glow plugs and changes/reduces the startup fuelling amount because it’s letting the glow plugs do all the work, all well and good if the glow plugs are glowing 8)
But if the glow plugs have failed

the ECU doesn’t know this ( probably the only thing the car doesn’t monitor) so it still alters/reduces the startup fuelling as it thinks the glow plugs are doing the hard work.

28th Mar 2018 10:34 am

Parky63

Member Since: 10 Apr 2017
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 409

2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Buckingham Blue

I also have non functioning glow plugs and have struggled through the colder parts of this winter. I'm nowhere near an expert but have read up extensively regarding cold starts.
4TRAX was first to report the hot water trick on the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor:

https://disco3.co.uk/forum/lr3-wont-start-...ight=4trax

My understanding is that if the clever electronics think the engines NOT cold (by spraying the ECT sensor with boiling water) then a different injector timing is used and it is this which gets the engine to start.

What has worked for me is point 5 in Robbie's excellent guide

https://disco3.co.uk/forum/robbies-guide-g...glow+plugs

and changing from supermarket fuel to BP. Hope this helps,

David 2006 D3 HSE Buckingham Blue
Silicone Intercooler Pipe
MAP Sensor cleaned
N/S Drain Tube Elbow

28th Mar 2018 10:41 am

Flapper

Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 352

2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto Zermatt Silver

your right i think

I have read in this site that warming the temp sender under the bonnet helps and it does work.
Now I know it works at -2 as I have done it 3 times.
If it was colder it may not work.
On here I read a thread that said "i spoke to the head tec at Landrover and he said that this sensor tell the ecu to change the starting programme and enable the glow plugs" however if all your plugs are busted the ecu still changes there spray order/pressure/sequence but the plug don't work so it don't start..

if you warm this little sensor just it bit so the engine ecu now think its not -2 its +4 so it uses the normal start order/pressure/sequence and no glow plugs............ it starts. and its not lots of cranking it just start like normal just a bit lumpy for a couple of seconds....

Bottom line is to change the glow plugs cost a lot, fitting a parking heater control is great if your heater works and mine doesn't so that cost a lot to fix as well.
fitting a switch and resistor to trick the sensor so the car thinks it warm cost around £10

28th Mar 2018 1:27 pm

lynalldiscovery

Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274

2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Metropolis LE Auto Bonatti Grey

If its going to be a long term fix for you why dont you just cut into the loom and run a wire back to a variable resisitor in the cabin?
No need for plugs etc.

28th Mar 2018 4:06 pm

Flapper

Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 352

Your right

I didn't want to cut the loom,but the plugs are hard to get so looks like it's the only way.
I measured the sensor today and it was 5 on the 20k range so I think it's a 5000k ohms, so I'll solder 2 wires on the loom run them into the cab fit a switch on one leg and put the resistor across the 2 wires.
So with the switch closed the temp gauge will read fake normal and the car will start.
Open the switch the temp gauge will read real temp (cold) engine won't start.

So the process is try to start......if it fails...... switch off car flick in the resistor so the temp reads normal.
Start the car...let it tick over for a bit switch off flick the temp resistor out .....restart the car.

Not sure how cold it will still work I have asked anybody in a cold place to try it.

29th Mar 2018 5:31 pm

Flapper

Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 352

Fixed-it Cold Starting with no working glow plugs

Frosty this morning so tried it. ....not starting Sad
unplugged the temp sensor in the top hose popped in a 7000ohm resistor I found really needed a 5000ohm but all I had looked at the temp gauge reading just above cold but below normal turned the key .........it started Whistle

So no need for any glow plugs or preheating using the fbh
All I need is to make it look tidy and put a switch in so I don't even have to lift the bonnet

The air temp said -2 this morning
Sorted thank you Pete K for your help Thumbs Up
total cost under a fiver

6th Apr 2018 3:29 pm

lynalldiscovery

Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274

I think when you have done a tidy install you should do a write up with pictures, it will be well read over the coming years as the D3s get older/cheaper

If it works long term it is going to save people some serious money and keep the cars on the road for longer.

6th Apr 2018 3:50 pm

Flapper

Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 352

Roger that

Roger that!

6th Apr 2018 3:52 pm

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