Member Since: 27 Nov 2021
Location: Manchester
Posts: 51
!!!help on holiday - cold start issue
Hi I just got to the alps after a 20 hour drive, parked up and this morning the car will not start.
I had done my research around this before coming and just though oh well I will pour some hot water on the coolant temp sensor and be in my way.
Not the case this time.
When I try to start it, I wait for the glow plug light to go out and then crank it.
It cranks for about 10 seconds and then sounds like it’s about to flood (although I no this is not possible) then cuts off immediately before starting as if to say ‘no do not crank me anymore’
The battery reads 11.3v which after 900 miles of driving seems strange and could signal an alternator issue.
Here are some background details:
1. Car has nearly 60,000 miles on it
2. Had a major service with belts and fluids 2 weeks ago
3. I changed a dodgy egr valve last week
4. It looks like the coolant temp sensor was moved to next to the radiator (maf side) by the previous owner.
What I have with me:
1. Jump pack (although may not be powerful enough)
2. Multimeter
3. Socket set
4. Spanners and screw drivers
Is there something I can do other than wait until the end of the holiday and trigger my European breakdown cover?
19th Dec 2021 11:16 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10578
Later cars had the coolant sensor moved.
You could try disconnecting the sensor and briefly see if it wants to start.
I would try and buy a battery charger if you have power close to the car and disconnect the battery while you wait.
What’s the ambient temp there?
19th Dec 2021 11:52 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10578
As you have a multi meter, you may as well measure glow plug resistances.
The eliminate or prove that is the problem
Guide
I guess you should have fitted a fbh remote start kit. You can get them for £80-120
Not difficult to fit
19th Dec 2021 11:54 am
Disco_Dunce
Member Since: 27 Nov 2021
Location: Manchester
Posts: 51
Thanks Pete but I am at the ski resort so I will check the resistance.
Just wondering could it be diesel gelling? I filled up the tank (from about 1/2) with supermarket diesel in Grenoble before getting here.
19th Dec 2021 12:54 pm
mek
Member Since: 18 Mar 2015
Location: Zurich
Posts: 469
get it warm and move it indoors! Buy or "Borrow" an electric blanket from your accommodation. That might be enough. Maybe you'll need some jump leads and a running car too.
22nd Dec 2021 12:57 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10578
that reminds me, someone used a hair dyer into the air intake tube. Was enough to get it started
22nd Dec 2021 1:10 pm
Disco_Dunce
Member Since: 27 Nov 2021
Location: Manchester
Posts: 51
Thanks for all of the help.
Drastic action has been taken!
Battery is on its last legs now so got a charger and tried blocking the exhausts to warm the cylinders so will try again when battery is charged.
Also bought fbh remote kit and will fit it once it arrives so we will see!
22nd Dec 2021 2:10 pm
Flapper
Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 343
Quick fix
Buy a 2000 ohm or 3000 ohm resistor un-plug the sensor you poured the water on stick the resistor in the cable plug across the 2 pins.
The car should start.
Then take the resistor out of the plug and plug it back into the sensor you can do this with the engine running.
As a point of interest let me know what the temp is on the dash as my Disco will start like this down to -3
so you'll be the first if it colder than -3.
when it starts it will be very lumpy for a bit.
hope this helps.
F
22nd Dec 2021 3:11 pm
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
How cold is it? Did you fill up with fuel with a cold additive in it?
I worked in a ski resort for 3 seasons and saw it regularly that cars struggled to start when it went cold and they didnt have resort fuel in
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
22nd Dec 2021 4:24 pm
Disco_Dunce
Member Since: 27 Nov 2021
Location: Manchester
Posts: 51
It hasn’t gotten lower than -5 with some mild days.
The fuel was 50/50 with the expensive stuff and supermarket stuff which I hold my hands up was my fault.
But in all honesty I think the glow plugs are a gonner
Getting heat into the engine to help it start is the main priority. I checked fuel flow from the Schaefer valve and it is getting to the fuel rail.
Got stuff arriving before the end of the week so will keep you all posted. Hoping by Monday will be back on the road.
22nd Dec 2021 6:42 pm
Timbo1975
Member Since: 25 Nov 2019
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 43
despite the no glow plug action, i am amazed it wont eventually fire after a couple of extended cranks even at -5c.2015 SDV6 Commercial
22nd Dec 2021 9:40 pm
Disco_Dunce
Member Since: 27 Nov 2021
Location: Manchester
Posts: 51
That is my worry too. Once I fit the fbh remote kit and it doesn’t start I am out of options.
Fitting it tomorrow so will see what happens.
24th Dec 2021 6:34 pm
Motolab
Member Since: 18 Oct 2019
Location: Sleen
Posts: 1820
And keep in mind that the FBH does need and use 12v current.. it uses a lot of current, so keep the charger ON the battery when running the FBH. (Since it has been allready in deepcharge you said… everything below 12v IS deepcharge, deepcharge can kill a battery in a few hours)
Good luck!Best regards
Harold
Always looking for Pre '55's & Pre war British Motorcycles! knowing or having one for sale? PM please. I visit the UK 6 times a year
Ps. I edit my texts quite often, english is not my native language, so I will edit My “typo’s” etc.
24th Dec 2021 6:48 pm
Flapper
Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 343
Get a 5000 ohm resistor or some easy start.
24th Dec 2021 7:15 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8162
If it cranks and it’s got fuel it will start with a shot of Easystart, don’t overdue it just a whiff is enough, not recommended for regular starting only emergency.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
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