Starting question

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TAH

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I've read on here about hot starting issues and fixing by 'tricking the car into thinking its cold or something..
mine really doesn't like starting first thing. Almost like the pre-heat isn't working.. cranks.. coughs and splutters and eventually starts.
once its run, it'll start all day first flick.
Can the pre-heat just stop working? or another cause?
(got some free time so putting all my issues out there for clues:) thanks
 
before you start the car in morning turn the ignition on till the heater plug light goes out and do this 3 or 4 times before trying to start if it starts ok after heating them few times then the glow plugs are gone need to renew them. I'm assuming it's a P38 if so behind the battery where the ecu is bolted on to the sid of ecu is glow plug relay, unbolt it and on the underneath of it is a metal strip that is the maxi fuse that may be blown preventing the glow plugs from actually heating.
 
You don't need a hot start fix. If it's not starting from cold it will be duff glow plugs or plug relay. Hot start fix is is for difficult starting when warm and glow plugs are not used. It tricks ECU into thinking engine is cold sets ECU to cold start mode and puts glow plugs on. No good if glow plugs are duff.
 
Or it's possible that you've got a fuel problem. In-tank pump failed, in-tank pipe cracked, fuel line loose, partially blocked filter, leaking leak-off pipes on the injectors.
 
TAH said:
I've read on here about hot starting issues and fixing by 'tricking the car into thinking its cold or something..
mine really doesn't like starting first thing. Almost like the pre-heat isn't working.. cranks.. coughs and splutters and eventually starts.
once its run, it'll start all day first flick.
Can the pre-heat just stop working? or another cause?
(got some free time so putting all my issues out there for clues:) thanks
Click to expand...

I agree with Wammers as usual:) 90% chance it's the glowplugs:D
 
dogsbody said:
Or it's possible that you've got a fuel problem. In-tank pump failed, in-tank pipe cracked, fuel line loose, partially blocked filter, leaking leak-off pipes on the injectors.
Click to expand...

Yeah but it would be with those problems, hard to start hot. But he only complains of cold start problem.:):):)
 
wammers said:
You don't need a hot start fix. If it's not starting from cold it will be duff glow plugs or plug relay. Hot start fix is is for difficult starting when warm and glow plugs are not used. It tricks ECU into thinking engine is cold sets ECU to cold start mode and puts glow plugs on. No good if glow plugs are duff.
Click to expand...

- yeah, I know - I was just referencing the fact I'd seen that issue - sorry to confuse. Possibly the glow plugs but not sure how to test them or just replace them? I'll try three or four pre-heats and see if they are working but weak. Also check that master fuse for them as mentioned - Do you mean the Fuse is IN the same box as the ECU next to the battery or in the Fuse box?
If its in the ECU box, can I unplug the ECU without issue to get to it, as the wiring for the ECU connection prevents me from seeing the thing buried in there

EDIT** - tried 4 heat cycles and started well. Therefore I can assume I am going to be shopping for Glowplugs I guess. Easy to fit?
 
Last edited:
I actually thought it was duff glowplugs too on my car, so I swapped them out for a new set of bosch. Still it take a little longer than usual, it used to fire instantly before- well i mean a few years back. Intank pump is 6 months old, so I guess it has to be glowplug relay. will look into it later.
question, if the fuse has just blown on the glowplug relay do you get a msg on the dash?
 
Canyon said:
I actually thought it was duff glowplugs too on my car, so I swapped them out for a new set of bosch. Still it take a little longer than usual, it used to fire instantly before- well i mean a few years back. Intank pump is 6 months old, so I guess it has to be glowplug relay. will look into it later.
question, if the fuse has just blown on the glowplug relay do you get a msg on the dash?
Click to expand...

Have you ever had pump timing checked or injectors serviced?
 
TAH said:
- yeah, I know - I was just referencing the fact I'd seen that issue - sorry to confuse. Possibly the glow plugs but not sure how to test them or just replace them? I'll try three or four pre-heats and see if they are working but weak. Also check that master fuse for them as mentioned - Do you mean the Fuse is IN the same box as the ECU next to the battery or in the Fuse box?
If its in the ECU box, can I unplug the ECU without issue to get to it, as the wiring for the ECU connection prevents me from seeing the thing buried in there

EDIT** - tried 4 heat cycles and started well. Therefore I can assume I am going to be shopping for Glowplugs I guess. Easy to fit?
Click to expand...

Don't buy cheapo glowplugs, they don't work. go for BERU, Delphi, Bosch or NGK:D
 
Canyon said:
No never had them checked or serviced, but at 107k on the clock does it need doing now?
How much should I be paying for these services?
Click to expand...

If your injectors have done 107,000 maybe they are a little tired. Getting pump timed may help a little. You should be able to get the injectors refurbed for around £25.00 to £30.00 each. Pump timing may take a couple of hours or less.
 
Would I ( Handy with spanners) be ok fitting glow plugs or is it a special tool/ garage job?
 
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