First Post

[Gundog]

Like a lot of 2.4TD owners I am having trouble with cold starting. I am after a decent manual that gives the right info on testing the cold start relay and timings.

When I switch the ignition on, the glow plug light on the dash comes on then goes off a couple of seconds later. Seconds after that there is a relay clicking in (quite audible) then the constant whining tone kicks in. Roughly 20 or so seconds later there is a nother relay click ( not as audible as the first, you really have to listen for it) at which point I crank the engine. Normally this fires the engine up first time but what with the cold weather I am cranking 4 or 5 times.

I am not sure it is fuel draining as I have left the engine off for for 6 hours overnight and it was a toad to start, yet left 10 hours in the day while out driving and it started easier.

Any tips on checking the glow plug circuits and fuses would be appreciated

[wishbone]

You can use a voltmeter on the top of the glow plugs to make sure you are getting power there. It should be around 11V (from memory) and drop for the 'afterglow'.

If you have power there then fit new plugs.

If you have no power there then check the 80amp fuse in the fusebox (drivers side wing) You have to remove it from the back if it needs changing.

Also check all your battery connections are clean and tight.

[Gundog]

I think the fuse is okay as the relay is clicking in and according to a Russian manual I found, the fuse is before the relay. I did try for voltage on the post where the cable joined the bus bar but had nothing so I will try on top of a glow plug and see what happens.

[stormforce]

If your having trouble starting when cold then it will more than likely be the plugs that are the problem as the relay is ok.Try turning the ignition on a couple of times till you hear the 1st relay click and then see if it fires up better

[wishbone]

I think the fuse is okay as the relay is clicking in and according to a Russian manual I found, the fuse is before the relay. I did try for voltage on the post where the cable joined the bus bar but had nothing so I will try on top of a glow plug and see what happens.

The relay could still work even if the fuse for the high current feed has blown.

[Gundog]

I had a try at removing the fuse but it is secured tighter than fort knox. I tried prising away the little lock bar next to it but it didn't want to know.

[wishbone]

Yep you need to unbolt the fuse box from the wing, remove the bottom cover and remove the fuse from the back of the fusebox.

[Gundog]

That will have to be a daylight job. I spent enough time trying to fix kit in the dark with a piddly little torch while I was in the army. Looking at my russian wiring diagram again, there is the chance that the relay will operate with a blown 80amp. I would put a piccy of it up if I can figure out how to insert the image buit it keeps asking for a URL of the image and it is in my piccies folder.