Hi there

Hoping someone can help with this. I bought my scudo van 3 months ago and it's always started on the button. Last week it suddenly became very reluctant to start from cold, would need multiple (10 plus) attempts and lots of cranking before sputtering into life. It starts fine from warm and appears to run fine.

The glow plug light goes on and off as it used to. The engine almost seems to catch but then instantly stalls while I am cranking it? Loads of white smoke out the back.

I have looked at other threads and thought it might be the timing advance solenoid? But then it runs fine when it's going - if this was faulty would it be running rough all the time?

If anyone has any thought please let me know!

Cheers,Richard

Ok, so this morning I tried unplugging the timing advance solenoid. I found that the rapid ticking (crackling) noise which previously coincided with the glow plug light stopped. From other posts I think this is the sound of the solenoid working, so I'm now assuming it's ok.

I did notice the red high coolant temp light come on before starting. Is this normal? Just wondering if I may have a fault with the coolant temp sensor? I probably ought to just take it to a garage really!!

rikdogg said:

Ok, so this morning I tried unplugging the timing advance solenoid. I found that the rapid ticking (crackling) noise which previously coincided with the glow plug light stopped. From other posts I think this is the sound of the solenoid working, so I'm now assuming it's ok.

I did notice the red high coolant temp light come on before starting. Is this normal? Just wondering if I may have a fault with the coolant temp sensor? I probably ought to just take it to a garage really!!

Click to expand...

hi,

have you tried "cycling" the glow plugs..?
that's the easiest way to diagnose poor plugs - and FREE


I would try "cycling " the glow plugs,
turn ignition on and off several times..NOT cranking,
then after 4 or 5 glowplug heating cycles.. then crank engine,

should at least "chuff" through 1 or 2 cylinders..,

in my experience of FIAT diesels,
the glow plugs always work when removed and tested,
it's lousy connections that stop them "glowing"

Charlie

Hi Charlie

Yeah I have tried cycling them 4-5 times, doesn't help unfortunately :-( I am wondering if problem some how linked to red coolant overheat warning which now shows before I crank the engine. I am quite sure it did not come up before?

Richard

Well, took it in for MOT and mentioned poor starting to garage. Plugged it in and no fault codes. They reckoned they found a slow leak from the fuel filter housing which could have been the cause... picking it up tomorrow morning with new housing fitted so fingers crossed!!

U need to get glowplugs checked first

I know this may sound daft but have you checked your battery? I had exactly the same problem on my 2006 model. After reading up and checking everything it turned out to be a faulty battery. Just a thought.

Well still have starting problem but seems to run better since filter housing change (had started losing power).

Will get garage to check glow plugs and battery next, just need to find time!

I had exactly the same issue. removed the glow plugs and tested them. 3 out of 4 were defective. Replaced and all was well.


to be noted.. my van wont start well unless the glow plug cycle light has gone out before I start the van. That's with 4 brand new plugs.