for over 5 years we travelled europe without a problem. but this year is one to forget. it wont start. i changed the diesel filter and nothing. no current on the three connectors, tried the collision thingy, no, get a click when tested but no light, checked relays, 6, left to right 1 blue, 2 grey, 1 empty, 3 grey, the 2 grey relays warm up quick but not hot? is that normal? oh yes its a 2.8 idtd 1999.
also battery loses power, 2 days to 3 weeks if an r in the month. grateful for any info in the black arts

I know far too little about diesels but a couple of questions to help others to offer advice:

Re. non starting: is starter turning over fast enough? If battery is poor perhaps you are not getting enough compression.

If starting speed is ok, is it the dreaded immobiliser problem of that era? (search forum for cure which is to disable it!)

Re. battery running down: vehicle or habitation battery? (will be different causes!)

thanks for the reply, battery and starter are good. there is no current by the fuel filter thus no fuel to the motor. i checked the immobiliser and it was upside down i believe, button on top, and no rubber cap! earlier problems thus. i checked it and seems to work but a light test igot a click somewhere with a dim light? going to find the solution as you suggest.

no it is not an immobiliser it is the inertia switch, can i just cut the wires and join them? maybe with a fuse?

dtab said:

no it is not an immobiliser it is the inertia switch, can i just cut the wires and join them? maybe with a fuse?

Click to expand...

The inertia switch is to stop the lift pump pumping out all the fuel and potentially feeding a fire in the event of an accident.

The immobiliser aerial is attached to the ignition switch and responds to the key being inserted. What that does when activated (i.e. by key being inserted and turned) is to energise the fuel cut-off solenoid on the injector pump.

Conversely, if it is faulty, no fuel will reach the injectors whether ignition is on or off. However I don't know if the immobiliser also supplies the lift pump or if, as you say, it is fed by the inertia switch.

You may be able to check by listening in the engine bay for the fuel cut-off solenoid clicking (or not!) while someone turns the ignition on and off.