New vehicle (for me) had flashing glow plug light for 60s after starting. Unhappy to start in cold weather.

It is a 2002 2.8D(no turbo) series 230. Makes all who are behind me on hills a little impatient!

I disconnected power bus to glow plugs and measured them. All seemed ok. Put back together and faulty had cleared. Starts absolutely brilliant now.

Finally found glow plug relay and needed to clean the contacts - one of the big ones was certainly dirty.

My question(s) If anyone can help is: Where is the timer? Power to glow plugs come on for 15s, I can hear the relay switch. Does its operation depend on (coolant) temp? Is 15s normal for all ambient temp? The glow plug light on the dash comes on for 5s - If glow plugs are on for 15s when do I crank?

Not having any success in sourcing a manual and two Fiat dealers have not been able to assist in any way.

Also, have strange switch on rhs dashboard pic attached. Has non standard wire (pair) to relay in engine bay, an earth that goes to many contact and one blue/white wire that runs to fuse box/alarm area in cab. Cannot fathom what this does, it does light up in one position but dosen't seem to do anything. Any clues - may well be a modification...

The blinking glow plug light signals there is a large difference in current between the four plugs. May be a corroded contact or one or more plugs have burned out. This test is briefly executed whenever you turn the key.
In summer the light goes out almost immediately, when it gets colder it stays on for a few seconds and you should start as soon as the light is off. The timer is in the relay itself and keeps the contacts closed during and after starting for approx 15 seconds.
The ecu determines the need to use glow plugs based on engine temperature.

Thanks