Hi all,

So I've had a starting problem with my Grande Punto 1.9 Mjet 2006 ever since I got it.

When I use to try and start the car (after the glow plugs had warmed) it'd struggle to start. Sometimes it could take a few tries and sometimes it would start first time. It would always start first time if the engine was warm.

Fast forward to today and the issue has gotten worse. I recently found I had a fuel line leaking and diesel had puddled up around all 4 injectors. I've sorted the leak and cleaned all the diesel from wherever it found it's way, however now I have the "check glow plug" light flash up on my dash for 20-30 seconds then go out. The car also refuses to start unless I hook it up to another car via jump leads.

I've searched the forum alllover and it seems many people have this issue though no one has found a fix (albeit lots to check).

I've replaced the glow plugs and the glow plug relay. I've checked the battery with a multimeter and theres appro. 12v which to me says the battery is ok. I've checked the preheat fuse within the fuse box and again the multimeter reads 12v and a visual check confirmed it's fine. I have also checked the live wire to the glow plug relay and the MM reads 12v.

I took one of the new glowplugs out and connected it to each individual glow plug plug and none of them seemed to warm the glowplug up (of course turning it to ignition and waiting 20-30 seconds).

I am stumped. Is there another fuse that I'm unsure about or is it possible the wires from the glowplug to the relay themselves need replacing? Any help is much appreciated.

Jamie

At this time of year / ambient temp the glow plug relay would only energise the glow plugs for a few seconds.
I am not sure your battery is ok....if 12volt reading is with key turned off then your battery is very poor.
If your starter motor turns considerably faster when jumped from another vehicle then battery looking poor.
Use volt meter connected to glow plug wire and see if it reads battery voltage when key on glow plug light on.

To judge voltage, you must be more specific, not rounding out the numbers like that.
Twelve volts (literally 12,00) is NOT "ok".
"OK" starts from 12,4-12,6 V in the ignition ON position.
Fully charged battery without significant load will show more, like 12,7-12,9 V range.

Regardless of engine version, all Grandes have same issues, like main "earthing/ground" cables, plus corrosion inside the fuse-box (wires under the fuses/relays). Next is fuel system (pump, filter, injectors). And various sensors (temperatures, pressures, cam/crank shaft position). Mechanical problems (compression, timing). ECU failure is the last thing to worry.

Thankyou both for your replies.

I went out and re-tested the battery and the voltage measures at 12,15 so I'd assume the battery is no good? (though this is with a fairly depleted battery).

After jump starting it, I've taken it for a 3 hour run to hopefully get some decent charge into the battery if it's not faulty. I'll re-test in the morning and post the measurements.

As a side note, once I finished my run and had turned the car off, I turned it back on again (check glow plugs message and glow plug light still on/flashing) and it started within seconds albeit a little grumpy.