Several owners of Fiat Ducato 2.5 TD appear to be having problems with starting due to glow-plug module (Bitron Video 2044029) failure.
I have dispensed with mine altogether by substituting a HD relay in it's place controlled by a push button.
Work very well - modification cost about £25.00 and a couple of hours work.
If anyone would like my circuit diagram contact me!

Even better get a timer relay (or add a timer to the low power side) so you don't forget to turn them off.

John Jackson said:

Several owners of Fiat Ducato 2.5 TD appear to be having problems with starting due to glow-plug module (Bitron Video 2044029) failure.
I have dispensed with mine altogether by substituting a HD relay in it's place controlled by a push button.
Work very well - modification cost about £25.00 and a couple of hours work.
If anyone would like my circuit diagram contact me!

Click to expand...

Ducato only??

DaveMcT said:

Even better get a timer relay (or add a timer to the low power side) so you don't forget to turn them off.

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Perhaps Dave, but will a timer know how long preheat is needed?
Worth a try.
My way it is only on so long as the button is pressed, I believe that temperature, experience and battery condition will determine how long to press the button. As I've said I haven't needed to use mine at all - yet!

John Jackson said:

Perhaps Dave, but will a timer know how long preheat is needed?
Worth a try.
My way it is only on so long as the button is pressed, I believe that temperature, experience and battery condition will determine how long to press the button. As I've said I haven't needed to use mine at all - yet!

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10 seconds or so should be enough in most cases I'd imagine
If more is needed run for 10s turn off and turn on aging for some more heating

chris3234 said:

10 seconds or so should be enough in most cases I'd imagine
If more is needed run for 10s turn off and turn on aging for some more heating

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You're probably right Chris, the only problem I see is introducing yet another electronic device to go wrong!
My idea was to cut out unnecessary electronics!
I think I'll leave it to individuals to decide - it works for me, so I'll stick with it as it is.

I suggest fitting a timer relay because sooner or later someone will forget to switch off the glow plugs and that's a fast way to needing new ones.

Timers for a few seconds usually use a bimetal strip no electronics and not silly money.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=173966880770&_sacat=0

John Jackson said:

Several owners of Fiat Ducato 2.5 TD appear to be having problems with starting due to glow-plug module (Bitron Video 2044029) failure.
I have dispensed with mine altogether by substituting a HD relay in it's place controlled by a push button.
Work very well - modification cost about £25.00 and a couple of hours work.
If anyone would like my circuit diagram contact me!

Click to expand...

Thank you. Yes, please. We have a 1988 2.5TD with temperamental/broken 2044029 relay.

John Jackson

John Jackson said:

Diversi proprietari di Fiat Ducato 2.5 TD sembrano avere problemi di avviamento a causa del guasto del modulo candelette (Bitron Video 2044029).
Ho rinunciato del tutto al mio sostituendo un relè HD al suo posto controllato da un pulsante.
Funziona molto bene - la modifica costa circa £ 25,00 e un paio d'ore di lavoro.
Se qualcuno volesse il mio schema elettrico mi contatti!

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Ciao anche io ho un problema con la centralina potresti farmi avere il tuo schema ? Grazie in anticipo mia mail [email protected]

Myrtle1988 said:

Thank you. Yes, please. We have a 1988 2.5TD with temperamental/broken 2044029 relay.

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varesecrazy said:

John Jackson For anyone!

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Please can someone inform me as to the functioning of the Bitron unit. I appreciate that it controls the time for which the glowplugs are energised, but after that time period, with the ignition key held in the start position does ithe Bitron unit automatically operate the starter motor? YES/NO

I have owned several diesel vehicles the first being a Landrover in the 1960's. As it was indirect injection, it required glowplugs for cold starting. The original control was basic with a separate glowplug/starter switch. Procedure was to pause in the glowplug position for about 10 seconds, and then turn the switch to the start engine. Glowplugs were only necessary with a cold engine. I eventually fitted a later model of the "ignition" switch which controlled services, glowplugs, and starter.