2003 1.9 JTD. Problem started last week so brought it to NORAUTO to change 4 glowplugs. No change still wouldn't start. Since then, new battery, crankcase sensor and glowplug relay still no joy. Used Holts Start pilot spray it started nearly straight away and ran perfectly. After switching off and trying to restart it did not want to know even though it turns over really well.
Any ideas mes amis ?

Check that when you turn key to position where dash lights come on , you then hear the in tank electric fuel pump run for a few seconds.
Report back results
Bon chance amis

Hi, I took off the fuel cap and turned key. Could clearly hear the pump whirring.
Many thanks for taking the time to help out with my non starting Doblo

Welcome to the forum

Well, diesels only need 3 things to start - fuel, air and compression. Unlike in a petrol engine where the spark plugs ignite the mixture, glow plugs only help to pre-warm the block to aid with ignition during compression, and are really only needed when it's hella cold so changing them wouldn't likely have helped at this time of year.

If the fuel pump is priming, then either not enough fuel is getting to the injectors during this pre-ignition sequence, or there is an issue with compression (kind of hard to not have enough air, but not impossible).

Fuel filter old / partially blocked?
You really could do with hooking up to a computer that could read the fuel rail pressure while cranking to see if it's high enough.

Hi, I'll replace fuel filter next week. Most of the garages etc closed in France during the weekend. Will report if new fuel filter helps. Many thanks again, Tony

Immobiliser? Is the key/code light staying on when it doesn't start?

jackwhoo said:

Fuel filter old / partially blocked?
You really could do with hooking up to a computer that could read the fuel rail pressure while cranking to see if it's high enough.

Click to expand...

What should the pressure be?

Hi Steve145, No Key/Code immobiliser lights are showing. The only unusual light was the glowplug light stayed on for say 20 secs after the engine started, then went out. This was the first sign that something was wrong. That was a few weeks ago, but the car started and drove fine. I've had the glowplugs replaced since so hopefully that problem has been resolved, but I have not driven it at all because of the starting problem.

Have you cleaned the diesel flyer sometimes it just needs emptying, my regards Phil wood.

Diesel filter, am sorry it says flyer. Some times it can get air or water in,hope it works my regards Phil wood.

Hi Phil,
removed fuel filter and turned ignition key, plenty fuel being pumped from fuel tank. Emptied filter and refitted to car. Bled system and tried to start, NO JOY. Used Holts Start Pilot, after a couple of tries it started. Ran it for 5 mins then switched off. Tried to start again, same old problem,. Turns over really well but won't start.

Eklipze3k said:

Welcome to the forum

... glow plugs only help to pre-warm the block to aid with ignition during compression, and are really only needed when it's hella cold so changing them wouldn't likely have helped at this time of year...

Click to expand...

This isn't just ANY old diesel though, this is a FIAT diesel

It's embarrassing when you've driven a different diesel all day & can simply jump in & start without waiting for the glow plug light. My Dobbie (and I assume the range) really needs the gp light to go out.
On a good day, nice & hot etc, the engine will eventually fire but will chuck out huge clouds of blue smoke & it really does take an age.
Waiting those 2 seconds for the gp light to go out & the engine fires almost instantly. Crazy.

Hi, fitted new fuel filter, same problem. Phoned local Fiat garage ( 50 kms distance ) can't get diagnostic check til early Oct !!

Hi Folks,
got my car back from the garage. It was my fault I didn't fit the crankcase sensor properly. I wasn't pushed in far enough. Working fine now. Thanks for your help and suggestions.