1.9td pig to start when warm

[wiggybum]

For the past 2 years, my 406 1.9td has been really difficult to start when the engine is warm. Ironically when cold, it fires on the nose. It became really embarrassing in public spaces - everyone looking over at my car turning over and over. Eventually it would fire and puff out clouds of smoke. "dirty old banger" I bet they were thinking.

I chased the problem down changing the engine speed pick up, adjust the valve clearances, renew fuel filter, priming bulb, fuel leak off pipes - still it was a pig to start when the engine was warm. Then I noticed that the courtesy light wouldn't dim when the glow plug lamp was on and engine was warm. When cold, it would dim a bit. I thought ah-ha! No hot glow plugs when warm. I changed the glow plug relay (black plastic box, about the size of a pack of butter). Still no good. Grrr.

One last shot - I changed the green temperature sender (on the thermostat housing _ deep 19mm socket required) which according to Haynes the Vague, it is the engine temperature input to the ECU. 9 quid later, 5 minutes work and bingo - the problem is solved. Engine purrs now.

So, if you have these symptoms, go for the green ECU temperature sender. You could waste 100's on garage fees and those muppets will just tell you it's because you have an old car with 165,000 miles on the clock.

Hope this helps anyone having the same frustrations

Tom

[Gary406]

good info. will bear that in mind mate thanks ... ive just removed those from my spares 1.9 as well cos i paid for new ones last year. will keep them now in case i need them on my new 1.9 ..

[jasper5]

For the past 2 years, my 406 1.9td has been really difficult to start when the engine is warm. Ironically when cold, it fires on the nose. It became really embarrassing in public spaces - everyone looking over at my car turning over and over. Eventually it would fire and puff out clouds of smoke. "dirty old banger" I bet they were thinking.

I chased the problem down changing the engine speed pick up, adjust the valve clearances, renew fuel filter, priming bulb, fuel leak off pipes - still it was a pig to start when the engine was warm. Then I noticed that the courtesy light wouldn't dim when the glow plug lamp was on and engine was warm. When cold, it would dim a bit. I thought ah-ha! No hot glow plugs when warm. I changed the glow plug relay (black plastic box, about the size of a pack of butter). Still no good. Grrr.

One last shot - I changed the green temperature sender (on the thermostat housing _ deep 19mm socket required) which according to Haynes the Vague, it is the engine temperature input to the ECU. 9 quid later, 5 minutes work and bingo - the problem is solved. Engine purrs now.

So, if you have these symptoms, go for the green ECU temperature sender. You could waste 100's on garage fees and those muppets will just tell you it's because you have an old car with 165,000 miles on the clock.

Hope this helps anyone having the same frustrations

Tom

Or you could take it to the garage and the muppets could tell you in quite a bit less than 2 years (sometimes even 10 minutes) what your problem is and save waiting 2 years to get it fixed.

Just to even up the score for us muppets that are experienced mechanics

[wiggybum]

I speak from experience. 3 Peugeot Citroen "Specialists" couldn't find the problem over 2 years. All came back with comments like "it's getting on a bit", "needs a new fuel pump, I guarantee it 'mate' - 1000 pounds supplied and fitted 'mate' ", "it's more than the car's worth 'mate' " etc etc.

At the end of the day, it's your car and you know it best. Take your time, look for all the symptoms and do your homework. I'm just trying to pass the benefits of my experience on, not trade in for a Peugeot 107 as suggested by one garage.

[jasper5]

Well, as I said, I was posting to even up the score.

We aren't all like that, some of us even take the time to give out free advice on car forums.

Your advice was very useful, but don't tar everyone with the same brush, some of us are very sensitive you know