Starting problem with a '97 2.1TD

SteveyD · Post by **SteveyD** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:47 am

Hi All,

I've got a small problem with the starting on my 2.1TD diesel: Usually the car starts first time and then idles normally, but in the past couple of days its fired but stalled immediately unless I give the throttle some welly on the second go-it only does this when starting from cold, and no matter what the throttle opening is on the first attempt it will imediately stop. I was wondering whether this might be something simple like a temperature sensor, or the onset of something more serious with the injection pump (I remember reading somewhere that they are quite weak on this engine?)? There are no engine management lights on etc and the performance seems fine.

In a similar vein--when its a VERY cold start (i.e. snow, heavy frost) I find that the glow plugs dont work--at the time I assumed it was some relay sticking due to the moisture & cold etc I am wondering if could be related to the above problem? Usually got the car started by keeping the starter motor going until heat of the compression gradually got it to go.

Cheers,

Steve

pavlf · Post by **pavlf** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:01 pm

not being much of a mechanic myself I'd still suggest that you probably need to change yr glowplugs! Sounds to me like that's the problem ... unless you've already changed them that is? Apparently one of them is a bit awkward to get out and sometimes it isn't 'really' changed ... so I've heard anyway.

Sorry I can't help any more.

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:05 pm

almost certainly the glow plugs though on a rare occasion it would be the pre-heat relay, but if it was this then it wouldnt start at all, get the plugs changed and you'll be laughing, there about £3 each and theres 4, easy enough to change, just use a lot of wd40 and be gentile the old ones could snap off in the head

Captain Jack · Post by **Captain Jack** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:12 pm

I heard they're a pain in the bum to change on the 2.1 due to fuel lines running over the plugs. Two are easy, one is difficult and the 4th looks impossible

SteveyD · Post by **SteveyD** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:16 am

Hi,

Thanks for the replies --I will try and check the continuity on some of the plugs I can get to. However, Im not sure if it could be the plugs as the engine fires up initially just fine but then just stops dead immediately with an audible click. In my experience when the plugs go, it usually takes longer and longer spinning the engine to even fire --but my car fires up instantly, but then stops??

Wierd-- I can live with it for the moment though, but will see how cheap temperature sensors are to change. I'm just worried it might be the fuel pump and dont want it to expire suddenly when I need the car! Maybe its time for an upgrade...

Cheers,

Steve