Glow Plugs On Our 1.9 Tdi

[pmcn500]

Whenever we switch on to start our Gal in the morning, the heater coil indicator on the instrument panel only lights up for approx 1 second...?? sometimes it can be problematic to start...others it away first time.....

 

I have had a look through the search under 'glow plugs'.... but didnt see anything that really matched the light only illuminating for a second....

 

....any advice anyone...??

 

Thanks

 

P.

[NikpV]

ours does the same unless battery is low (happened a couple of times)

[JohnR]

There seems to be some built in intelligence. When I was in the alps a couple of weeks ago, in -12 degrees, the glowplug light stayed on for quite a few seconds whereas it normally goes off almost straight away.

[richyrich]

Mine is the same - only illuminates briefly but I've measured the DC current going through the cables using a device called an amp probe. it clips around the wire and will measure AC or DC current. In my case the current goes as high as 48 amps for all 4 if my memory is right - then it gradually drops depending on outside temperature/engine temperature. So yes, I think there is some built in 'intelligence'. It's the easiest way to check them that I know off.

You can measure their individual resistance, or you could measure the individual current if you want - or even take them out and connect them briefly to a battery - be careful though.

[insider]

The glow plugs are controlled by the ECU. The ECU receives an engine temperature signal from the cylinder head temperature (CHT) sensor and this determines the preheat time. The lower the temperature, the longer the preheat time. Maximum preheat time is 8 seconds at -20

[insider]

Whenever we switch on to start our Gal in the morning, the heater coil indicator on the instrument panel only lights up for approx 1 second...?? sometimes it can be problematic to start...others it away first time.....

 

I have had a look through the search under 'glow plugs'.... but didnt see anything that really matched the light only illuminating for a second....

 

....any advice anyone...??

 

Thanks

 

P.

Perhaps one (or more) of your glow plugs is faulty. This would not affect the time that the ECU switches them on for but would lead to longer, more difficult starting as one of the cylinders would be cold.

Take each one out and test them.

[pmcn500]

Perhaps one (or more) of your glow plugs is faulty. This would not affect the time that the ECU switches them on for but would lead to longer, more difficult starting as one of the cylinders would be cold.

Take each one out and test them.

 

..... whats the best / easiest way to check the glowplugs ??

 

Thanks...

[insider]

Check the resistance of each using an ohmmeter. When cold, the plug should read a couple of ohms. If it is any higher than this then it won't heat up quickly or maybe at all.

You shouldn't have to remove the glow plugs to test. Just remove the electrical connector, put one of the ohmmeter leads on the terminal of the glow plug and the other to a nearby ground point, e.g. cylinder head.

 

This might be useful from the FAQs - http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.ph...ost&p=46206. It's for a MkI but the principle is the same for any other diesel engine.

[Asdrew]

hi, have a '98 galaxy and recently it won't start after you have had it running. the glow plug light doesn't come onat all but if you leave it for about 20 mins the glow plug light comes on and it starts. could this be the glow plugs not working or is it more likely to be the ecu?