Flashing diesel glowplug light - problem?

[grout]

Hi, and Happy New Year one and all.

We currently have the MH parked up outside in the cold, and when switching on the ignition notice the Glow Plug Light is staying on much longer than "normal".

After staying lit for 20 seconds or so, it then flashes for 5 seconds, with the relay under the bonnet (somewhere!!) clicking, and then goes out.

Engine starts ok.... although one time the light did flash for a few seconds with a lumpy engine before it "settled down".

Anyone else had this? Is it an indication of a problem developing with either glow plug(s) or the relay, or just the fact it's bl**dy cold out there?!

....and exactly where is that flippin' relay? (1996 Fiat Ducato based Swift Royale 630)

Any advice, experience or reassurance welcome! ..... and thanks in advance!!



John

 

[pappajohn]

hi John,
wouldnt worry too much, the plug relay usually either works or it doesnt.
i think they are a type of thermal relay, as the relay clicks in it starts to warm up dues to the resistance in the magnetic coil to a point where the bi-metal contact dis-engages (much like a flasher unit) and the light goes off. it may be flashing due to the very cold weather cooling the relay too fast.

i would expect to find it mounted on the engine bay bulkhead or near the battery.
if you follow the wire from the plugs it will lead to the relay.

john.

 

[estcres]

I get this problem everytime I start the engine when it's cold.

The vehicle, FIAT 2.8TD, 1999, is usually parked outside and when it gets really cold the Glow Plugs flashes, after a few seconds, about 20-30, it goes out when the engine block starts to heat up, the engine seems to run fine. I have put this down to the very cold weather we are currently having.

I start my vehicle a couple of times a week, always starts on first turn of the key.

Hope this helps put your mind at ease.

Make sure you have drained down all the water systems including the Thetford WC. and ensure your anti freeze is good.

 

[keith]

Hi, and Happy New Year one and all.

We currently have the MH parked up outside in the cold, and when switching on the ignition notice the Glow Plug Light is staying on much longer than "normal".

After staying lit for 20 seconds or so, it then flashes for 5 seconds, with the relay under the bonnet (somewhere!!) clicking, and then goes out.

Engine starts ok.... although one time the light did flash for a few seconds with a lumpy engine before it "settled down".

Anyone else had this? Is it an indication of a problem developing with either glow plug(s) or the relay, or just the fact it's bl**dy cold out there?!

....and exactly where is that flippin' relay? (1996 Fiat Ducato based Swift Royale 630)

Any advice, experience or reassurance welcome! ..... and thanks in advance!!



John

SOLUTION: COME TO SPAIN

 

[scotjimland]

I start my vehicle a couple of times a week,

Why , do you go out for a run .. if not then it's doing neither the engine nor the battery any good ..
Engines don't need "exercise." Starting an engine every few days or even weeks will just cause unnecessary wear and tear on the engine..

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[PeteH]

Diesel Engines and Glow Plugs

Hi

Sound to me as if your Glow plug system is operating as it should. Mine will cycle on and off for up to a minute or more AFTER starting in very cold weather.

The WORST thing you can do with any Combustion engine is to NOT get it thoroughly hot before shutting down, apart from thermal stress` you produce water vapour which can condense in the sump oil. produce a sludge (white) in the rocker covers and promote corrosion in places where corosion should NEVER be.

DONT DO IT. If you want to keep batteries charged get a Maintianer charger, If you think you should run it Take out and give it a good run NO Less than 1/2 an hour. otherwise leave it be, as you will do more harm than good

Here endeth the first lesson in thermodynamics and combustion!!!

Pete

 

[ruffingitsmoothly]

On my Mercedes car the glow plug light goes out as per normal but however once the engine has started the glow plug light comes back on for about a minute, apparently it indicates that one or more of the glow plugs is not working!

Regards Pat

 

[bobandjanie]

Hi, my 97 Kontiki is the same, the light flashes when its just started when its really cold, after a little while it goes off. :thumb: I was told I do not have four glow plugs, I cant think what its called my brains not in gear yet but its one 'glow plug' located in the inlet manifold, but as long as its starts its good enough for me. Lifes to short. Bob.