Diesel coil light staying on

[omega1]

Hi all,

Ive noticed that only recently (in last few days) the diesel coil light has started to stay on for a few seconds (10secs, approx.) after starting the engine... This has not happened since ive had the car (approx 1 month).

Can anyone give me some ideas of what this may mean, and should I worry about it?

Thanks in advance for any info...

 

[Miguelxj]

Hi all,

Ive noticed that only recently (in last few days) the diesel coil light has started to stay on for a few seconds (10secs, approx.) after starting the engine... This has not happened since ive had the car (approx 1 month).

Can anyone give me some ideas of what this may mean, and should I worry about it?

Thanks in advance for any info...

The diesel starter plugs are going...

Could be only one, but if one's going, you'll be better of replacing them all at one time.

 

[omega1]

Dare I ask if they are easy to change and the approx cost?

Edit : C220 CDI (W203 2003)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

About £15 each, but labour will probably take it up to around £200 if you get a dealer or specialist to do it.

 

[omega1]

Easy to do yourself?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I wouldn't do it, but with a box of spanners and a little confidence it might be doable - I reckon £140 means it's probably 1-2 hours work for a professional mechanic, so perhaps 2-3 hours for an amateur.

If phoning for prices you need to ask for glow plugs.

 

[whitenemesis]

In theory,yes.

In practice they can snap, spin or strip.

Find a good indie, best policy

 

[omega1]

hmmm, yes, I think i'll leave the mechanical stuff to the mechanics actually, and stick to what I know best (electronics)! If theres a 'how to' on it, i'd take a look though... Especially if i'm looking at a few hundred quid to do it...

 

[ABBY]

hi. the way it works is
1.you switch ignition on the heater timer comes on and energises the heater plugs and your "coil light".
2.depending on temperature of your coolant the time on relay varies.the hotter the engine the shorter the time.
3. the condition of heater plugs does not affect the length of time it stays on.
4.most likely your coolant sensor has gone open circuit or loose connection of plug.

by disconnecting the sensor the light will stay on the longest.
by shorting the two wires at the sensor the light should go out immediately.
on some models the sensor is negative coefficient of temperature so the two above statements will be reversed.

most likely faulty sensor or loose connection.

good luck

Abby

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I suppose it could be a sensor, but my money is on one of the glow plugs. Best change 'em all while the bonnets up.

 

[omega1]

thanks for all the info...

any info on which sensor (where it is located, part number, cost)?

thanks again for advice and info

 

[whitenemesis]

Ah! You say it stays on? Not that it goes out then comes on again for approx 30sec?

That could be different. The former could be electronic, the later is failing glow plug(s)

 

[omega1]

no, no, it goes out after starting the engine, approx 10 seconds, could be 30 though i guess, to be honest, havent timed it...

thanks

 

[mcsailing]

I have just had that with a car i have just purchased
I had all for done yesterday and it cost me £130

 

[crockers]

Has happened to me twice now - both times glow plugs needed changing. First time was under warranty No6 plug. Second time it happened when i had another fault and warranty direct paid for one plug (I then paid for the other 4 whilst they had the "bonnet up")....plugs are about £14.50 each - labour is as Bobby Dazzler says - the most expensive part.

I see you're in Hampshire - Olly at PCS is in Horndean - top guy..

 

[omega1]

hmmm, its not doing it now... should i ignore until it comes back again, or have it looked at??

When it was happening, i was doing unusually short journeys, could this be the cause?