Glow Plug lights...(doh)

[ptruman]

Been planning to take the E350 in for an ATF service soon (it was done bizarrely early by a former owner, and is now due based on mileage since) - and yesterday whilst driving I noticed the glow plug light flicking on/off occasionally.

This morning, in the cold, it was not best pleased about starting, but (with a bit of throttle) did, and was ok when warmed up.

Cold night due tonight, and I need to be out tomorrow am. Cross your fingers. Booked in with garage for STAR and likely plug (or relay!) swap on Sat am...(might get the ATF done at the same time if it's possible)

 

[David404]

If you have failed glow plugs usual advice is to replace all.

From your profile you are in B'ham don't know who you're using but WDM Cars in Perry Barr are good, they do all my maintenance, seem to know their stuff.

 

[KennyN]

Relay is a 15 min job to replace.

Plugs are around 60 mins to replace the set on the OM642 , providing all come out without a fight.

Kenny

 

[whitenemesis]

I though glow plugs on a modern diesel are more to reduce emissions than help starting. A cdi should start happily enough even a subzero temps without glow plug assistance.
My 270cdi would start immediately without waiting for the lamp to go out, whatever the temp. If one or more plug fails, or the relay goes, the lamp usually comes back on for 30-60sec but then stays off until the next start. Perhaps the lamp flickering on/off during driving means something else in the more modern models?

 

[ptruman]

If you have failed glow plugs usual advice is to replace all.

From your profile you are in B'ham don't know who you're using but WDM Cars in Perry Barr are good, they do all my maintenance, seem to know their stuff.

I do indeed use WDM - they were the only people in the area (after 3 other indies, including MSL) who could sort a failed/problematic ASSYST system on my former CLS. Apparently they are the only ones with STAR, and both my car and my wife's go there for servicing.

I though glow plugs on a modern diesel are more to reduce emissions than help starting. A cdi should start happily enough even a subzero temps without glow plug assistance.
My 270cdi would start immediately without waiting for the lamp to go out, whatever the temp. If one or more plug fails, or the relay goes, the lamp usually comes back on for 30-60sec but then stays off until the next start. Perhaps the lamp flickering on/off during driving means something else in the more modern models?

Well, yesterday at 5C it took 5 or 6 goes to crank and start.
Today, in the evening at 9C it fired on the first go, but struggled - so I'd argue something is up - but we shall see tomorrow, assuming I can get it there - as it needs to be there at 9am ish

 

[ptruman]

Relay was dead - replaced.
Also decided to thoroughly amuse my wallet by getting the ATF flushed/serviced too - nice smooth shifts now.