Sprinter 308D hard to start (HELP)

[sprinterphil]

Hi, I've had my sprinter just over a year now and when I got it the glow plug light did not come on, fitted some new glow plugs job done. About four months later the same happened so I replaced them again and it was ok for about two weeks, not a problem until it started getting cold again.

Then someone said it was because I had not used Merc ones that they did not last long, so I bought some today and fitted them today but the light still does not come on, is there something else that it may be or could it just be the bulb blown.
Thanks
Phil.

 

[Dieselman]

You need to diagnose this further with a multi meter. It sound like the glow relay either isn't working or isn't being activated due to a temperature sensor failure.

 

[Karl]

Sounds like you have more than one problem. Check the fuseable link inside the glowplug relay, sometimes they have a hairline crack thats hard to see and causes intermittant starting problems.
You can test for 12volt output to the glowplugs from inside the relay box.
You need to have confidence that the glowplug bulb on the dash is OK to pursue the fault further.

 

[nick mercedes]

Hi, I've had my sprinter just over a year now and when I got it the glow plug light did not come on, fitted some new glow plugs job done. About four months later the same happened so I replaced them again and it was ok for about two weeks, not a problem until it started getting cold again.

Then someone said it was because I had not used Merc ones that they did not last long, so I bought some today and fitted them today but the light still does not come on, is there something else that it may be or could it just be the bulb blown.
Thanks
Phil.

Duff glow plug relay box?

 

[sprinterphil]

Thanks, I think it is probably the glow plug relay as the light on the dash does come on once started, think to let you know there is a fault. I'll replace the relay and see if it sorts out the problem.

Thanks for the guidance.

Phil.

 

[mb4eva]

hi, iv also got the same problem with the light not coming on and then after it starts it comes on, what was the fix? many thanks

 

[truck man]

Glow Plug Problems

hI , i am new to this site so i thought i may be able to give some advice on the glow plug problem. The MB beru glow plugs are the best but spurious plugs should be ok if all your electrical connectios are good. The main feed to the glow plug relay is taken from the starter motor. Older glow relays had a 80 amp fuse (check this) newer ones had a internal shut down circit. The loom from the glow plug relay to the glow plugs used to rub on the loom mounting brackets so check these. If the WL comes on after the engine has started this usually means faulty glow plugs or wiring.
There is also a temp switch on the block that may have a problem. Hope this helps.

 

[mb4eva]

thanks buddy, where abouts is the glowplug relay located? is it an easy swap and would this cause the glowplug warning to not light on initial switch on but come on once its started?

many thanks,

 

[truck man]

Sorry 4 the delay, glow plug relay is under the bonnet, fairley central but slightly to the the drivers side by the scuttle panal.It easy to gain access and easy to test.Glow plugs should draw approx 15 anps cold then drop to about 12 amps when warm. Key points ----- starter connection---- loom rubbing on bracketts.

 

[truck man]

Sorry wrong location (i was thinking of the T1) Glow plug relay is bolted to the battery carrier:bannana: :bannana: :bannana: :bannana: :bannana: :bannana: :bannana: