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W203 Glow Plug Timing.

Dichtung

Active Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
392
Location
N.W.
Car
W203 2.2Cdi
Hello Guys.
Can anybody on here clarify just when and how long the dash glow plug light should be lit, when I start my W203 cdi ?

At the mo., it flashes up for about a second, when I switch to posn. 2, then I turn to cranking posn. 3
It needs an extra crank or two, now the early morning temperatures are dropping, so started wondering if there is a fault.
Non of the plugs are open circuit and the relay control wire is live when the dash lamp is lit.

Any thoughts, Thanks.
 
The glow plug lamp will illuminate briefly as normal, then come back on and remain on for approx 30sec if there is a system fault.
In my experience the initial illumination period didn't correspond to ambient temperature and usually only appeared briefly, to show the system was working.
The glow plugs actually operate for anything up to 2 minutes after the engine starts as an aide to reducing emissions from a cold engine.
 
Thanks Whitenemesis. Don`t think I`ve anything to worry about then.
 
Hello Guys.
Can anybody on here clarify just when and how long the dash glow plug light should be lit, when I start my W203 cdi ?

At the mo., it flashes up for about a second, when I switch to posn. 2, then I turn to cranking posn. 3
It needs an extra crank or two, now the early morning temperatures are dropping, so started wondering if there is a fault.
Non of the plugs are open circuit and the relay control wire is live when the dash lamp is lit.

Any thoughts, Thanks.
My W204 does the same and I'm not worried, I would imagine it's normal. Now the temperature has dropped I wait a couple extra seconds before turning to position 3.
 
Try going to Pos 2 for 2 or 3 seconds, then off, then Pos 2 for another 2 or 3 seconds. Does this make any difference? I swear it made starting easier on my Insignia below 5 degrees C, but I don't know if there is any technical explanation as to why it would make a difference.

However, this could also be battery getting old and not quite having the oomph to get the engine started on the button. Do you know how old the battery it? They perform worse when cold.
 
Any slow start is “probably “ going to be a combination of Glow Plugs, Glow plug relay module or Battery .
My E320cdi which has all changed after some slow start issues (2-3 years ago) starts on the button immediately.
 
Food for thought there Guys, Thank you .
The battery is only 2 yrs old, a new Yuasa. 12.6v on the meter. and spins the engine ok.
I was told 2/3 years ago that cdi engines don`t really need glow plugs, so could the relay be kaput? A live relay signal wire is no indication that the plugs are getting juice.
A systematic testing with a meter is now on the cards, but will have to wait until the back end of next week unfortunately.
 
Food for thought there Guys, Thank you .
The battery is only 2 yrs old, a new Yuasa. 12.6v on the meter. and spins the engine ok.
I was told 2/3 years ago that cdi engines don`t really need glow plugs, so could the relay be kaput? A live relay signal wire is no indication that the plugs are getting juice.
A systematic testing with a meter is now on the cards, but will have to wait until the back end of next week unfortunately.
Let us know how you get on buddy . The GP relay as are the glow plugs is really a service item , they don’t last well forever
 

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