TDV6 Rough idle when cold

[Normthe1]

OK, I know I keep bobbing up with questions since picking up the D3 a couple of weeks ago, but I have another.

I have noticed that on cold mornings (0-5 deg, I know that's not cold because I grew up in Canberra but its cold for Perth) when i start up it runs very roughly, to the point where it sounds like it is missing. I was watching the tacho and it was fluctuating over a 200 rpm range, from about 900-1100.

It eventually calms down and when its warm it drives well but I was wondering if this is common or not?

I should mention that we were delayed in picking up the car because the dealer noted a rough idle problem when cold and ended up replacing the #2 injector, well, thats what they told me but I have no reason not to believe them.

What do you think, is it common or does it normally take the TDV6 a few minutes to warm up?


Cheers,


Norm

[oldsalt]

Hi Norm, my D3 runs smoothly from start up - and I've had a few cold mornings up at Omeo recently.....so I think you should maybe get it checked out....good luck with it.

[shining]

No rough idle for me either and we have had some minus mornings here too. Definintiely needs another check up.

[CaverD3]

Mine did this and was fixed by re-install software patch.
Check with your dealer.

[kingo]

Hi there fellow D3/4 owners, I'm quite new to the forum and have been enjoying reading some articles. I too have a 2005 D3 TDV6 and have noticed it can idle a bit rough till it has fully warmed up. So will be interested to hear if you find a solution.
Purchased my D3 in Feb and have been thrilled with it since. Had a good day up in Toolangi Forest on Sunday, very greasy and muddy, the D3 went well, but there was plenty of slipping around. A friend joined me in his new Porsche Cayenne diesel, ground clearance was its biggest flaw, otherwise it went well.
This is my 4th 4wd, having had 2 GU Patrols and a D2, which is now the spare car the nanny uses. But the D3 is a great car, thoroughly enjoyable to drive and look forward to getting off road more often. Bought the D2 about 4 years ago and its been looking after us well, although the fuel consumption is getting a bit much, it's a V8. The Patrols have been great cars, very tough and took the last one up to the Cape, without a problem, made the trip look easy even through Gunshot Ck and the Telegraph Tk. But the D3 has sooooo much more refinement, makes the GU feel like a truck.
My D3 has been lifted, snorkle, larger Cooper STC's, GME UHF and a set of Lightforce spotties. Still need to fit the 2nd battery from the D2, but it is a 12inch battery, so haven't thought that far ahead yet, as the space in the D3 is too small. Maybe rear cargo area in a removable case?
Look forward to reading your articles.

Cheers

Andrew

[Discophil]

Hi Norm,

I have an 05 TDV6 S and have the exact same issue as you. I have taken it repeatedly into land rover to have fixed, they have even kept it over night on a few accasions to replicate the rough idle. They admitted they experienced the rough idle and replaced two injectors that were showing faults. Car ran great for next few months but rough idle returned. Upon taking it back to them they advised it is prob due to bad batch of fuel and they would need to completely replace the injection system. I have not gone ahead with this and have since lived with the problem because as you know, once the car is warm, it runs fine.

I know this doent really help you, nut though it was worth letting you know your problem is not unique.

Regards,

Phil

[oldsalt]

Hi Discophil - for what its worth I always put "Lucas" upper cylinder lubricant & injector cleaner in with every tankful of diesel - and I always use Shell or BP as I know what some of the independents put in their fuel to make it go that bit further (you would be shocked).... anyway it may help your situation....worth a go at least - good luck.
:)

[Normthe1]

Mine did this and was fixed by re-install software patch.
Check with your dealer.

Caver,

Do you have any other info on the software patch, designation etc? I'm going to give it to the dealer for a day next week but I'm fairly sure they will want to keep it overnight. I hope its cold because its pretty savage when it happens.

I will also try some of the Lucas lubricant when I next fill up. I normally get Caltex because I ran it exclusively in my HSV and never had a moments trouble although that was PULP. Dunno about Diesel...

Thinking now, I am in a mind to cancel next weeks dealer visit and try the Lucas and some 'good' fuel to see how it goes.


Cheers guys,


Norm

[CaverD3]

On mine a software patch had been installed but had not taken properly. So they re-installed.
If they have installed something before they could try to re-install.

[themalinators]

I have had a similar experience each time we travel to the snow. Once it is left for 24 hours or so the startup idle is extrememly rough for about 15-30 seconds, then it runs fine. Have had the software checked, patches installed etc, but no solutions have worked.

[discojools]

Only time I have had ruff idle in my 05 TDV6 is after filling tank with 20% biodiesel by mistake. Dealer cleaned the whole fuel system out and was paid for by insurance. You haven't inadvertantly filled up with bio have you..?

[d3syd]

I have the same thing. Seems to be worse when I don't use the car for a few days. But as everyone says, clears up once warm.

[ozscott]

The diesel fuel we get at the pump in Australia is crap with water in it. These modern diesels are VERY intolerant of fuel that is substandard - ie below the standard that is in Europe and for which the engines were designed. Its all modern diesels not just LR. There was a good article in a recent 4wd Mag - from memory 4X4 Australian Monthly. They suggested fitting a water trap with alarm. They note however that once the alarm goes off you could drain the water from the trap and try again but really the alarm is there to let you know you have water in the system (ie from tank forward) and its time for a slide tray. I really like the idea of having a diesel one day - just for a change:) However I would be a lot more comfortable if our fuel storage and testing was significantly better than what it is currently.

I dont know if that is your problem by the way.

Cheers

[Normthe1]

Cheers guys,

I have noticed that its not every time its cold but will now have to work out if it happens with which fuel I use...

After a few other posts about fuel I am now trying to stay with BP or Shell but I had to use Caltex last time I fuelled up.

Will see how it goes...


Norm

[Normthe1]

No mate, I'm pretty careful filling up now after once putting Super into a Diesel many years ago...

Although, I did put $5 of Premium into the SWMBO Corolla before I realised it this week...


Norm



Only time I have had ruff idle in my 05 TDV6 is after filling tank with 20% biodiesel by mistake. Dealer cleaned the whole fuel system out and was paid for by insurance. You haven't inadvertantly filled up with bio have you..?

[seano87]

Cheers guys,

I have noticed that its not every time its cold but will now have to work out if it happens with which fuel I use...

After a few other posts about fuel I am now trying to stay with BP or Shell but I had to use Caltex last time I fuelled up.

Will see how it goes...


Norm

Are we talking Caltex, or Woolworths-Caltex?

I've always found Caltex diesel quite good in all the diesel vehicles I've owned (a few now), however I can tell you that Woolworths-Caltex, and Caltex are not the same diesel (I worked at WW-Caltex for a while). There is a reason WW-Caltex is cheaper. I hope that makes perfect sense... :angel:

[Normthe1]

Well actually, it was Woolies Caltex, I thought they were the same thing.

Oh well, back to Shell and BP I guess...


Thanks,


Norm