starting problems tD5 Dicscovery..

[ssk]

Hi All..
Some advice please! Yesterday, on 2 occasions, on starting up as soon as the engine fired it would die.. On re-trying to start I noticed that the glow plug light did not come on after switching the ignition off and then back on again.. After waiting a couple of minutes and switching the ignition on, glow plug light was still off. Eventually, when I get a glow plug light on and waiting for it to go off she would start up with one crank of the starter motor as normal... The problem is erratic as she started up quite normally in between the 2 occasions where she'd die.. Has anyone had the same or similar problem?? And what is a possible solution Please!!

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Have you checked the loom for oil? That sounds like a chance.

[ssk]

As I'm new a new disco owner, I haven't checked the loom for oil yet... I shall add though that once she starts she runs perfectly and I did about 150 km's without any other problems that would have indicated oil in the loom... I shall have a look though if you could let me know where to look!!! :angel:

Thanks for that prompt reply.. really appreciated!!:)

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Sorry mate... I'm off to work now.

Have a look at this thread (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/34318-td5-engines.html) and try the search function. :)

[Blknight.aus]

find all the earth cables and check them...

also check the relays that drive the fuel pump and the fuel pump connections

It is normal for the glowplugs not to relight a second time in warmer climates they are on a timer/temperature sensor thing and will not turn on if the ECU thinks it wont be needed for an immediate start..

IF you start it properly (turn on ignition wait for the glow light to turn off then key it as opposed to jump in turn key and have it start) you will notice that as the temperature at your first start goes down it takes longer and longer for the glow plug light to go out.

It will also pay to check all of the relay boxes and contacts on the fuses. the white growth that sometimes turns up has funny electrical properties when you start changing the humidity or temp.

[ssk]

Thanks Black knight!!:)

I haven't had a chance to check anything yet.. But, had no starting problems at all today!!! started every time with one crank of the starter motor.. Certainly looking forward to getting my hands dirty this weekend..checking the harness for oil and cleaning all the earth connections ans re-tightening them.. Also checking the relays and fuses and cleaning wherever possible!! Thanks so much guys!! :)

[greg-g]

Hi
Its probably a different problem, but worth a try.
About 6 times in the last 4 years my 2004 TD5 would not start, It would catch briefly, then just crank with no indication of starting. The first couple of times it took about 10 - 15 minutes to get going.
The problem is in the security system. Take the key out, lock and unlock the car, open the door and it starts first time.
Best of luck
Greg

[ssk]

Hi Greg-g....

Thanks for the advice mate. Actually that is exactly what I was doing to get her to start and it seemed to work. My reasoning though (mistakenly) was that by locking and unlocking the car the computer system would be re-set. Well as long as the final result is positive, who cares about the logic!!! Thanks again mate. I shall certainly clean out the harness and check the earth connections and fuses and relays as well... Been itching to get my hands dirty...:D Thanks to all the guys for the tips and advice