RJF Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Hi, Over the last few days my TD4 has been getting harder and harder to start. It used to be two engine turns and it started, now it's more like 5 seconds or more cranking. I initially thought glowplugs. The warning light on the dash does not illuminate. I have checked the glowplugs (ok), wiring to plugs(ok), glowplug relay in e-box(ok), fusible link (ok), relay coil power (ok), ECM to relay coil link (ok). I get no demand from the ECM (the voltage on the ECM output at the relay coil is constantly at battery volts whereas it should drop to 0V to energise the relay. The relay itself works ok and can be energised with a jumper link and the plugs heat. I am getting to the conclusion that the ECM is not asking for glowplug power, so my question is.... What makes the ECM decide to fire up the plugs? I've read various sensors on a code reader and the all present plausible values. I'm confused Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJF Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Sorry, forgot to add... 08/2001 TD4 5dr Auto VIN 1A337xxx Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ally V8 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Sounds like low fuel pressure on the low side of the system,which can be down to several things.Common causes are failing low pressure electric pumps,blocked filters,failing pressure regulator on the high pressure pump or excessive leakback through one of the injectors.On live data the fuel pressure should be above about 280-300pa and not drop off too much when revved. In a UK summer the glows are not needed for starting,but the ecu may chose to use them to lower emissions after starting.(Without putting the lamp on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJF Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 Thanks. Once it finally starts it is absolutely fine. I've had a listen to both LP pumps. The one in the tank makes quiet pump type noises and the one by the filter in the engine bay seems to gurgle quite a bit (more than I remember). I have a spare fuel filter in the garage, so I'll swap that out. Thanks, Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrKev Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 You've probably got too much Wales stuck in there somewhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perv Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 When it starts you said it runs fine so I would'nt suspect the pumps. Maybe worth getting the Injector leakback ckecked. Regards Ash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJF Posted September 11, 2011 Author Share Posted September 11, 2011 Just to follow up on this... Turns out it was the in-tank pump that had failed. It wasn't too hard to change, but what horrified me was the big black flakes of gunge in the bottom of the tank! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Posted December 7, 2017 Share Posted December 7, 2017 Hi Did you find the problem?I have the same problem on my freelander.I have a freelander 53 plate Td4 and start hard when it's cold or hot.When the engine is cold, the power is fluctuating,but after the engine reaches its working temperature it works perfectly and pulse like a train.but the engine still starts hard.I checked glow plugs,camshaft sensor, MAP sensor, all sensors around the engine and fuses,all right.I do not know much about this car because a week ago I bought it.Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 Freak Posted December 8, 2017 Share Posted December 8, 2017 Hi Cat.... The post right before yours at the end of the thread does suggest its the fuel pump..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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