Citroen C5 Glow Plugs

[galonki]

Hi guys,

My C5 is quite hard to start compared to an audi in terms of the audi starts within 1 engine turn and my citroen starts after about 3 engine turnovers if you understand what i mean.

i am trying to figure out what it could be as i have replaced the battery to a brand new one so it is definately not the battery.

im thinking maybe the glow plugs, how difficult is it to replace these and where can they be found? or is this not it?

thanks.

[Paul-R]

I think it's a charachteristic of engines with common rail injection. The pump seems to need longer to get the pressures up than either the VW PD engine or the old rotary pumps - both of whch have to get enough pressure from a single rotation of the camshaft.

On my old Montego the engine would start with just a half turn of the engine. The churning of the engine was the first thing I noticed when we got the Xsara. The C5's exactly the same.

[JohnD]

im thinking maybe the glow plugs,.

Unless it's extremely cold - like -5C - the glowplugs aren't needed on HDI's, so I wouldn't rush into changing them.

[Citroenmad]

They do turn over a couple of times before they start, i think its just a HDi trait. If its starting well and in 2-3 turns then its fine.

[galonki]

well ok guys, im not gona bother with the glowplugs as its rarely -5 in the south east.

and its not like its any better starting in the summer when glowplugs are surely not needed.

at least you have reassured me that its not just my engine that requires a couple of turnovers.

thanks.

[myglaren]

Mine turned over about 20 times this morning before it fired, after which it was fine while I scraped the ice off - until I tried to drive away only to find the handbrake frozen on
That was a drag

[Paul-R]

That was a drag

Uh, uh, uh...

[barbrady]

I want to change the glow plugs, but I am confused a bit. In the technical documentation there are 3 kind of glow plugs for my engine. What I need? What is the different between them?
2009 2.0 hdi 136hp 135000 km.

[MikeT]

I hate to be contrary but my C5 HDI starts on the button. Coincidentally, my neighbour watching me work on my car commented today "it starts really well, doesn't it?"

[RichardW]

5960F4 is the original part.
A cheaper replacement part for use on older cars was offered; E1620042, but this has been superseeded by part number 1610429480.

So you can use either the first or last part number - the latter will be cheaper, and slightly lower quality.

[Kennyd90]

Hard starting is a sign of a failing starter motor. The 2.0 HDI engine needs a strong fast turning starter motor to start up on the button. Both of my HDI 's had new starter motors which fixed this very fault.

[Hell Razor5543]

IIRC the HDi engines need to be turning over at 800RPM before the ECUs will allow it to fire up. My C5 was starting to drop hints (taking several seconds to fire up) that her starter motor was getting tired. I replaced it with a reconditioned one from GSF, and now she is far quicker to start.

[white exec]

There's a blurry line between slow cranking speed and poor glow-plug action, when it comes to starting.
Low cranking speed will result in a lower air temp in the combustion chamber, and result in a less good start.
Poor GP performance results in something very similar - i.e. fuel being injected into a less hot space.

Before going to the hassle and expense of replacing a starter motor, best to check:
- GP relay (internal and external contacts, and for external cable/connector overheating)
- that all GPs are actually working
- battery and battery connectors (especially if the old crimped-on lead (Pb) type) - Does a jump start produce a better result?
- engine and battery Ground connections

If ECU is programmed not to allow starting below 800rpm, that's a different matter.

Beware those over-eager to sell/fit replacement starter motors. They do fail, but not as often as suggested.

Proper GP action is essential to prompt starting; don't be misled otherwise.
If GPs do not work at all, yes, the engine will start - lumpily and with smoke - eventually. With sustained cranking (if the battery will deliver it) repeated compression will raise cylinder air temperature enough to ignite the fuel.

A Citroen diesel should start smartly and dependably. If it doesn't, something's amiss.

[mickeymoon]

There's a blurry line between slow cranking speed and poor glow-plug action, when it comes to starting.

There isn't in an HDI engine. They don't need the glow plugs to start...



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[white exec]

Haven't we been here before?