Difficult cold start on C5 X7 2.0HDi

[Lacrosse]

Hello guys!

Can anyone please HELP me. I am going crazy with this car (although I really like it )!
Car is Citroen C5 X7 2.0HDi 140HP FAP Euro 5 (Delphi injection) 2010

Probelm:
Car starts in the morning and cold weather reeeealy difficultly. I have to crank it for about 2-3 min. without any luck.
After a successful start and after the engine warms up, that day the car starts at first crank and runs really fine without any problem.
After I manage to start the car, it juggles a bit at idle then runs smoothly...
NO error codes with Lexia, not even ONE!
Problem occurs only in cold weather and after the car sits overnight or for more than 4-5 hours. The colder the weather more difficult the start is.


At this point:
- Repalced all injectors with brand new ones (Delphi)
- Replaced MAF with brand new one (Pierburg)
- Replaced battery with brand new one (Varta)
- Replaced all glow plugs with brand new (although the old ones were functional)
- Replaced fuel pressure regulator new OEM
- Replaced EGR with brand new one OEM
- Replaced Camshaft sensor with brand new one (Valeo)
- Measured compression on every cylinder - No problem here / Oil level does not change
- Doing all the above didn't change anything about my problem

So, what could be the problem???
Any ideas are wellcomed...

[Hell Razor5543]

It might be the starter motor. The HDi engine needs the engine to be turning over at a certain speed before fuel is allowed into the injectors. I had to replace the starter motor on one of my C5s, and helped to replace one on a Berlingo (both with HDi engines), and both vehicles were quick to start afterwards.

[myglaren]

I'll second that, I had exactly the same experience.

[Lacrosse]

Nope, for sure.
The starter works really well and strong. Around 250 rpm.

Check this video:


This happens only in cold weather...under 7-8 degrees Celsius. The colder it is more difficult the start is...
Once started the car work really well that day...until next morning...

[Steve Walsh]

Glow plug relay ?

[Peter.N.]

I would suspect an air leak into the fuel system causing a build up of air after standing for some time. I have a similar problem with one of mine, sometimes it won't start at all at others it starts the stops shortly afterwards as the plug of air reaches the HP pump. Try the effect of priming the system with the rubber bulb for several minutes before starting, that should prove it one way or another.

Mine has a leak where the fuel pipe enters the pump only I can't get to it without removing a load of stuff so keep putting it off. If you park it on a steep slope with the back high you may possibly be able to see a leak by looking along the fuel pipes with a bright light.

Peter

[Lacrosse]

Thanks for the reply Peter.
Already did that with the rubber primeing pump...after 1 squeeze it gets stiff...so no air in the fuel


Anyone...any other advice/sugestion/anything...

[Sloppysod]

Nope, for sure.
The starter works really well and strong. Around 250 rpm.
This happens only in cold weather...under 7-8 degrees Celsius. The colder it is more difficult the start is...
Once started the car work really well that day...until next morning...

Your starting system could be drawing more current from the battery on a cold morning, the battery will have to do its normal stuff' plus heat glow plugs and turn over a cold engine.
Just because your starter spins the engine quickly doesn't mean it is problem free, it could be starving the rest of the system of the current/voltage it needs.

I had a vehicle that would only start when you let go of the ingition switch, I replaced the battery with one with a higher amperage and proble went away.

I suggest you get the starter cranking voltage/current checked out.

[vincentfishing]

does it start quickly on cold morning with easy start ?

[Lacrosse]

does it start quickly on cold morning with easy start ?

What is "easy start"?

[Lacrosse]

I suggest you get the starter cranking voltage/current checked out.

No problem there. New Varta battery, with biggest AH it could fit in the battery slot, fully charged.
Even put a jump starter battery pack on it this morning. No difference regarding the awful start This morning was even worst...at -10 degrees C. I had to crank for almost 5 min like in the video above...and when it finally started up everything was fine...all day.

[vincentfishing]

its a can of spray that you spray into air intake to start diesels that are not starting properly, you can also use brake cleaner to spray into air intake it does same thing, car should start immediately, theres a reason you should try it because it could be an indicator of certain problems,

[Lacrosse]

its a can of spray that you spray into air intake to start diesels that are not starting properly, you can also use brake cleaner to spray into air intake it does same thing, car should start immediately, theres a reason you should try it because it could be an indicator of certain problems,

Already did that Exactly with brake cleaner. No difference.

[vincentfishing]

hope you sprayed plenty in because the car should run on easystart/brakecleaner even momentarily even if no fuel supply,

[Lacrosse]

hope you sprayed plenty in because the car should run on easystart/brakecleaner even momentarily even if no fuel supply,

2-3 sprays...is it enough?