Xantia diesel starting issue

grouchocat · Unread post by **grouchocat** » 08 Sep 2009, 10:27

Hello everybody, my last posting was on andys spares forum!!!!. Just found this site today. Anyway My T Reg Xantia 1.9 TD is causing me a hiccup, it's fine starting from cold but on three occassions lately if i try to start it from a break of only a couple of minutes it's a blighter, turning over but nothing happening, battery seems to die real quick, jump leads start and it's okay. Happened yesterday, got it home left it for an hout tried it again and fine, okay this morning also. Am I doing something wrong!!!!

I also only have a hotmail email account does this scupper me.

dieseldoggy · Unread post by **dieseldoggy** » 08 Sep 2009, 11:33

Hi matey.try the battery has ive just had a similar problem as you? it was one of the cells going.it would start in morning then stop and it would just not want to play anymore jump leads on and away.
try leaving lights on etc then try it also check battery post's/leads has always seam to come loose/not have good connection! which will effect charging.
It's funny you would think that it would be when you first start it that it would be the problem has it has a cold engine and H'plugs to deal with!

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 08 Sep 2009, 16:43

I suspect that the reluctance to hot start is a combination of:

battery problem (low electrolyte level?) or just knackered,

a poor connection somewhere (battery posts?) getting hot = even worse contact,

slightly loose drive belt means the alternator takes its time to recharge the battery.

impatience in not waiting for the glow-plug light to go out (conditioned by years of DI engines, I still jump in and twist the key for an instant start that doesn't happen!).