Hdi Glow Plugs running continuously

[mabbs121]

Hi - newbie here,

Have a strange glow plug problem on my 2003 2.0 Hdi Boxer (PSA engine) where they are running continuously, with the consequence that an alternator failed prematurely and I have had to replace a set of glow plugs because of poor starting in the cold. Garage can't find the fault, so I'm wondering what signals the ECU takes to decide whether to run the plugs or not? I read that they run post starting to reduce emissions but there is a feed to the plugs constantly when fully warm, checked with an IR gun and multi meter.

The temperature gauge on the dash board works and the van pulls well for only 85hp in my opinion. On another van (same engine) the speed sensor failed and she failed to fuel up properly, so I know these engines rely on the sensors to run as intended.

Any help/experience with this problem greatly appreciated.

Richard

[Filberton]

As far as I'm aware the 2.0 HDI glow plugs are supposed to run continuously and their running would not affect the alternator. They last a while but do fail ( when you then get poor starting and emission issues) but they are s service item, not expensive and easy fit.


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[wheeler]

I don't believe they should run constantly, they should cut off once the engine warms up a bit.
Are they switching off once the engine is turned off ?

[white exec]

Glow plugs normally operate pre-heat (to enable starting) and post-heat (to reduce emissions), the latter shutting off after a few seconds or a handful of minutes, depending on sensed (coolant) temperature. They have recently sometimes been used as part of an exhaust regeneration process. I doubt whether they would ever be on permanently: a set of four can pull 75A, even before the engine has started running, and the battery/system voltage climbed.

My guess is that the glow plug relay is faulty.