MK2 C5 II 1.6hdi Doesn't Start in Cold Weather

[sydo]

Hi everyone, my car won't start in cold weather. I start it by spraying ether or brake cleaner. When the car starts, it works if I stop and restart it. However, it won't start if it's been sitting for more than 4-5 hours without being driven.

[BarneyRubble]

I think I'd try the glow plug fuse, then the glow plug relay, then check the glow plugs themselves. Testing these is easy with a multi-meter and costs nothing. Any engine management light on?



If any are not working, then replace all of them. Not crazy pricey either. Bosch are about £12 a piece.

[wurlycorner]

Was my first thought also, although HDi engines seem far less fussy about needing glow plugs?

Or potentially a problem with an engine temperature sensor.

Do you have access to a scan tool at all?

[Paul-R]

My thought is that the fuel is draining back to the tank when left for a while. Can you confirm whether or not you have the squeezy bulb for pumping fuel in the engine bay? If you do have it then how readily does the engine start after 4 - 5 hours if you squeeze the bulb until it goes hard?

[sydo]

I learned that in new generation Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel engines, glow plugs are an extra part and even if they are faulty or completely removed, it will not affect the engine's operation. In my vehicle, a single injector was found to be leaking diesel and the injector seal was burst, and it was repaired. I will do the first test tomorrow morning to see if it will work without any problems.

[moizeau]

I learned that in new generation Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel engines, glow plugs are an extra part and even if they are faulty or completely removed, it will not affect the engine's operation. In my vehicle, a single injector was found to be leaking diesel and the injector seal was burst, and it was repaired. I will do the first test tomorrow morning to see if it will work without any problems.

Not needed to start an engine, though they do assist in other ways, regen etc. but not really neccesary. Mine don't work and the car started in -10.
Removed? I think the lack of compression would be an issue.

[sydo]

This morning, at -9 degrees, it worked perfectly. The cause of the malfunction was a blown injector seal, which caused fuel to leak back.