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159 1.9 JTDM More Glow Plug Issues...

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6K views 5 replies 2 participants last post by  giblets46 
#1 ·
Hi there,

My 110,000 mile 159 1.9 JTDM recently became very difficult to start - sometimes it would take three stuttering off/on attempts.

Since the problem began I have put in a new good quality battery, all glow plugs replaced, new glow plug fuses on battery, new fuel filter, EGR cleaned, and new glow plug control unit / relay.

The problem has slightly improved, though still usually takes more than one on/off cycle for car to start.

Significantly, if I delay starting with key in ignition, the 'Glow Plugs Not Available' warning light comes on right away and goes off after about half a minute as expected, but then comes back on again, this warning cycle continues till car full running for a few minutes.

This morning I tested the glow plugs for resistance, one is definitely faulty - so is it likely that replacing the dodgy plug would cure the fault (presumably meaning the plugs are wired in series, thus one knocks out all).

One final possibly relevant factor - recently had a garage oil change, oil replacement warning light still comes on; was told this was simply a computer warning reset issue, but is it possible that oil change was not actually done or unsuitable oil used, and this is causing / exacerbating hard starting? (although that obviously would not explain repeated 'Glow Plugs Not Available' warning)

Sorry for the long essay, but thought should put in as much info as possible. In spite of this and other niggling problems the Alfa 159 is by far the most wonderful car I have ever had.

Cheers in advance for any help.
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#2 ·
Hi,
for the glow plugs there is also a fuse (directly on the battery, it's a yellow one). In terms of starting, this is unlikely to attributed to the glow plugs (unless its -5c where you are!) though the light is annoying, garage are right about the oil light just not being reset.

Does the car stutter and fail to start, or simply turns over with no attempt to run? (if the latter have a listen for the lift pump in the fuel tank when you put the key in)

I would double check the EGR (I would recomend blanking it temporarily (just cut a bit of metal from the side of a drinks can) to see if that makes a difference) even clean they have a tendency to stick open (in which case replace or blank it, long term minimum you should do is stick a restrictor plate on it!) and clean the MAP sensor (next to the EGR valve). As an everyday thing, I'd also run some injector cleaner through the system (stick a bottle in a half tank), as this can often help things on an older engine.

Other thoughts would be a cloggy DPF (make sure you do a good long run, you can get additives you stick in the fuel tank that can help burn off stuff in the DPF).

Other than that, try the diesel power loss guide in the stickies.
 
#3 ·
Hi giblets46, cheers for the speedy reply.

Car basically stutters for ages before eventually starting (and as I said now slightly quicker than before all work).

Anyway sorry to be ignorant, but should I blank the round or oblong inlet/outlet on EGR, or both? Have already cleaned MAF sensor and changed fuse on battery, will also try cleaners as suggested.

Thanks again.
 
#4 ·
HI,probably easier to blank the diamond shaped part under the egr (vs square part that butts on to the manifold) as it's smaller and only two screws (loosen them off and slip in some metal). The MAF and MAP are different parts, the MAF is in the black air inlet pipe near the front of the engine, and the MAP on the back of the manifold.
The car will throw up an engine management light (which will disappear after a few drives with it unblanked)
 
#5 ·
Hi,

Sorry, got my MAFs and MAPs confused (remind me not to go orienteering!), was in fact the MAP that I cleaned. Have added some injector cleaner today as recommended, hoping to replace dodgy glow plug in next couple of days.

Will blank off EGR if necessary, with your instructions sounds like a relatively easy job.

Thanks again for all the info, much appreciated.
 
#6 ·
If you've not cleaned the EGR yourself (and the garage did it), there is a video in the diesel power loss guide, just simply loosen off the top two bolts and slip a plate in, simples! :)
 
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