Avensis Diesel Not Starting In Cool Weather

[runti]

My Avensis D4D diesel (may 2003, 15.000 km) in my last mountain winter trip refused

to start at morning with outside temperature -5, -10 C°.

Before the trip i filled, before refuelling, the tank with STP 250 ml. additive specific for diesel antifreeze, but nothing. Every morning the same: onlly after 3 - 4 very difficult attempt of prolonged ignition, the engine started, sometimes running for a while at 3 cyl., then after warming, all returned normal and the car was normally well.

After returning home i visit my Toyota dealer that controlled the car and said that all systems are working well ( Battery, diesel filter, ignition heating candles). He advised to change the warming diesel-filter unit.

Ideas ?

Has someone else in the USA winter same problems of difficult starting?

Giancarlo - Trieste - Italy

[GT4 BOOSTER]

here in the uk , i used to add a pint of unleaded petrol to every tank of diesel in the winter , makes it a little more combustable.Also helps stop water crystals in the derv.

[Starensis]

With a Diesel you have two heater systems.

1. Heats fuel ( Usually through the filter )

2. Pre-heats the cyliners ( Via Glow plugs )

Firstly, ensure your fuel is not frozen. If OK, Ensure your Pre heat light illuminates when igniiton is on. The trick with Diesels is to turn ignition on & WAIT until pre-light goes out. Then crank engine to start.

This system basically warms the cylinders so fuel can ignite.

[Dane]

here in the uk , i used to add a pint of unleaded petrol to every tank of diesel in the winter , makes it a little more combustable.Also helps stop water crystals in the derv.

←

Good advise that. I used to be a truck driver (travelling to Italy mostly) and I would'nt waste my money on additives. As soon as it started to get really cold I would add petrol to my diesel. Never once did I have any trouble starting even though I regularly used to park up in Aosta and on the the top car park of the Mont Blanc were temperatures could drop to the -20s.

[valentinc]

It happened to me once this winter, where else but on holiday in...Italy. Although the car was in a garage, temperature was of -7 and I had to try about five times before the engine would ignite. (I had BP's Ultimate Diesel fuel bought from Austria).

After returning home, I put some diesel additive and no more problems, although we've had -10. The dealer here says it is a good idea to turn the ignition on until the preheater lights and disappears, repeat it and only then try to start the engine.

[Avensis_Dave]

It happened to me once this winter, where else but on holiday in...Italy. Although the car was in a garage, temperature was of -7 and I had to try about five times before the engine would ignite. (I had BP's Ultimate Diesel fuel bought from Austria).

After returning home, I put some diesel additive and no more problems, although we've had -10. The dealer here says it is a good idea to turn the ignition on until the preheater lights and disappears, repeat it and only then try to start the engine.

←

Had this on a car, not an Avensis but on another diesel. Just just to pre-heat the glow plugs about 3-4 times before turning the engine over. The second the light went out I turn the engine over and it would start fine.

[sdr1]

Are you using too viscous an engine oil for such cold conditions?

[rude]

My Avensis D4D diesel (may 2003, 15.000 km) in my last mountain winter trip refused

to start at morning with outside temperature -5, -10 C°.

Before the trip i filled, before refuelling, the tank with STP 250 ml. additive specific for diesel antifreeze, but nothing. Every morning the same: onlly after 3 - 4 very difficult attempt of prolonged ignition, the engine started, sometimes running for a while at 3 cyl., then after warming, all returned normal and the car was normally well.

After returning home i visit my Toyota dealer that controlled the car and said that all systems are working well ( battery, diesel filter, ignition heating candles). He advised to change the warming diesel-filter unit.

Ideas ?

Has someone else in the USA winter same problems of difficult starting?

Giancarlo - Trieste - Italy 

←

I have the same problem. It seems that high altitude and cold weather is causing cold start problems. When I’m at home I don’t have any problems with cold start even with temperatures under – 15° C.

I visited Toyota dealer a few times regarding that problem. They changed worming diesel-filter unit but it didn’t solve a problem. I assume that the problem is leaking compression. My car also uses oil between service intervals (from max to min) although it has only 60.000 km.

If someone has a solution for this problem other that mixing petrol in diesel fuel, please do not hesitate to write.

Best regards from Slovenia,

Rude