D4d Cold Start Problem

[Rossi46]

I'm really happy with my D4D T-spirit (2003 model) which i've owned for a couple of months.

However, i've noticed it's getting harder to start in the morning as the days are getting colder.

It's done 85K and i'm thinking of buying some glow plugs as winter is nearly upon us.

It starts eventually but just seems like it's not warm enough (once it's warm it runs and starts beautifully), it's just the engine turns over but does not start 1st time on cold mornings . I've been leaving the ignition on for about 10-15 seconds before engaging the starter motor, and sometimes it takes 2-3 attempts.

Any advice would be welcome as to whether new glow plugs would be recommended, where to buy them etc.

Cheers, Adam

[funkyg]

I used to have a Mk2 Mondeo TD, and that suffered from exactly the problem you describe. The colder it got the longer it would turn over before it started. And then it wouild run quite roughly for the first 20-30 seconds.

Got some new plugs from Halford for about a tenner, took an hour fit (the end plugs were really hard to get to) and after that it started straight away every time.

[igormus]

I'm really happy with my D4D T-spirit (2003 model) which i've owned for a couple of months.

However, i've noticed it's getting harder to start in the morning as the days are getting colder.

It's done 85K and i'm thinking of buying some glow plugs as winter is nearly upon us.

It starts eventually but just seems like it's not warm enough (once it's warm it runs and starts beautifully), it's just the engine turns over but does not start 1st time on cold mornings . I've been leaving the ignition on for about 10-15 seconds before engaging the starter motor, and sometimes it takes 2-3 attempts.

Any advice would be welcome as to whether new glow plugs would be recommended, where to buy them etc.

Cheers, Adam

hi ADAM

I have been owning ford sierra 2.3dl during 6 years round. our winter temp is arround -15 C degrees. It must be self explained to you. Toyota was to design ignition plugs in accurate order (i think), but you have to service each plug regulary, especially i winter time and also to keep your diesel engine clear in places of plugs threaded holes to prevent shortcut. it is the main reason each plug loses current on the mass (-) before ignition in the cylinder. after have revolved the engine, the temr in cylinder rises enable first ignition. it is undestood the engine works noisely unless cylinder becomes hotter. another problem is that the fuel you use in winter might be not as winter quality and parafine begins to drop clogging suction filter; nozzles and HP fuel injection pump. i presume both pump and filter are to be provided with el. heating coil. OK look -- i had been cleaning each plug once a month + degreasing around them on the cyl head. it is also better to check with each plug ohmnedance that must be equal (!!!) in all plugs otherwise you will have starting problem again. thanks + ask for any other info if need/cheers Igor

[Parts-King]

PM me with your vehicle reg/chassis number, it will almost certainly be heater plugs, but you do need to get the resistance checked out to make sure before replacing them

Kingo

[Rossi46]

What should the resistance value be, and how do I check them please?

Is there easy access or is it a dealership job?

PM me with your vehicle reg/chassis number, it will almost certainly be heater plugs, but you do need to get the resistance checked out to make sure before replacing them

Kingo

[Rossi46]

I ended up getting the plugs and fitting them myself

It's a straightforward job, it would seem there still may be a problem as it still seems to take a while to start when cold,

Also , I removed and cleaned the old ones before ordering new ones to see if that would help. It didn't have any effect on the fault but they seem to be "sooty" at the tips after removing them 4 days later. I was under the impression these glow plugs just warmed the block up so can anyone shed any light on this please?

The 12V rail which powers the glowplugs stays on for between 10-15 seconds when I checked it so the voltages are all there too.

[D4Ddriver]

I ended up getting the plugs and fitting them myself

It's a straightforward job, it would seem there still may be a problem as it still seems to take a while to start when cold,

Also , I removed and cleaned the old ones before ordering new ones to see if that would help. It didn't have any effect on the fault but they seem to be "sooty" at the tips after removing them 4 days later. I was under the impression these glow plugs just warmed the block up so can anyone shed any light on this please?

The 12V rail which powers the glowplugs stays on for between 10-15 seconds when I checked it so the voltages are all there too.

This sounds familiar I first thought it was the Bio Diesel then I also checked the glow plugs resitance and on time was short but when I asked toyota they said its the starter motor not spining the engine over fast enough for the first start (They could tell from the sound). I changed the motor and have had no problems since. Odd thing is the motor sounds aok untill you change it. its then that you realise that its different ie real fast spin.

Turn the key no pedal starts firt time.

If you look localy for a motor reconditioner it may be cheaper.

Good Luck.

[Rossi46]

This sounds familiar I first thought it was the Bio Diesel then I also checked the glow plugs resitance and on time was short but when I asked toyota they said its the starter motor not spining the engine over fast enough for the first start (They could tell from the sound). I changed the motor and have had no problems since. Odd thing is the motor sounds aok untill you change it. its then that you realise that its different ie real fast spin.

Turn the key no pedal starts firt time.

If you look localy for a motor reconditioner it may be cheaper.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the reply, I was beginning to think there was nobody out there.

I remember reading your post when I did a search. You're right, it does sound like it's spinning OK but doesn't catch the first time. I'll have to look at the starter next I suppose.

Cheers D4Ddriver ;)

[samee]

hi there i been getting that problem to. but dont realy knoe why its doig that ;)

[Rossi46]

I saw on another post these engines have had problems with the seals in the fuel filter housing.

I pressed the fuel primer plunger on mine today when it was cold. I pressed it 3 or 4 times before the button became solid.

Does anyone know if this is normal, as I thought that would indicate air in the system?

[cmia]

I saw on another post these engines have had problems with the seals in the fuel filter housing.

I pressed the fuel primer plunger on mine today when it was cold. I pressed it 3 or 4 times before the button became solid.

Does anyone know if this is normal, as I thought that would indicate air in the system?

that would me... no air..

and system is pressured ok :D

[qman3428]

I saw on another post these engines have had problems with the seals in the fuel filter housing.

I pressed the fuel primer plunger on mine today when it was cold. I pressed it 3 or 4 times before the button became solid.

Does anyone know if this is normal, as I thought that would indicate air in the system?

This can be the air sensor (in the pipe from the air filter) I changed mine on a diesel C3 and instantly cured the problem. I would get it checked out by the main dealer as throwing parts at a problem can be expensive.

[Rossi46]

I called the private warranty company my wife purchased when she bought this car today.

They said I could take it to the dealers to look into this and the VSC, traction fault which i'm also experiencing.

The downside is they said they only pay labour up to £36 per hour. Surely Toyota main dealer (Burton-on-Trent) is at least double this amount.

Will it have to be a main dealer/ toyota specialist to read the fault codes etc?

[esco1]

Agree, I had the same issue

at around 110k miles

Glow plugs are VV quick, and one had infact gone...changed all 4

thought it was relay, changed that...but not the job

Toyota advised starter motor....and has worked fine since.

General corossion and wear and tear

[JohnYossarian]

I called the private warranty company my wife purchased when she bought this car today.

They said I could take it to the dealers to look into this and the VSC, traction fault which i'm also experiencing.

The downside is they said they only pay labour up to £36 per hour. Surely Toyota main dealer (Burton-on-Trent) is at least double this amount.

Will it have to be a main dealer/ toyota specialist to read the fault codes etc?

Hi Rossi,

I have Avensis T3-X 03 Reg. I am also experiencing VSC and Traction Controll OFF lights keep popping up for no reason. When I visited the Toyota garage they told me (after several times de-activating it) that I need to change the glow plugs. The car starts without a problem in the morning, the only thing that bothers me are these lights.

I personally cannot see the link between the VSC and Traction Control on one hand and the glow plugs on the other. But this is what the computer reading says.

Have you resolved the problem?

I also have one of the extended warranties with Click4warranty. I thought I had the glow plugs covered but when I called (despite that I am on the five stars option) I was told that I cannot claim it back as it was not covered. Next year it will be Warranty Direct. They have things sorted.

Cheers.

[Rossi46]

I personally cannot see the link between the VSC and Traction Control on one hand and the glow plugs on the other. But this is what the computer reading says.

I changed my glow plugs a few weeks ago, that was due to the cold start problem( which it didn't help). Like you i'm not sure how they would affect the VCS or TRC though.

It's booked into the toyota dealer monday for them to diagnose the code.

I'll see what they have to say, but vehicle onboard diagnostics always seemed a bit hit and miss TBH.

On that note does anyone know if the 2003 D4D is OBD2 compliant? as I believe a lot of diesels were only compliant from 2004 onwards. I wouldn't mind getting a cheap OBD2 reader if so, in case the problem comes back.

Cheers, Adz

[JohnYossarian]

I personally cannot see the link between the VSC and Traction Control on one hand and the glow plugs on the other. But this is what the computer reading says.

I changed my glow plugs a few weeks ago, that was due to the cold start problem( which it didn't help). Like you i'm not sure how they would affect the VCS or TRC though.

It's booked into the toyota dealer monday for them to diagnose the code.

I'll see what they have to say, but vehicle onboard diagnostics always seemed a bit hit and miss TBH.

On that note does anyone know if the 2003 D4D is OBD2 compliant? as I believe a lot of diesels were only compliant from 2004 onwards. I wouldn't mind getting a cheap OBD2 reader if so, in case the problem comes back.

Cheers, Adz

I cannot remember where exactly I have read it (it might be in the Corola section) but if you search the forum for OBD2 people were discussing this. My gut feeling is the the model D4D onward is compliant with OBD2 but it is worth checking. I have also considered buying the kit and using my laptop to read the codes. At least I will have something in the bag when I visit Mr. T. So far I have been very happy with their service but it does not do any harm to have some intel in advance.

I will post if I find out.

Can you post the results after you visit them on Monday?

Cheers

Edit: It seems that all Toyota's after 1996 should be compliant with Obd2

Toyota '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)

[Rossi46]

I just got back from the Toyota dealer, who were looking into the VSC/ TRC Off fault.

The fault codes indicated faulty glow plugs(x4) and an ECU update required.

I originally changed the glow plugs a month or so ago to try and cure my cold start problem, but I reckon due to the fact they're not original Toyota parts it's snagging them as faulty. Still don't see how this ties in with VSC/TRC though.

As for my cold start problem the technician reckons my starter motor could be the problem, as he said 90% of D4D avensis starting faults are due to this. Apparently, if the ECU doesn't detect the crank speed is high enough it won't fire the injectors. Makes sense to me. I'm going back another time to have that diagnosed for definite, but for now i'm going to put my old genuine glow plugs back in and fit my Dension IPOD Icelink

Wish me luck :) .

[JohnYossarian]

I just got back from the Toyota dealer, who were looking into the VSC/ TRC Off fault.

The fault codes indicated faulty glow plugs(x4) and an ECU update required.

I originally changed the glow plugs a month or so ago to try and cure my cold start problem, but I reckon due to the fact they're not original Toyota parts it's snagging them as faulty. Still don't see how this ties in with VSC/TRC though.

As for my cold start problem the technician reckons my starter motor could be the problem, as he said 90% of D4D avensis starting faults are due to this. Apparently, if the ECU doesn't detect the crank speed is high enough it won't fire the injectors. Makes sense to me. I'm going back another time to have that diagnosed for definite, but for now i'm going to put my old genuine glow plugs back in and fit my Dension IPOD Icelink

Wish me luck :) .

It sounds as the only way to have the lights off is to go and change the glow plugs at Mr. T. I have received a quotation and the price was fair (apart from the labour but given it is half an hour and that you get original Toyota approved plugs I think it is fair).

Good luck with getting back to the original glow plugs and please let us know whether the lights went off.

Cheers.

[Sony]

I just got back from the Toyota dealer, who were looking into the VSC/ TRC Off fault.

The fault codes indicated faulty glow plugs(x4) and an ECU update required.

I originally changed the glow plugs a month or so ago to try and cure my cold start problem, but I reckon due to the fact they're not original Toyota parts it's snagging them as faulty. Still don't see how this ties in with VSC/TRC though.

As for my cold start problem the technician reckons my starter motor could be the problem, as he said 90% of D4D avensis starting faults are due to this. Apparently, if the ECU doesn't detect the crank speed is high enough it won't fire the injectors. Makes sense to me. I'm going back another time to have that diagnosed for definite, but for now i'm going to put my old genuine glow plugs back in and fit my Dension IPOD Icelink

Wish me luck :) .

It sounds as the only way to have the lights off is to go and change the glow plugs at Mr. T. I have received a quotation and the price was fair (apart from the labour but given it is half an hour and that you get original Toyota approved plugs I think it is fair).

Good luck with getting back to the original glow plugs and please let us know whether the lights went off.

Cheers.