Mondeo diesel poor intermittent starting problem

[trebby91]

Hi, All,

I have a 2013 Mondeo Zetec Business EDN TDCI Diesel its done 80,000 miles normally runs like a dream but over the past few weeks I have had intermittent starting problems when cold I have to crank it for ages before it starts when it starts it cuts out at low speed until it warms up, just like starting an old petrol engine without choke but other times when cold it starts first time.

Took it to the garage and had the diesel filter replaced, made no difference. There are no fault codes and when it is running it runs just as it should with no problems.

  Any ideas?

Regards, Barry.

[gg1234635]

That sounds to me like a glow plug issue. Which is why it is fine when the engine is warm.  Diesel only combusts when its in a vaper state so if the glow plugs are not warming the liquid diesel into a vaper then it will take ages to start and just turn over and over.  You will also get large puff of smoke out the back as well doing that and when it fully fires up.

I had a similar problem on my MK4 but in the winter months.  I found if you switch the ignition on  and then off after the glow plug light goes out onm the dash a few times then turn the engine over it will do it a big quicker.

Hope that helps

[trebby91]

Hi,Gavin.

Its direct injection there are no glow plugs, or glow plug light, no warm up time, just put the key in and turn it, no waiting time.

[gg1234635]

Just looked at all the engines that could possible be in your car and then all have at least 1 glowplug.