Citroen ZX diesel cold starting problem

[razorrobo]

Just bought a 1.9td citroen, not a bad car really but not starting that well. I have done a continuity check on all the glow plugs and they all seem fine.

When its cold I tend to give it 2 lots of heating and it normally starts ok but imagine as the weather gets colder it will probably get harder to start. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[Belle427]

best to check first if they are staying on long enough with a multimeter or test lamp,if thats ok then i would change them

 

[tryingnottobeafool]

just because they are working doesnt meant they are heating up enough

if in any doubt change them its an easy job

 

[tryingnottobeafool]

and always wait to they go out to start a car, it kills them

 

[razorrobo]

ok, will have another look. Thanks

 

[Agile]

You really have to do a resistance check.

Thats more difficult as the resistance is pretty low around 2 ohms perhaps!

Its easier to apply 12 volts to each one and measure the current drawn.

Pw = I x 12

Tony

 

[Heyho74]

The only surefire way to diagnose glowplugs is to test them with a multimeter capable of measuring at least 20amps DC, and measure each one individually.

They usually start of pulling approx 18-20A, gradually falling as they heat up.

Alternatively replace them all, as they are fairly cheap anyway.