CRD does not want to start in the mornings

DieselKJ · **Posted:** Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:53 pm

I just bought my CRD 2 weeks ago. I live at 8200ft, its been about 30deg in the mornings. The starter just sits there and cranks for 10 seconds or more before anything happens. Yesterday, it took probably 30 seconds of cranking before I heard the engine turn over and the jeep was belching black smoke. Barely kept running for the first 20 seconds. Did I buy a total POS? I had this thing inspected "bumper to bumper" by a diesel shop recommended on this site. They replaced the ERG on the other guy's dime before I bought it. Is this related somehow? Thanks

fastring · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:23 am

EZ things first: you are letting the glow plugs work first, right? (Key in accessory or whatever mode for x seconds, then crank vs key in and immediately crank) What happens if you let the glow plugs warm before starting for 15 seconds or 30 seconds before cranking? Any difference?

Option 2: Plug it in, assuming it has a block heater. Does that make a difference?

If its warm, does it start right away (is it the temperature or is it air in the fuel line)?

msilbernagel · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:48 am

Throwing some stuff out there...

Any codes to indicate a failed glow plug?

Recommend starting with the NOOB guide in the sticky posts (the ones always at the top) of this forum. Make sure all the simple stuff is taken care of: clean filters, clean sensors, good fuel, etc.

Between the time you turn the key 'on', and when you turn it to 'Start', do you pause until the glow plug indicator light goes out.. or, say 3-5 seconds?

There's a post somewhere on L.O.S.T that says 2 seconds it the max.. dunno.

8200' means lower oxygen - don't know how much of a factor that is. In fact, if everything is in order then a 30F or colder morning is exactly when you would benefit from a Cetane booster, to reduce the auto-ignition temperature and make the cold starts easier. Worth a try, that one.

Here's a video of a 27F start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmIqvTuETOQ

The FSM says: "OPERATION
CAUTION: The glow plug system is a 7 volt system.
DO NOT test the glow plugs with a 12V jumper as
damage will occur to the glow plug(s).
The ECM monitors various engine sensors. When
the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the
ECM sends a signal to the glow plug module to turn
on, and cycle, the glow plugs for a pre-determined
amount of time, plus illuminate the glow plug light
in the instrument panel. Once activated, the element
inside of the ceramic core of the glow plug begins to
glow. Each glow plug draws approximately 5 amps,
for a total system amperage of 20 amps at 72°F
ambient temperature. If there is a fault with the
glow plug system, the ECM will store a fault code."

Mark

msilbernagel · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2012 5:23 am

But wait!, There's more...

Regarding how long you might want to wait after turning the key to 'Run' but before continuing to 'Start', so that the glow plugs can do their job:

OPERATION
CAUTION: The glow plug system is a 7 volt system.
DO NOT ATTEMPT to test the glow plug system
with a 12V power source or damage will occur.
When the ignition (key) switch is placed in the ON
position, a signal is sent from the sensors to the
ECM relaying current engine coolant temperature
and ambient air temperature (Fig. 21).
After receiving this signal, the ECM will determine
if, when and for how long of a period the glow plugs
should be activated. This is done before, during and
after the engine is started. Whenever the glow plug
module is activated, it will control the 7 volt high
amperage circuit for the operation of the four glow
plugs.
The Glow Plug lamp is tied to this circuit. Lamp
operation is also controlled by the ECM.
With a cold engine, the glow plug module and glow
plugs may be activated for a maximum time of 200
seconds. Refer to the following Glow Plug Control
chart for a temperature/time comparison of the glow
plug relay operation.
In this chart, Pre-Heat and Post-Heat times are
mentioned. Pre-Heat is the amount of time the glow
plug control circuit is activated when the ignition
(key) is switched ON, without the engine running.
Post-Heat is the amount of time the glow plug control
circuit is activated after the engine is operated.
The Glow Plug lamp will not be activated during the
post-heat cycle.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2012 7:13 pm

FYI - mine's first trip was Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak - it never had any issues,
(and it's been back a number of times altitude/cold are really issues if everything's working)

CRD does not want to start in the mornings

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