Glow plugs do not click or work on startup

[Salty]

Hi people

My Delica was working just great, then this morning it will not start. There is plenty of battery life and the glow plugs are quite new. When I turn to activate the glowplugs there is no first click, and then no finish click. The Delica turns over strong and trys to start, but without the glow plugs being activated nothing is going to happen.

It seems like there may be a loose connection or something stopping the glowplugs from getting power. Anyone know where to start fixing the problem?

Cheers

[jessef]

Check the main wire going to the glow plug bus bar for voltage when you turn on the key.

If there is no voltage, behind the pillar/side driver's seat, there is the ECU control unit for the glow plugs (where you hear the clicking coming from).

It's possible/common for a resistor or something to go on them. I would have this checked out.

It's not a common thing to repair/test. Electronics engineer/specialist usually works on these types of things.

Amazing Auto or CVI (both in Richmond) have worked on the ECU's and are familiar with them.

[FredVenne]

Got the same problem too right now. I ordered plugs and controller ECU. I will check each plugs and replace any that are bad and will try starting cold again and see if it will click properly and if not, I will change the ECU.

Follow in the Engine Electrical Glow System booklet from page 39 to 46.

Cheers!

[FredVenne]

Alright, I really... really have an issue with the search engine of this forum. I know someone will come up with the proper thread on this... where can I find a post that explains clearly how to setup a glow plugs by-pass switch?

Thank you...

[FredVenne]

As I said earlier on this post, I have ordered plugs and plugs controller ECU from Graham in Coombs and still waiting... been a week now. My controller does not click anymore and it’s smelling burn now... I’m getting very frustrated and don’t know what to do at this point but to bring it in to a mechanic...

[snelson]

Hey Fred, I don't remember ever seeing an actual how-to or diagram on this site for a manual glow plug. It would be very valuable though if anyone wants to create one.
Have you searched the delica uk site? They have tons of info there, but it's also a bit of a biatch to search.
Steve

[FredVenne]

Thanks for the reply Steve... I’m getting restless and very concern about the burned smell...

[Jungle Jon]

IH8Mud has a posting on how-to, it's called a 'Wilson Switch'.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/diesel-tech-24- ... witch.html

That one sounds rather complex compared to the simpler one I had in Big Blue, worked like a charm. Dont' have any pics, but I'll try to explain. Disconnected ECU entirely, had a wire running from the + battery terminal to a relay to the bus bar, and wire from the relay to a button in a top secret location under the carpeting below the E-brake. I could then press the carpeting there for several seconds before cranking, longer as the temperature dictated, and then manually cycle the plugs as needed to smooth out the idle after it was started. Worked as an anti-theft in colder weather, as a thief couldn't heat the plugs if they didn't know where the button was there.

Hope that helps!

[FredVenne]

Thanks JungleJon, but nothing simple like; this wire to the positive into the switch and the other one goes to the plugs... or something like that. Too complicated, too much gibberish...

Or maybe I’m plain simple retarded...

[White Mule]

Now you have me thinking.

Im guessing one could install a wilson switch to the glow plugs.

Have a relay at the glow plugs with the ECU line connected as well.

On those days when we have block heater issues, one could use the wilson vs. only depending on the "click" thing.

Also when the ECU finally craps out, you're not left high and dry, or rather cold and mad!

Thoughts?

[Salty]

Someone sent me this, and it answered my original question. I took my Delica to Ben at Comox Valley Delica and he put a switch on the dash, and the rest is history. Nice fix!

Hi i dont know if you've solved your glow plug problem but if you go to www.comoxvalleydelica.ca and go to the technical tab at the top he explains how to wire in a manual glow plug switch. Good luck!

[snelson]

Grrrrrrrrr - the only thing I can find on that site is a copy of information and diagrams someone spent their valuable time preparing and composing posted originaly on this very forum.

I don't know...seems to me if your going to poach comments and information from another site and post it on your commercial site, you should at least give credit to the site and author that you poached the info from.

And now, back to my Thursday night pints. (hicccup)

[FalcoColumbarius]

Mystery Machine posted that.

Falco.

[john james]

My experience.
Delica Exceed 2.5 diesel auto had the click dim lights on the dash and after click to follow but poor starting. Found that after removing the connection to the glow plugs only a short period of 8.5 volt power, not long enough despite the indications. In addition, after removing the connection beam along the top of the four glow plugs, one glow plug was not reading the required 0.8 ohms and on removal found that the tip was missing. It just happened to be glow plug number three where the wiring connection is made, maybe incidental.
Anyway one thing led to another and after taking out the passenger seat, handbrake lever and "engine side cover", air filter too to gain some access space, checked the relays on the bulkhead and they were dong the job, switching. OK, took off the side seatbelt on the post and removed the three bolts holding the CPU. Found out on removing the CPU metal box cover it was fried in the area of the capacitors and after a clean up got the two relays on the circuit board working again. The metal covers snap off to check the function. However not reliable in the switching timing so a replacement CPU required from salvage.
Would I recommend a frigged system of switch and power relay, sure if the vehicle to be used by someone who understands that to hold on too long will fry the glow plugs.
I fitted the HKL model 164 a copper sheathed type that retail for $8 a piece and they seem to work.
If your wondering if it is the power to the glow. I used a battery jump lead clipped on the beam and touch held on the positive battery terminal while starting, that clearly indicated that the engine start up time could be improved, heeps... and this brings me back to the start of my story.

Great vehicles but overly complicated in places. The L300 does not have such a glow system on the manual diesel model for example.

[FredVenne]

[quote="john james”] It just happened to be glow plug number three where the wiring connection is made, maybe incidental. [/quote]


Turned out that the only plug that was not working was... the third one with the connector over... And my ECU was fry as well. Now that everything is changed, brand new plugs and tested ECU, the Yeti is finally working well!

Has been looking at all your links about glow plugs relay... none of them actually explain how to set a by-pass. I even asked Graham at CCAutos (after buying all may parts from him) to help me out... never called back...