Why is it always your own car that gives you the most aggro?

Mottie

Mottie

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I mean, I’m not even getting paid for it which makes it worse!

For the first time in 9 years, our Golf D wouldn’t start. Started with a squirt of easy start. First thing I tested was the glow plugs. Two dead ones so I replaced them. Still wouldn’t start. Checked the feed to the glow plugs and when I first switch ignition on, with my test lamp I get a bright light that changes to a dim light after a couple of seconds, stays dim and then eventually goes out. I’m suspecting the relay. It’s getting dark now so that’s a job for to tomorrow. For now, I’m just relying on my easy start to get me going as I’ve got to pick the dog up from the groomers later. Hopefully the engine will be warm enough to start when I go out. I hate cars.
 
Well, I’m baffled. Thought I’d double check the voltage going to the glow plugs this morning and if still low, go and get a new glow plug control unit at around £70. Car covered in frost but I thought I’ll just check it for starting first. Didn’t even sit in the car or touch the throttle, reached in, turned the ignition on, waited for the glow plug light to go out, turned it and it started before the engine had hardly made one revolution! Tried it a few more times and all was fine. Only things I did yesterday was to give one relay in the under bonnet fuse box (not the cold start relay as that’s below the fuse box and requires battery removal to access it) a good banging and tapping after removing it and I also replaced one sidelight bulb that was giving a warning light on the dash. One thing I did notice after starting it yesterday was the stability light was on as I drove away. I assume that was because I started the car with the relay out of it so I stopped, switched off and started up again and it went off as per normal. Feck knows what I’ve done but I seem to done something. Only time will tell whether it’s been a permanent fix. If it was a customers car, I wouldn’t charge them if I didn’t know what I’d done!

Edit: I have theory - clutching at straws though. With only two glow plugs working, a bad connection could have built up on the relay contacts hence the low voltage. With all glow plugs working, there would be more of a current draw across the contacts making a better contact. Possible?
 
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Mottie said:
Well, I’m baffled. Thought I’d double check the voltage going to the glow plugs this morning and if still low, go and get a new glow plug control unit at around £70. Car covered in frost but I thought I’ll just check it for starting first. Didn’t even sit in the car or touch the throttle, reached in, turned the ignition on, waited for the glow plug light to go out, turned it and it started before the engine had hardly made one revolution! Tried it a few more times and all was fine. Only things I did yesterday was to give one relay in the under bonnet fuse box (not the cold start relay as that’s below the fuse box and requires battery removal to access it) a good banging and tapping after removing it and I also replaced one sidelight bulb that was giving a warning light on the dash. One thing I did notice after starting it yesterday was the stability light was on as I drove away. I assume that was because I started the car with the relay out of it so I stopped, switched off and started up again and it went off as per normal. Feck knows what I’ve done but I seem to done something. Only time will tell whether it’s been a permanent fix. If it was a customers car, I wouldn’t charge them if I didn’t know what I’d done!

Edit: I have theory - clutching at straws though. With only two glow plugs working, a bad connection could have built up on the relay contacts hence the low voltage. With all glow plugs working, there would be more of a current draw across the contacts making a better contact. Possible?
Click to expand...
Not very likely mate, starter motor possibly though
 
Mottie said:
I get a bright light that changes to a dim light after a couple of seconds, stays dim and then eventually goes out.
Click to expand...
My old Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5 had a system that behaves like that; it was (factory) fitted with 6v glow plugs that would be hit with 12v briefly before the controller dropped it back to 6. It heats them quicker but then holds them at the design voltage so they don't burn out. I've no idea whether the golf does the same but maybe make sure you're not trying to fix a problem that isn't!
 
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