Long turnover when cold or damp

[cripandchlo]

Hi, I have a 95 2WD Ford Freda. It has been slow to turnover when starting on cold or damp mornings. When the engine is warm there is no problem. I have replaced the glow plug relay recently and have had the glow plugs tested at a garage. The temperature sensor is not working on the dash board could the problem be related?

[321Away]

Turnover speed is battery related, have yours drop tested, to make sure all cells are working, one morning connect jump leads and see if it cranks over any faster,if so suspect battery is on its last legs as its usually the cold spells that kills them off.

The engine temperature sensor?

Julian

[mister munkey]

Welcome to the fold cripandchlo

The temperature sensor is not working on the dash board could the problem be related?

Assuming you mean the temp guage, I'd be very very cautious of driving it until that gets sorted.

If you've had it for a year or two & know your way around the system you can get away with it short term as long as you keep a close eye on the coolant level, know how to check bottom hose to make sure the thermostat is doing its job but you could be heading for an expensive shock if anything were to let go without warning.

Theres plenty of info already on here if you have the patience to go through a search on the Techie section although its likely to be a duff earth or dodgy sensor/sender unit.

Proper help will no doubt be along shortly.

[cripandchlo]

Thanks, I will get the battery checked but I suspect it is OK. Maybe turnover is the wrong word to describe it. The engine starts straight away but sort of rumbles a few seconds before settling.

Also the I was referring to the engine temperature sensor shown by the light on the dash board.

[321Away]

engine temp light? you mean glow plug light? little coil like orange jobbie?

if cars rumbling i would suspect that you have 1 or more faulty glow plugs, hard to believe but just cos they're new doesnt mean they work! have seen cars dropped off here on transporters that have nothing wrong with them but 4 new dead glow plugs.
Julian

[cripandchlo]

Hi again Julian,

Thanks for you response.

Sorry I may have confused the issue! The analogue temp gauge on the dashboard does not work. The orange glow plug light is fine. I was told that there is a temp sensor somewhere in the engine that gives the gauge its reading. It is likely that the snesor on the engine is not working.

I know the glow plugs are working since a mechanic ran an amp meter across them. They are not working as new (apparantly they should work within 8 secs and mine are taking 15 secs)

[321Away]

engine temp sensor is located under drivers seat,top of the engine, towards front of the car you'll see a single wire going to it, its just by the glowplugs and egr piping

[cripandchlo]

If I order a new sensor, what exactly is the name of the part - and is it easy enough to fit?

[cripandchlo]

Hi all, the plot thickens.

Now my yellow glow plug light is flashing, which according to the archives does indicate the engine temperature sensor is faulty. However a lot of my electrics have also failed some of which I know are powered by my leisure battery (blinds and internal lights) but others such as central locking, electric wing mirrors which I think come off the car battery? Strangely on top of all this the light indicating that a door is open is constantly on......

The bongo itself starts and drives fine!

Any clues welcomed!

[jaylee]

Hi all, the plot thickens.

Now my yellow glow plug light is flashing, which according to the archives does indicate the engine temperature sensor is faulty. However a lot of my electrics have also failed some of which I know are powered by my leisure battery (blinds and internal lights) but others such as central locking, electric wing mirrors which I think come off the car battery? Strangely on top of all this the light indicating that a door is open is constantly on......

The bongo itself starts and drives fine!

Any clues welcomed!

Check one of your negative door pins ain't snapped, & it thinks the doors open..? Or a wire has come adrift for the courtesy light door pins has run to ground?? Does any of the the courtesy lights stay on with the door firmly shut & the switch set to open with the door??
This may be running the battery down???

Just a thought!

[Nevets]

Hi, slow cranking indicates various faults i.e duff battery,alternator not fully charging the battery,starter motor or associated leads\cables and the possibilty of a poor engine earth lead connection....
U need to Get battery and alternator tested 1st..
Also check yr connections to the leisure battery and relay also a known fault for flashing glow light
Hope this helps..Steve

P.s put yr location in and maybe a kind soul might help or advise best place to get tested

[cripandchlo]

Thanks for all the hints and tips!

Can I ask where to find the engine earth lead connection... I think I will check this before heading to an electrician.

[mikeonb4c]

Sounds like you may have a charging problem - one of the dashboard lamps doubles as a charge awrning indicator (can't remember which one - help me someone )

[cripandchlo]

OK just to keep you all posted. The electrical problem is now sorted. A fuse had blown from the leisure battery feed.

So just need to sort out the sluggish starting

and the faulty engine temp sensor

I am thinking just to replace the sensor along with a new set of glow plugs and see if that solves the problem - will let you know

[cripandchlo]

A garage took the glow plugs out and tested them and reported that they are all fine so put them back. I have had the water temperature sensor replaced so the temperature gauge is now working.

The starting problem is still there!

The guy at the garage suggested maybe replacing the engine temperature sensor (which is I now know is different to the water temperature sensor - mentioned above).

Can anyone confirm if this is my next move or think of any other options?

Cheers