Spanner Light Cold Start

[arkhan78]

Hi guys

not needed to come on here for a while but as usual i need to call on some advice.

The spanner light comes on on my 2.0dti signum '04' when i first start it (cold engine) and then goes after a couple of secounds or if i rev the engine.

Any ideas. It comes back on again is the car has been stood a while but not if i stop and start while engine is hot!

Also MOT due this week would this light cause a fail.

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers

[minesy]

Glow plug problem, need to get them voltage and resistance checked to determine which one is faulty, also might be the after glow system. Deffo start with checking if you have a duff plug!!

[arkhan78]

thought it might be that issue after reading tonnes of posts on here.

Any idea how i can check this or who would check which glow plug is at fault?

Is there a how to?

[minesy]

Its quite simple to determine which plug is at fault, there are a couple of ways to do this. You can either do an electrical test which involves removing the plastic cap one of your glow plugs (thats the hardest bit dont be to forceful just squeeze and it will come off!!) with this removed and with the use of a multi meter you can check you are getting voltage to the glow plug by simply turn the ignition on and place the positive probe off the meter into the contact of the removed cap and take the remaining cable off the meter to the negative battery terminal this usually reads about 11.5 V. Repeat this for all four plugs. The chances are these will all be fine and the problem is the glow plug itself. You can do a resistance check at this point by selecting your multi meter to the diode symbol this is better as you will hear an audible noise to confirm you have continuity. Do this by placing the positive cable of the meter to the top of the glow plug (cap removed obviously) and the remaining cable needs to touching the engine on a clean area. You need to do this as the glow plug makes earth when its fitted to the engine. You want to hear a continuous beep, if you dont get a beep or only a short beep you have a high resistance in that plug and you need to replace it.

You can also do a physical check by removing the glow plug and attach the cap/connector to it, you will now need to obtain a thin piece of copper wire and wrap it around the body of the plug (near the thread is best) and the other end needs to touch the battery negative. With an assistant ask them to turn the ignition on only whilst you watch the plug you should now see it start to glow. Repeat this for all four plugs. Sounds a lot to do but it only takes about an hour to complete this. Hope this helps.