1.9 cdti exclusiv Starting problem

**sleeper341** · 19th February 2013, 16:41

Hi, I have a 57 plate Vectra 1.9 CDTi Exclusiv. I had a problem with my egr valve a while ago and replaced it thanks to some great posts here.

Now i have another problem that perhaps someone can advise me on.

When it's cold, it can take ages to start. I turn the key, wait for the preheat light (yellow curly light) to go off then turn the key to fire it up. It turns over but doesnt fire up for ages, almost to the point where i think i might flatten the battery. Then when it does catch i get a lot of white/grey smoke from the exhaust.

I have found that when i first turn the key i can hear a low hum, which if i wait for this to stop, the car is more likely to fire up but still can take some time.

When the weather is warm i don't seem to have this problem and it starts well.

Any ideas?

Many thanks in advance.
Tom

**C-Owner** · 19th February 2013, 16:58

Get it checked at an Autoelectrical shop

1. Battery
2. Start motor
3. Glow plugs
4. Temp Sensor
5. Move to warm country

If your starter motor spins any slower than this its defective and will cause cold starting problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSZ2Hr8lp04

**sleeper341** · 19th February 2013, 17:18

Thanks C-O. I like the sound of option 5 the best.

I'll get the rest checked out.

Many thanks

**8003Richard** · 19th February 2013, 21:36

Glow Plugs best bet.

**tony-1977** · 19th February 2013, 21:40

Originally Posted by C-Owner

5. Move to warm country

Seriously though, as said above. More likely to be glow plugs on the 150 engine

**sleeper341** · 21st February 2013, 11:43

could anyone give me the link to the thread that shows me how to replace the glow plugs as I can't seeem to find it.

Many thanks

**C-Owner** · 21st February 2013, 13:33

Originally Posted by sleeper341

could anyone give me the link to the thread that shows me how to replace the glow plugs as I can't seeem to find it.

Many thanks

what engine ?

**sleeper341** · 21st February 2013, 15:59

1.9 cdti 120

**C-Owner** · 21st February 2013, 18:16

Warm engine to normal operating temp.

Allow to cool 5 mins

Remove negative terninal from battery and secure it.

On the inlet manifold
loosen off egr block
loosen off fuel compensator block
This allows easier access down the back of the manifold
Loosen off the fuel unions and move pipes that block any glow plugs.
Remove glow plug terminal caps with long nose pliers or if you have small hands go under the manifold and pull off with fingers.

Use 3/8th deep reach 10mm with 3/8th extension and 3/8th ratchet,
this stops you using excessive force and snapping a glow plug to easily,
make sure the 10mm sits flush over the glow plug and square to the head.

If a plug is tough to remove tighten it slightly then try to remove it, if still tough spray up with penetrating oil, repeat tighten/loosening action.

If the glow plug is stuck, even though you have undone it from the head, there's coke/gunge on the tip of the plug stopping it from coming out,
spray throttle body/carb cleaner past the threads to soak the tip of the plug and eventually it will come out,
don't force it though gently wiggle pull, never start getting impatient at any stage of removing them.

Originally Posted by sleeper341

could anyone give me the link to the thread that shows me how to replace the glow plugs as I can't seeem to find it.

Many thanks

http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/sh...d.php?t=379586

**ficosaneil** · 21st February 2013, 21:44

I have this issue and so did another poster in another thread... she changed battery glow plugs and other bits and it wasn't until she changed the inlet manifold that it cured the problem. Like her I also have had to change the egr, my theory is that the manifold is caked up with soot & carbon that maybe hardens in the cold.