CDTi 120 & 150 Cold start problem check list.

[C-Owner]

@ Admin please make this a sticky at some point due to the amount of cold start queries on the forum

Hi all

This applies only to difficult COLD starting and not WARM starting.

I'll start this collection with the usual suspect the starter motor speed on first cold start overnight.

Conditions

1. Battery checked tested and fully charged.
2. Fuel line leak off/return checked/replaced.
3. Glow plug system checked.
4. Tech 2 Vaux-com OBDII scan with no current fault codes fuel/starting related.
5. Injectors tested and within performance range.

The above checks are advised, but looking at the video below should make it obvious what the problem is

Here's a comparison video made by one of the members on this forum some time ago,
it highlights the differences perfectly between old and new stater motor cold start performance,
please note the vehicle battery should be tested and in perfect condition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCrykhNWOd8

If your starter motor sounds like the first one or slower than the new one in the above video chances are it needs replacing/repairing.



Please add you cold starting fixes as well everyone










.

[Slammedorion]

My 120 cdti Sri was a pig to start on a cold morning, after lots of searching on here I first tried...
glow plugs... ( was better but still not good )
a full thermostat housing with new temp sensor as gauge wasn't working correctly... ( no difference )
glow plug relay ( no better )
diesel filter plus housing ( had a slight weep, but no improvement )
BIG battery ( no better )
a new starter motor ( BINGO )
If you've fitted new glow plugs and a glow plug relay and it's still poor starting, stick a big battery on it and a new starter...

[NeiltSRi]

I think mine needs a new starter. Starts fine from Warm, but once left to cool its a pig, and the starter seems to labour even with jump leads on.

Is it a pig to change? I have done other cars, but never touched a Vectra under the bonnet.

[C-Owner]

I think mine needs a new starter. Starts fine from Warm, but once left to cool its a pig, and the starter seems to labour even with jump leads on.

Is it a pig to change? I have done other cars, but never touched a Vectra under the bonnet.

Simple job to do just 3 bolts at the back of the engine , you can do it from the top

1. Remove battery earth lead.
2. Remove the main battery to starter cable and solenoid cable from the starter motor.
3. Remove the 3x13mm bolts retaining the stater motor

Shoud take about an hour off/on

See about getting your old one repaired at a Auto-electrical repairers, it will be cheaper than a new one.

[NeiltSRi]

Simple job to do just 3 bolts at the back of the engine , you can do it from the top

1. Remove battery earth lead.
2. Remove the main battery to starter cable and solenoid cable from the starter motor.
3. Remove the 3x13mm bolts retaining the stater motor

Shoud take about an hour off/on

See about getting your old one repaired at a Auto-electrical repairers, it will be cheaper than a new one.

Great thanks. Can get a new one for £108, but will enquire about price to get mine refurbed.

[brookie1]

had the same problem on my brother car turned out to be 3 glow plugs had stop working

[Pwthebaldeagle]

well ive got the dreaded cold start problems back!. This time last year changed the glow plugs,alternator,battery and starter motor.That made sure everything was spot on..now..dam cold start problem is back!!
Only difference this time around is when the car actually fires up,theres quite a bit of smoke,bit of cough and spluttering and a smell of diesel in the air. Any ideas anyone?

[brookie1]

that sound like my brother car and it turned out to be glow plugs buddy

[willbaroo]

well ive got the dreaded cold start problems back!. This time last year changed the glow plugs,alternator,battery and starter motor.That made sure everything was spot on..now..dam cold start problem is back!!
Only difference this time around is when the car actually fires up,theres quite a bit of smoke,bit of cough and spluttering and a smell of diesel in the air. Any ideas anyone?

I'm getting the same chap - did you fix your cold start issues?!

Replaced starter motor last weekend which means it starts quicker but still get white diesel smoke and lumpy idle (slight misfire) for about 10-15seconds. Driving off or giving it a boot full clears the problem straight away!

[Pwthebaldeagle]

Well it's gone in today for new glow plugs and thermostat too. Will see if that cures the problem.
anyone I've spoke to all say glow plugs,but one or two people have also said poss injector ?