CDTI - starting up in the cool weather

[Hideous]

Been slightly cool this last week, and I've noticed the engine is slightly harder to start first time in the morning. Takes 3 or 4 turns to fire up, instead of instantly, as it always did previously. Also, there's a fair puff of smoke visible out of the exhaust when it fires
Car runs perfectly after this, and no smoke at all from there on.
If it was really cold I would expect this, as the diesel tends to go like jelly at low temperatures, but it's only been down to -5C.
Anyone else notice this with their CDTI, or anyone have any ideas what the problem is?

[Johnsdutton]

As you said it has been cold. The oil thickens up as does deisel, the various metals contract, and everything gets a little damp. Only way to stop it is to park in a heated garage.

[Hideous]

The puff of white/grey smoke is worrying though :/
Just found another thread on here, and some are saying this may be a sign of a knackered injector
Hope not, runs sweet as a nut apart from the starting.

[AntSSSS]

Wireing loom on injector 3 is prone to be give hassle.. This is the first sign - lumpy starts when cold etc etc..

As discussed here:
http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showth...t=62925&page=4

Found it on TIS, so its a well know issue from VX and for causing jerking I think they should include total engine shut down!

Field Remedy: 2049
Subject: Engine Z19DT/H - Jerking, somtimes Trouble Code P0201-P0204 set
Models: Engines: Option:
Vectra-C 2004...2006,Signum 2004...2006,Astra-H 2004...2006,Zafira-B 2005...2006 Z19DT| Z19DTH| Z19DTL,Z19DT| Z19DTH| Z19DTL,Z19DT| Z19DTH| Z19DTL| Z19DTJ,Z19DT| Z19DTH| Z19DTL
Complaint: Customer complaint about jerking sometimes SVS lamp on and DTC P0201-P0204 set.
Cause: Software and / or fretting corrosion on injector plug.
Production: Modified wiring harness has been implemeted in production as of engine numer: Z19DTH17000444.

Remedy:
In case of customer complaint reprogram ECU according TSB 1849 before changing any parts.
If TSB 1849 will not cure the problem install field fix injector plugs (partnumber 93189918 / cataloguenumber 62 86 769).
Mentioned Field fix kit does not contain of a 1,5mm² wire as mentioned in TIS 2000 wiring diagram.
In case of concern please use 2,5mm² instead.
FunctionalGroup: J - Engine
Complaint Group: 06 - Failure Code Setting by Control Unit
Trouble Code: P0201,P0202,P203,P204

My 2005 CDTI Sri (150) is lumpy at cold and also a little smokey... going in Wed for a ECU upgrade and also the wireing loom fix...

HTH

[John-joe]

The puff of white/grey smoke is worrying though :/
Just found another thread on here, and some are saying this may be a sign of a knackered injector
Hope not, runs sweet as a nut apart from the starting.

I beleive the white smoke is fuel, as you turning engein over couple times so it could be that amount of fuel in pot befor it fires up.

[vxvirgin]

Same here - I let the glow plug light go out before starting up, that helps.

[solorider]

mine takes a few turns before it starts up,i dont have any running problems at all (apart from the crap fuel consumption)

[_ZS_]

-5C is quite cold for a diesel. The smoke is normal for a direct injection on a cold start.

15 years ago in -5C you'd be looking at 3 or 4 cycles of the preheaters, 2 minutes of cranking, 2 or 3 stalls and about 5 minutes of blue smoke for a normal diesel. Or indeed a walk to work.

[Hideous]

Same here - I let the glow plug light go out before starting up, that helps.

Aha, we have a winner. I didn't know that you had to wait for the glow plug like that - tried that earlier and it's great now.
I probably missed that in the manual - thanks for the tip.

[solorider]

Aha, we have a winner. I didn't know that you had to wait for the glow plug like that - tried that earlier and it's great now.
I probably missed that in the manual - thanks for the tip.

well yes it does help to let the glow plug light to go out,i always do