Change glowplugs during service?

[djlee]

Decided now the winter is hopefully starting to go away i might give the car a good go over whilst ive got a few spare quid (got to love late xmas bonuses). Ive got me list of stuff i want to get done, along with the bits i need to get, however im not sure on whether to change the glowplugs or not.

Is it a good idea to change these even if you don't think there faulty? If so, how long would you recommend between changes? Also is there a way to test them without actually taking them out.

I was going to change them anyway without asking. But i have have a 1.9 CDTi 120 .. which means there not easily accessible, and from what people have said on here, your luckily to manage to get to them without stripping half the crap out the way, and when you do, you'll be lucky to get them all out without one snapping... so i'm a bit weary as to what to do.

[m8internet]

On a 2004, are they the original glowplugs?

I've only replaced them when advised by the garage that one has failed
I instruct them to replace the entire set
On the Vectra the car should give you some advance warning of this, so my solution is :
no warning - no replace

[eaglepva]

recently changed my glow plugs after calling around local garages to get a price most said they didnt want to do them incase they snapped etc. One garage said he would have a go so thought i would try myself, the car is a 04 and was on its original set, i just took it steady and tryed to release them first if they started to turn i kept going and they all came out fine.

took about half hour to do all 4

[djlee]

its an 07 facelift. As far as im aware they are the original set. its done a few k over 100k miles and i dont remember seeing glowplugs on any of the history (i could be wrong, but i think it was just basic servicing it had).

I noticed that if i heat them up 3 times theres usually no issue, twice its either just the same as 3 times or take a second longer, but once and it can take longer than it should. Makes me think one or more of them may not be getting as hot as they should, but this is my first diesal so maybe im wrong (can't say i know that much about mechanics, just learning as i go).

@eaglepva: if yours took half hour im guessing your not driving a 120? As from what ive read it would take that long to clear the way to get to the damn things.


Anyhows if the general consensus is to just wait for a warning light then i'll do everything else first. Theres a few niggles with the car that im hoping are expensive fix and might resolve themselves after a good service, but no doubt i'll be posted up with more question in the near future

[m8internet]

its an 07 facelift

Your profile states you have 2004 Life (no engine specified) so based my response on that

If you are having to heat up the glowplugs then there is something seriously wrong
However that is common at this time of year, especially if the engine block is very cold

Assuming the glowplug light comes on briefly at ignition commencement, then goes out
Can you hear the relay switching off?
The engine should then start without any issues
Equally, the handbook advises you do NOT need to wait for the glowplug light
I would therefore suggest you find a local diesel specialist and ask them to check the engine start efficiency

Other expensive niggles?
It is rare they will fix themselves after a service, more likely they will be highlighted during service
Do what I do, put the car in and don't tell them of any issues; they should find them

[djlee]

Thanks for the feedback, will have to update my profile actually. I just re-read the last sentence of my lprevious message.. obviously i meant "i hope are NOT expensive to fix" :P .. I'm not sure whats up with them until i get it serviced. Gonna do what i can myself (oil, filters e.c.t. still not sure about the plugs yet).

I will see what happens, might take it in to a specialist if i need too. But im half convinced its the efficiency of the glowplugs rather than anything else, as the more times i heat them up, the better it starts. I'll leave the "somone else can do it" bit til the end, gotta learn this stuff somehow