Hard Starting Chev Colorado Diesel

[jaideeguy]

Recently, i've had 4 or 5 instances where my [3yr old] chev colorado is hard to start. engine turns over strong, so it's not battery and it takes at least 20 attempts before it eventually starts. engine temp is normal, i didn't flood it, and it otherwise starts on the first turn over. could it be the electronic ignition or some other engine computer on board malfunctioning?? and could the problem be diagnosed by the service center when it mostly doesn't have this problem??

I'm an iddiot when it comes to diesel engines!!

[apetley]

I had a similar problem on an old Ford diesel.

Glow plugs were not warming up properly.

I found myself having to let them warm up for longer and longer for an easy start.

A replacement cured my starting problem.

[micksterbs]

could it be the electronic ignition or some other engine computer on board malfunctioning??

Sorry to have to break it to you like this but diesel engines don't have electronic ignition. They are compression-ignition engines which, I think I'm right in saying, is their correct title not diesel engines. They can run on many different fuels one of which is diesel fuel, named after its inventor, Rudolf Diesel.

Anyway, yeah, I have a two year-old Colorado myself and I've noticed that lately, it takes a little more to get it to start. Not a problem, just a little longer, that's all. It goes in for its 40,000km service soon so I'll mention it.

As for the glow-plugs, are they fitted for the Tropics? The engines are always warm, aren't they? There's no little illuminated symbol on any dashboard out here like there is in the UK or Europe.

[Globeliner]

could it be the electronic ignition or some other engine computer on board malfunctioning??

Sorry to have to break it to you like this but diesel engines don't have electronic ignition. They are compression-ignition engines which, I think I'm right in saying, is their correct title not diesel engines. They can run on many different fuels one of which is diesel fuel, named after its inventor, Rudolf Diesel.

Anyway, yeah, I have a two year-old Colorado myself and I've noticed that lately, it takes a little more to get it to start. Not a problem, just a little longer, that's all. It goes in for its 40,000km service soon so I'll mention it.

As for the glow-plugs, are they fitted for the Tropics? The engines are always warm, aren't they? There's no little illuminated symbol on any dashboard out here like there is in the UK or Europe.

I have a 5 year old Ford Ranger that is having a simalar problem with starting, yes all diesels have glow plugs, you can test them yourself with a 12 volt battery and a cup of water.

[Jareddiving]

Or could it just be the brand name.. Chevrolet??

No just kidding.

[apetley]

could it be the electronic ignition or some other engine computer on board malfunctioning??

Sorry to have to break it to you like this but diesel engines don't have electronic ignition. They are compression-ignition engines which, I think I'm right in saying, is their correct title not diesel engines. They can run on many different fuels one of which is diesel fuel, named after its inventor, Rudolf Diesel.

Anyway, yeah, I have a two year-old Colorado myself and I've noticed that lately, it takes a little more to get it to start. Not a problem, just a little longer, that's all. It goes in for its 40,000km service soon so I'll mention it.

As for the glow-plugs, are they fitted for the Tropics? The engines are always warm, aren't they? There's no little illuminated symbol on any dashboard out here like there is in the UK or Europe.

You haven't looked inside a Triton have you?

[micksterbs]

Nope, I haven't!

It's always good to learn; that's one of the things I like about this forum.

[jaideeguy]

As i stated in my OP, the engine was at normal operating temp...which runs consistently about half way on the guage. so, should i still suspect the glow plugs??

Would assume that they are fitted for the tropics as it is a thai made vehicle.

[micksterbs]

I'll get back to you after I've had mine serviced, ok? I'll be interested to see what it is. It used to start just by looking at the key but just needs about a three or four-second spin to wake it up. Granted, nothing dramatic but it is a change.

On a separate note, what is the idea behind these little wing mirrors you see over here? You know, the ones mounted on the NSF wing. Some are simple affairs while some have two mirrors at different angles. Different drivers seem to have them pointed at different things but as I haven't sat inside a car with one fitted, I'm guessing as to their purpose. Help whilst parking?

[mikethevigoman]

Recently, i've had 4 or 5 instances where my [3yr old] chev colorado is hard to start. engine turns over strong, so it's not battery and it takes at least 20 attempts before it eventually starts. engine temp is normal, i didn't flood it, and it otherwise starts on the first turn over. could it be the electronic ignition or some other engine computer on board malfunctioning?? and could the problem be diagnosed by the service center when it mostly doesn't have this problem??

I'm an iddiot when it comes to diesel engines!!

is this on a cold or hot engine ?

[mikethevigoman]

could it be the electronic ignition or some other engine computer on board malfunctioning??

Sorry to have to break it to you like this but diesel engines don't have electronic ignition. They are compression-ignition engines which, I think I'm right in saying, is their correct title not diesel engines. They can run on many different fuels one of which is diesel fuel, named after its inventor, Rudolf Diesel.

Anyway, yeah, I have a two year-old Colorado myself and I've noticed that lately, it takes a little more to get it to start. Not a problem, just a little longer, that's all. It goes in for its 40,000km service soon so I'll mention it.

As for the glow-plugs, are they fitted for the Tropics? The engines are always warm, aren't they? There's no little illuminated symbol on any dashboard out here like there is in the UK or Europe.

The common rail engines have 5th injector for a cold engine start, if your problems are on a cold start up id say start by running some injector cleaner through it,.

[mikethevigoman]

As i stated in my OP, the engine was at normal operating temp...which runs consistently about half way on the guage. so, should i still suspect the glow plugs??

Would assume that they are fitted for the tropics as it is a thai made vehicle.

try running an injector cleaner through it, .wont be glow plugs if its on a hot/normal temp start up,.

[Lancashirelad]

As has been said, this does not sound like a glow plug problem, but more like engine management electronics not letting fuel through. Common rail injection systems are, i believe, susceptable to this.

However, you most certainly dont need a cup of water to test glow plugs

Can be tested in 2 ways:

1. Without removal. just remove the wiring loom from them all. Connect one end of a decent piece of wire to + on the battery. Now be careful where you touch with the live end as anything metal will create a direct short & fry the wire. (and your fingers) Just touch the live end of the wire to each heater plug connection in turn. If you get a spark, its working. If you don't, it isnt.

Ofcourse if you have a multi-meter with inbuilt power supply, to use this would be safer workshop practise.

2. If you really can't trust the above method. (they either work or they don't) Remove the plug. fasten said wire to the electrical connector on the plug. other end to + of battery. Now hold the plug with a pair of pliers & touch the plug metal casing to the negative pole on the your battery. You will see the plug glow almost immediately if its working. REMEMBER NOT TO TOUCH IT for a LONG TIME after!!

Yes, compression-ignition is indeed correct terminology.

The 1st diesel engine ran on peanut oil.

For a diesel engine that doesn't want to start cold or hot. Keep throttle fully depresssed, turn key to start position and keep engine spinning. (upto 30 seconds) Short bursts on the starter achieve nothing.

Aren't those new Tritons noisy!!!? (at least from outside)

[jaideeguy]

My 40k service is due soon and i'll mention my problem to them, but just wanted to compare notes and hopefully know what the problem is. Being occasional/intermittent, it may be harder to diagnose.

will post my results in a couple of weeks.

[torrenova]

On a separate note, what is the idea behind these little wing mirrors you see over here? You know, the ones mounted on the NSF wing. Some are simple affairs while some have two mirrors at different angles. Different drivers seem to have them pointed at different things but as I haven't sat inside a car with one fitted, I'm guessing as to their purpose. Help whilst parking?

In Japan nearly all taxis and many private cars have a metal pole on the NSF corner and it used to baffle the heck out of me what it was for. Then I saw one with a mirror and bingo, the penny dropped. You see, many Asians are short and cannot see much over the steering wheel and especially women, cannot see where the far corner of the car is. So, add mirrors and you not only get a reference point but potentially another rear view mirror.

I doubt they would be allowed in the UK.

I think the ones on the back of SUVs and the like to judge where the back of the car is are great

[Lancashirelad]

doubt they would be allowed in the UK.

they're on most imported Pajeros in the uk. Its a blind spot mirror. Nothing to do with parking, though nothing to stop you using it as an aide.

Edit: sorry, maybe some confusion here. I'm talking about the extra mirror on the passenger side wing front. However, i have seen the poles on 4 x 4's here in uk also.

They're an excellent idea i think. Some bonneted trucks have them too.

[micksterbs]

Ah ok. Sounds plausible. I could always see the point of the mirrors on the back of SUV's and pickups with Carryboys but the little NSF ones had always been a bit of a mystery. Hadn't thought about the "height" side of things.

BTW, I assume you know what "Pajero" means in Spanish?

[torrenova]

The reason I think they might be banned was the same reason as the prancing Jaguar and the Spirit of Ecstasy as dangerous to pedestrians and other in the case of an accident.

[Lancashirelad]

The reason I think they might be banned was the same reason as the prancing Jaguar and the Spirit of Ecstasy as dangerous to pedestrians and other in the case of an accident.

which reminds me. anyone want to buy a prancing Jaguar? Hmmm, must look for that, EBay here we come.

S of E has been on a spring for many, many years now, just touch it & it instantaneously drops down out of sight.

I used to do quite a bit of chauffeuring for a wealthy business man friend with a Rolls, often around town late at night. Dick heads used to come out the pub & purposely punch the flying lady knowing i'd have to get out & resurrect her to her former dignity.

[Crossy]

BTW, I assume you know what "Pajero" means in Spanish?

Isn't it called the "Shogun" in Europe for that reason

[micksterbs]

BTW, I assume you know what "Pajero" means in Spanish?

Isn't it called the "Shogun" in Europe for that reason

Yup, you got it!

[wilko]

If the engine is taking time to start when WARM it isn't glow-plugs (if fitted)..... the battery can sometimes appear to be turning over strongly but not strongly enough with a diesel.....BUT .....for an engine to fire up it needs fuel....it is quite possible that after running for a while that ffor one reason or another there is no fuel in the pipes (or not enough) this could be caused by a minor air leak into the fuel system or an air lock forming....i would suggest you get someone to run their eye over the fuel pipes and check for leaks or air pockets.

a fualty pump could cause this too but would probably affect performance.

[Lancashirelad]

Shogun in England, Pajero in Ireland & most other places.

Many imported Pajeros in England.

Be careful if ordering a towbar, there's a slight difference between the 2!

Somebody going to enlighten us as to what Pajero means in Spanish?

[jaideeguy]

One thing that i forgot to mention is that prior to my problem starting the engine, i got a phone call from the chev service center inviting me to come in for a free fix. My wife speaks thai/english, but not 'mechanics' and i fired off an email to the chev dealer and promptly got this response..........

"First of all, thank you very much for contact us. As your enquiry, we would like to inform you that according to this function, the company has found that the durability of injection nozzle gasket of some vehicle are not enough and will lead to a deterioration which can subsequently cause a damage of an engine afterwards. We would like to solve this problem urgently. We are willing to ask the customer owning Chevrolet vehicle with engine no. as mentioned to precipitately come for quality checking, in case of a problem found, we will instantly change a new parts for you and will also check and update ECM program to be appropriate with the charge without any charge."

could this upgrade/recall be the source of my problems?? and have any other chev owners had the same recall??

[micksterbs]

Somebody going to enlighten us as to what Pajero means in Spanish?

It means w*nker

True! I always thought it was another urban myth but I had a Spanish student as a lodger for six months back in England and she confirmed it. She used to practically wet herself every time she saw it.

[micksterbs]

One thing that i forgot to mention is that prior to my problem starting the engine, i got a phone call from the chev service center inviting me to come in for a free fix. My wife speaks thai/english, but not 'mechanics' and i fired off an email to the chev dealer and promptly got this response..........

"First of all, thank you very much for contact us. As your enquiry, we would like to inform you that according to this function, the company has found that the durability of injection nozzle gasket of some vehicle are not enough and will lead to a deterioration which can subsequently cause a damage of an engine afterwards. We would like to solve this problem urgently. We are willing to ask the customer owning Chevrolet vehicle with engine no. as mentioned to precipitately come for quality checking, in case of a problem found, we will instantly change a new parts for you and will also check and update ECM program to be appropriate with the charge without any charge."

could this upgrade/recall be the source of my problems?? and have any other chev owners had the same recall??

Interesting, jaideeguy; thanks for posting that. Mine goes in for its 40,000km service any day so I'll ask about this. Of course, this whole thread will apply to ISUZU D-Max owners too.

[Lancashirelad]

I'd say there's a strong possibility your problem is linked with this known problem.

Had all us guys scratching our heads & thinking hard for you over the past few days when all the time you withheld the top secret clue.

However reading their reply, it seems you can only take into the garage on a day when its raining

Is this one of those trucks with the double stacked headlamps? think they look quite smart.

I think the recall will solve your problem.

[wilko]

One thing that i forgot to mention is that prior to my problem starting the engine, i got a phone call from the chev service center inviting me to come in for a free fix. My wife speaks thai/english, but not 'mechanics' and i fired off an email to the chev dealer and promptly got this response..........

"First of all, thank you very much for contact us. As your enquiry, we would like to inform you that according to this function, the company has found that the durability of injection nozzle gasket of some vehicle are not enough and will lead to a deterioration which can subsequently cause a damage of an engine afterwards. We would like to solve this problem urgently. We are willing to ask the customer owning Chevrolet vehicle with engine no. as mentioned to precipitately come for quality checking, in case of a problem found, we will instantly change a new parts for you and will also check and update ECM program to be appropriate with the charge without any charge."

could this upgrade/recall be the source of my problems?? and have any other chev owners had the same recall??

Yes!

[bdenner]

Someone said in this thread that Diesels don't have electronic ignitions TRUE - BUT they have engine management computers. My DMAX, which has the same engine as the Chev, had it's fuel control computer shit itself. It's a small box with cooling fins attached located near the fuel filter on the side of the motor. Made in the UK by DELCO. Have your dealer run some diagnostics.

[jaideeguy]

Sorry I forgot to mention the recall [fix?] as i didn't think it was related. I will now send an email to customer service to see what they have to say and hopefully they can communicate a heads up with their CM service people so they can go directly to the problem.

I must say that i was impressed by a quick reply in almost decent english the first time.