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Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - JonBuggss

Hi, and help

My car is not starting in the cold weather.

I've changed the Oil, Fuel Filter and the Glow Plugs.

Still not starting.

I've taken the plugs out and checked the glow plugs when I turn the ignition on - no glow.

They are 4.4v Glow plugs. When I check the voltage being delivered to the Glow plugs, it starts at 11.5V for 1 second then drops to 2.0V for about 30 seconds. Obviously there is not enough voltage getting to the glow plugs.

I've changed the relay and exactly the same thing is happening. Could a sensor be telling it, it is summer so don't heat the Glow Plugs. I've run out of ideas, any help please, I'm getting desperate. Thanks

Jon

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - elekie&a/c doctor

I have never seen 4.4volt glow plugs.Have you checked the resistance of the plugs with a digimeter?Should be around 2-3 ohms.

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - JonBuggss

Yep, they are 4.4V. I've checked the resistance and they all show under 1 ohm.

The Dodge engine is similar to the Jeep 2.8 CRD, they used to be 7V ceramic, but changed in 2006 to 4.4V metal.

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - elekie&a/c doctor

Take a look in HJ car reviews;3-5-2014: Starting problems with Nitro 2.8 diesel led to replacement of 2 injectors, crank sensor and camshaft sensor, but problem persists.

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - JonBuggss

Have had a look, thanks.

The engine car etc. runs absolutely fine except the starting. I've also identified this drop in voltage at the glow plugs so I'm sure its something to do with the electrics/sensors. If it was the crank/cam sensor I would still expect to see the correct voltage at the glow plugs.

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - JonBuggss

A quick update if anybody interested.

Spoke to someone who new a lot about diesels, explained problems, he stated I was getting fuel flow through the injector (worn injector). He told he how to run a flow test (connecting pipes to the fuel returns of the injectors and identify the ones with the most fuel). Interestingly the cost of an injector from Chrysler is £810 but from this gentlemen it is £300.

It pays to DIY.

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - Railroad.
Your Diesel engine like any other is a compression ignition engine. It's also direct injection and should not be dependent on glow plugs. In fact they don't even switch on for preheating unless the outside air temperature is below 2 degrees Celsius. Their primary purpose is to reduce noise and improve emissions when the engine is cold.

Cold starting problems could be due to a loss of compression or a fuel pressure problem. Check the exhaust while the engine is being cranked. White/grey smoke puffing out will confirm that fuel is being injected. If there's no smoke then you should suspect a fuel problem.
Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - skidpan

Interestingly the cost of an injector from Chrysler is £810 but from this gentlemen it is £300

And from this company

http://www.commonraildiesels.com/product_info.php/dodge-nitro-new-bosch-diesel-injector-0445115067-p-665

£220

But what has this "gentleman" done to ascertain it is an injector fault?

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD 2007 - Cold Start Problems - JonBuggss

Hi, thanks for feedback.

Primarily fault is- it is impossible to start when cold, if it does start and I runs for sometime it can take sometime to start when hot, although it does start eventually.This was his deduction from this information - to do a fuel flow test through the returns.

1 injector had a fast flow through the fuel return

2 injectors had a medium flow through the fuel return

1 injector had a slow flow through the fuel return

So I intend to change the injector with the fast flow and hopefully will resolve the issue.

Thanks, had seen this other site, but chose to purchase from this gentleman because of the help he gave, and his price is £300 inc vat so not a major difference.