I have a 2 litre Vectra TDI thats having problems with starting. Searching on the net seems unfruitful but lots of people have the same issue. The frustrating thing is people have looked at it for me and they can't fix it either!

Basically what happens is if its really cold like 1 degree or lower then the glow plugs kick in no problem and it starts within seconds.

However if the engine is a little warmer, say I've driven for 5 or 10 mins then left if for a couple of hours or its warmer outside say 10 degrees or so then it wont kick in straight away and takes forever, while trying to kick in there is a load of white smoke too but the glow plug light never comes on. Obviously this is taking alot out of the battery so now thats gone flat. :(

Ok so far i know that it's not the following:
- Glow plugs
- Glow plug relay
- Battery
- Alternator

It's like there is a temp sensor somewhere thats not telling the engine it's cold so kick in the glow plugs.

Any suggestions would be greatly appretiated!

barlow1984, January 2010

If changing the fuel filter top and the leakoff pipes fails to cure the problem look at the fuel filter if its black +oily ,then change the injector fire seals

Chuck, February 2011

Look at the fuel leak off pipes at the front of the engine. i found this problem with mine after spending over 500 quid on pumps and injector seals. £2.50 in the end for a new length of pipe. Also check the plastic connectors in the same pipe, they can crack and let air in.

Dave Griffiths, May 2010

Hi I've seen some solutions to this from checking the valve clearances. It seems the clearance closes up over time, (the opposite was the case in the old days). Alloy blocks and cold weather plus the gradual closing of the clearance.... I can see how it would cause the problem.

Our old Pug 1.9 doesn't like the cold much either apparently 100k miles plus and the same thing happens to them.

Hope this helps.

John, March 2010

Had my Veccy for nearly 2 years, and similar problem. But in reverse. i.e. When its cold, its a buggar to start.
Started the other day, drove for 160 miles. Left the car for 6hours....Took 15minutes to start....with plenty of Smoke from exhaust. Trying this weekend to resolve.

VECCY ANNOYED, February 2010