My 95 diesel (1.5) corsa always has problems starting in the winter. I was told today that it might be the relay (glow plugs were replaced about a year ago). The car is very smokey when it starts all year round. Will replacing the relay fix the problem starting and help with the smoke??? How much is it to replace the relay?

Andrea, November 2004

NIGHTMARE ,bought corsa 2 months ago ,paid £900,started in summer,when it got collder it wouldnt start was told it was glow plugs ,tried to change them 3 broke in the head locked solid ,reconditioned head,gasket set ,new cam belt,new water pump ,£800 bill ,still doesnt start,today i checked the voltage to the plugs and NO VOLTAGE GETTING TO THEM,i have wasted £800 ,i guess it must have been the relay all along

mark, December 2008

first check that the power is getting to the g.plugs, ideally by putting a ammeter in the circuit, if not available put a 12v lamp from -ve & the gplug common bar, 12v or 35amps should be pressent at turn on if the engine is cold, if this is not the case there are 3 probs: fuse(usually under bonnet at offside) 80Amp
: relay behind plastic panel rite side of drivers foot well.
: cabling faulty to gplugs common bar in engine compartment.

sparky, November 2007

I am also unfortunate enough to have a 1.5 diesel corsa with the same problem. I also have a cr*p vauxhall dealership who have instructed me to change the battery, glow plugs and the alternator (what a bitch that was) I have now been instructed to change the relay and temperature control unit. The haynes manual offers no decent information on either. I suspect it was the latter all long. Unless I can find an honest mechanic Im going to personally deliver my corsa to vauxhalls front desk!

mark, December 2004

Hi, I've got the same problem with my Peugeot 106 Mreg, I have replaced my glow plugs and it's exactly the same! I will look to see if power is being fed to glow plugs when the ignition is on, until I read your question I hadn't thought of that. Have you sorted your problem? If not I will let you know if I have found out anymore about this problem.

Steve.

Steve, December 2004