heater plug warning light

[turbopete]

should the light light up EVERY time the ignition is switched on (if only for a second when hot)? mine doesnt always when the engine is warm and its a little more reluctant to start when it fails to come on. never fails to come on (yet) for a cold start. also if i turn key tostart the instant the light goes out makes it reluctant so i usually switch off and try again as i know it will struggle. any ideas? whats it likely to cost?

 

[turbopete]

hmmm i take it no one is certain yet then?

 

[Number_Cruncher]

First thing to check is that the glow plugs themselves are OK.

 

[turbopete]

already have. theyre fine. car has always done this. ive had it since july 08. ive learned to live with it! just wondered if there was a major fault like the relay on its way out or similar that i needed to be ready to shell out for! think ive got a friday afternoon car! :lol:

 

[turbopete]

typical, isnt it. try to trace a fault, and the little swine hasnt done it since! loose connection maybe? im guessing at the relay (i think) where the 6wires connect in the multiplug and go of to each heater plug?

 

[Blobcat]

I was of the opinion that the light always came on (did on my W210 E320CDI) but came on again for ~20 secs after starting if one or more glow plugs have failed. If it isn't coming on to start with then your relay suspicion sounds reasonable to me.

 

[turbopete]

as i say its never done it recently. i did wiggle the wires when i filled up the screenwashers the other day. maybe thats all it needed. i will keep an eye on it and let it develop! and youre correct about the light coming back on if 1 or more plugs have failed. only merc ive had that didnt do that was my w202 c220 diesel! as it is, the only time it fails to come on at all is when the engine is already warm. never fails when its cold!