Isentropic

Hello All,
Our 2008 E320 Bluetec is having starting issues. The glow plug indicator lit up several months ago (occasional), and last week, all 6 glow plugs and the module were changed. The car was driven ~800 miles after that w/ no problems.

This morning, the car will crank but not start. Finally, after several attempts, the car battery died.

It's pretty cold in MN...could this be related?
Low battery?

Any suggestions? I really appreciate the help, as the car is sitting dead in the driveway. :-/

kajtek1

"Pretty cold" is very unprecise technical description, but those engines should start at -25F.
First question is do you have winter blend fuel and is it still in liquid stage?

Isentropic

Thank you. It was -34°F yesterday. With the windchill, and the cars being outside, I would predict the effective temperature to be approximately -40°F. Could this be the reason? I do use a winter blend of diesel fuel.

I don't have a block heater either. Thanks much for the help.

Isentropic

Any help or feedback or suggestions are appreciated, please!

It's sitting ducks on the driveway. The temp is 9 F now, and I've jump starting it with another car, and it still won't start.

kajtek1

If you have scanner handy, try to scan for codes, but -34F sure calls for block heater.
Did you check the fuel?
If it gelled at -34F, it will take long time at -9F to become liquid again.

Isentropic

I will go ahead and pull codes. Hopefully, the codes are the same for both gas and diesel cars. I'll also wait a bit for things to warm up this week.

Is there a way to check whether there's fuel pressure, or if the fuel pump is working?

Thanks much.

kajtek1

SD should read high fuel pressure, but I don't own scanner, so this is 2nd hand knowledge.
But your engine should have couple clear tubings on low pressure side, what should let you observe fuel flow.
You can always pull fuel filter and shake it so see what is inside.
Make sure you wear warm gloves.

Isentropic

Thank you. I wonder if it's due to glow plugs. The 6 original plugs were replaced with Bosch 80050 plugs, along with a new controller (doesn't MB use the 7V, while Jeep CRD uses 4V?). But I read somewhere that Bosch plugs are 4.4V rated, whereas the NGK ones are 7V.

Could this a potential issue?
Thanks

mtrevelino

You need to get your car in a garage for a couple of days. A heated garage would be ideal. I am thinking it is a fuel issue, it has gelled. As others have said it should start with no problems even without the glow plugs working correctly.
Mike T

Isentropic

Thank you! Miraculously, the car finally started yesterday, when it warmed up a bit above 10F. I primarily use winterized diesel fuel in MN, but perhaps it still partially gelled, as you guys mentioned.

Glad to know it's not a fuel pump, CPS, or other expensive issue...hopefully :-)

Drove it around 30 miles!

I will still try to replace the Bosch glow plugs with NGK ones. Something tells me there's some issue with the Bosch...maybe others had some experience.

Thanks tremendously for the advice!

mtrevelino

I am glad your car started. I see that the NGK 7V glow plug is OEM. If you pull one of the Bosch plugs, it will have the voltage marked on it. Even with the wrong glow plugs, the controller will think they are correct and the glow plug light works the same.
Mike T.

cetialpha5

Windchill means nothing to inanimate objects like cars. The windchill refers to what it would feel like on exposed skin. As cars don't have skin, it doesn't matter how hard it blows, the only difference would be how quickly the car reaches current ambient temperature.

Isentropic

Yes, I looked at the NGK glow plugs, and they mentioned 7 V on the side. I cannot recall exactly, but I think the Bosch are 4.4V. Maybe, this may be a problem. I haven't taken out the Bosch plugs yet, but included a pic of the box.

mtrevelino

I did not explain very good in my last post. With the wrong glow plugs installed, you definitely will have problems starting your vehicle, but the glow plug light will act like the correct plugs are installed.
Mike T.

Isentropic

That makes sense. I assume my glow plug controller voltage is 7 V. That's what the previous glow plugs were rated for also. Thanks much.