MSAB51

My 2008 E320 bluetec is showing start problems now at 120k miles. The car would start instantly before, even at -30 to -40 C (Minnesota and Ontario winter) previously. But recently, even at reasonably warm temperatures (10-20 C) it would need multiple cranks, show the ignition and check engine error lights. Codes shown have been p0671, p0673 (glow plugs) and p0670 (glow plug module) at different instances. But they all go away and the car runs great the rest of the day, often for a few days, until the problem shows again. Is this intermittent problem due to the glow plugs or module or is it a problem somewhere else such as a weak battery (still original battery) etc. Should I just change the glow plug module or also all the glow plugs? I don't want to be stranded in the cold winter. Is changing the glow plugs and module easy DIY? I usually have been doing most regular maintenance myself and have the tools. Thank you very much for suggestions.

Plutoe

You car was built with excellent diagnostics and the diagnostics are telling you certain components are faulty---why not start by changing all the glow plugs and leave the control module until much later.

Yes, the glow plugs are a DIY,however I would suggest that you do loads of reading on the subject before you proceed because the prep work is just as important as the removal steps---patience

marc hanna

If you have a Canadian car, you likely have a block heater installed. In the meantime while you're waiting to get your glow plugs replaced, you can just buy the power cord for the heater and plug in your car a few hours before you need to make a trip and it should start fine.

f4i 954

you might need glow plugs, easy test, but i am pretty sure you need a module, the original ones are known to fail (larger unit), they have been updated since to a much smaller unit

marc hanna

I don't disagree, but the glow plugs should be changed anyway, so the OP can start there and if that solves the problem, great, if not, then he can do the control module too.

Just my opinion.

f4i 954

why replace them and spend money if thats not the problem??? just saying, takes 5 minutes to test them, they are not $1.00 glow plugs, i am not saying he does not need them, all i am saying is that he should test them first

marc hanna

At a 120,000 miles they're starting to run the risk of getting seized in there, so even if they're fully operational, they should be replaced. It's a preventative maintenance thing. Unless the OP has had them changed already, they need to done, or else he/she is running the risk of a much more serious repair job.

I'm just saying, it's a must-do preventative repair anyway . . .

marc hanna

BTW - you can get the glow plugs for about $12 each.

f4i 954

Ok

MSAB51

Thank you all very much for your suggestions. Having read about this possible glow plug failure issue, I bought the glow plugs a few months ago, but have been lazy in getting them changed before winter, especially since it was only an intermittent issue. I will change both the glow plugs and module, just to be on the safer side, since I drive a lot.

MSAB51

No, I bought mine from Texas. I am not sure if it has a block heater.

MSAB51

Thank you for the suggestion. I have the WIS on this. Is there a step by step instruction link you may know from someone that has done this and posted. I could not find one. Thank you. Much appreciated.

MSAB51

Someone had posted a link for the module from an online MB parts. How can I make sure that I am buying the new ones. Hard to tell from the pictures. Do you have the part number for the smaller new one? Thank you.

MSAB51

Where did you get that deal? The cheapest price I found when I had ordered these were 120$ for six Bosch glowplugs from Rockauto (https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/mor...472&cc=1440489) or the NGK ones [NGK (CZ303) Diesel Glow Plug] for 45$ each on amazon.

MSAB51

Good point, step by step with the thing that definitely needs replacement after certain mileage (glow plugs for this example). Also, if it was a module issue, I am assuming it should not have disappeared altogether. It appears the module is being secondarily affected by the faulty glow plugs.

f4i 954

I don't know the part number, but the updated one is a lot smaller.
I have not checked the link you suggested on how to do them, just remember to remove them with a hot engine.

MSAB51

I am assuming hot engine to make sure the seized plugs are easier to remove. Right? Will do. Thank you.

f4i 954

they just come out much easier, you better hope they are not seized, i have seen some brake, lets just say, not a fun job.

remove anything you can that won't stop you from running the engine, warm up the engine, crack them loose, remove them, clean up, have a drink as the engine cools down, install the new ones with a cold engine.

cmriv

glow plugs for 12 bucks? Where they do that at?!?!?

Hommie is correct, replace your glow plugs before you need a new engine.

I read in another thread from a member that stated, "I will never replace my spark plugs"... Like bro, W-T-F is wrong with you. You need to be riding a bicycle then....

I agree with the phrase if it isn't broke don't fix it however in this case replacement is needed for safe measures now-and in the future, sure you have pending codes for your glow plugs, you most likely need both, module and glow plugs... Bite the bullet and start sleeper better at night knowing when you wake up and its snowing you isshh will fire right up.

cmriv

soak them in pb blaster. and use the correct tool or socket, swivel, to remove them.

marc hanna

Rockauto.com baby $12.75 CAD, so like 10 bucks US.

marc hanna

. . . or transmission fluid cut 50/50 with acetone.

MSAB51

Just to let everyone know - apparently the cheaper glow plugs from Bosch etc. are not the same as the more expensive NGK or OEM glow plugs. The Bosch glow plugs are 4.4 V whereas the NGK or OEM ones are 7 V. I replaced with the Bosch glow plugs initially, but the check engine light stayed on and the car won't start on a very cold day. Now replacing with the NGKs.

MSAB51

http://www.partcat.com/ngk

MSAB51

http://www.boschsparkplugs.net/product.aspx?zpid=26131