Paul Doyon

Good days Guys, I'm new to this. I have purchased a 2009 R320 CDI, love it, but i Live in the north. When the cold started, the car started to have a problem starting every morning. The first engine coded that i have got where Glow Plug Module, and glow plug #3. So I have changed all glow plugs and also the module. Nothing has changed.
In the cold morning the car is cranking for a will, then when the engine starts, it stubbles for a good 1 min. then its runs fine.. but if you leave the car park at work for 5 hrs or more, the same things happen. so now im loses. i have read lots of posts, some say the fuel rail may be the problem ??. just trying to find if its something else. I also plug the car in, its the same thing, not much of a change.
Thanks Paul

B34chBum

Two things come to mind, assuming that replacements got rid of the codes:

- Main battery condition - get it load-tested at your parts store.
The glowplugs draw a good deal of energy upfront, and then there's cranking speed.
You want it hitting on all cylinders the first go-round.
I'm not sure if you'd need to remove battery for this, but if so is under the passenger seat.
It may be possible to load test it using the jump-starting post and ground to frame, but you want to be sure of this. ** Maybe someone else will chime in on this?**

- Oil viscosity - you may want an 0W-30 oil during the winter, depending on just how low your temperatures get.

It's also possible you got a bad glow plug (or two!).
A quick verification is in order if you didn't before installing - they should all have nearly identical resistance I think between .5 and 1 Ohm.
Test without pulling them by pulling the leads, and test from top of plug to ground/engine head.

Good luck!

Paul Doyon

Here is the up date. i have replace the battery, tested all glow plugs. plugs are good. still have the same problem. hard to start, its like the glow plugs are not gething power or not long enought to light up. glow plugs are brand new also, and module also, can a reay cause this. ??????? when it started it stumbles, thanks

if anyone can help me.

B34chBum

Hmm,.. just a shot in the dark-
Is possible to get the wrong voltage glow plugs since so many applications for his motor (Jeep, Sprinter, MB cars).
If previous owner had put the wrong ones in, and you just matched what you found on the motor you might still have wrong ones.

They should be 7 volt NGK CZ303 , not aware of any other manufacturers.
OEM part number: 0011596601

Also, if cranking speed is too slow even with new battery:

• Check starter and ground connections first. (Motor electrical strap, body connections, and terminals on the starter and solenoid)
• If the cables and connections are good / clean, perhaps starter is getting weak.

Cable wire condition, clean connections much more important the colder it gets.
This motor wants to draw a Lot of power at startup.
I would guess it needs 2-300 RPM but solid so all cylinders light off.
I mention the starter because is 9 years (winters!) old - if it was used in winter a lot maybe this is it.

Good luck

Paul Doyon

the glow plugs are from the dealer, but the module its from rock auto.
ill check on the starter voltage.
ill at ground and power also.

its getting colder, and more hard starts. il have to record what it sounds like.

paul d

Paul Doyon

does anyone ever hade this code 143800????