NT 3.2 DID Cold Start Strugge

[nidstein]

Hi all,

Hoping you can assist, I have a 2010 NT 3.2 DID Pajero, it has about 105,000km on it now. I do most of the servicing myself and get bigger and more specialised jobs done at local mechanics.

Recently did a major service, all oils and filters (including A/T transmission) and had the mechanics do the valve set.

Recently, during colder weather, the Pajero takes a few extra cranks to turn over, wondering if anyone has any experience or ideas on what may be causing this? Starts fine once it has warmed up or even after it has been started for the day.

Always use good quality oils (Penrite) and it is well looked after.

The battery was to flat to crank the car recently, but after filling the battery with water and charging, it was fine. Is it something as small as just the battery maybe not having enough charge after been run flat?

Appreciate the help.

Cheers guys !

[kerway]

How old is the battery? My original battery lasted about 24months before it started struggling. Take it to a battery place / auto electrician and get it tested. I think you'll find this will be your problem. If you're in the NRMA, they can do it for you.
kerway

[nidstein]

Hi Kerway,

It has been in the car since I bought it, which is probably a bit over 2 years ago now. The battery appears new but wouldn't know exactly when it was put in.

[kerway]

Is there a date on it and what size is it? The original batteries were way too small. If it's been in the car over 2 years, then there's a good chance it's on it's way out. I'm now on my 3rd battery. I would prefer to spend the few hundred bucks when it gets sluggish and know my Paj will start when I want it to start. Get it checked. It's an easy check and usually free. It'll at least rule out the battery.

[spot01]

The battery may be the issue if it cranks slower than normal, but unlikely if it cranks fast. They don't like being run flat without water, so a load test as suggested may be worthwhile for peace of mind.

Another possibility is the mechanics may have disturbed or left off a glow plug wire when adjusting the valves, as they have to do a lot of work in that area. Check or get them to check everything is OK with the glow plug connections. Also, try a cold start without "glowing", ie, turn the key fully to start without waiting for the glow light to go out - if this takes longer to start than when "glowing", then at least some glow plugs are working. If no longer, check the fusible link for the glow plugs (near the battery).

[Ian H]

I replaced my original battery after two years as others have suggested. It was getting a bit sluggish and then one day it didn't crank at all. It was on a road trip so once we jump started the car, I got a new Exide HD battery installed at the next major town. Cost about $240 but well worth the peace of mind. A mate had the same issue in his NW.

I agree with the comment about replacing it sooner rather than later.

[BruceandBobbi]

Is the starter motor struggling or is it turning over normally?

We recently had starting troubles as the weather became cooler. Replaced the battery as it was going on three years old. No difference. Turned out to be glow plugs.

Only replaced three as one snapped. Replacing them is not for the faint hearted. Starts no problem on three.

[Paj11]

Hi Kerway,

It has been in the car since I bought it, which is probably a bit over 2 years ago now. The battery appears new but wouldn't know exactly when it was put in.

Whats the CCA of the battery? when its colder the car may take a crank or two more to start than when warm, batteries only generally last max 3 years these days so it may be on its last legs, especially if your battery has a lower CCA, the 3.2 is a big motor.

[stevemc181]

Check the glowplug fusible link which can be found as per the pic below.

https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=436536&postcount=22

The coil light will still light up on the dash whether its working or not. There have been a few reports of this blowing after valve clearances have been done after the mechanics have accidentally shorted something out.

[Morville]

Our daughter's NW is also taking longer to start when cold compared to our NW and cranking speeds seem about the same. I have tried to see voltage on the bus rail with a multimeter, but there is should only be voltage there when the engine is cold which I haven't been able check cold yet. She will be leaving it here overnight next week so I can check then.
Thanks Steve for the fusible link location, Can anyone tell me the location of the glowplug relay to check that? Does anyone know the resistance of good glowplugs to check if they are still good?
Peter

[stevemc181]

Thanks Steve for the fusible link location, Can anyone tell me the location of the glowplug relay to check that? Does anyone know the resistance of good glowplugs to check if they are still good?
Peter

No worrys Fred

The relay is under the battery tray according to this post. https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum...ad.php?t=52968

[Allan2]

Check where the power lead connects with the first glow plug there have been reports of loose and dirty connections there.
Allan

[willymacca]

I had this problem with my nw. i removed the black cover from the top of the motor and near the injectors is the power supply cable to the glow plugs. The cable lug and the stud it was connected to had made a bad connection [hot joint] and thus was not allowing a good current flow to the glow plug. Undid the connection replaced the lug [crimped and soldered it] cleaned up the connection, reattached lug to stud firmly and no problems starting in the cold weather. Hope this helps.