Cold start idle

[SilasStingy]

Now when the mornings are getting colder I've started to notice this uneven idling when starting the car. It will stay like this until the engine gets warm.
Something I need to worry about?
(It's around 5ºC in the night)

Here is a clip of the RPM: (The engine noise seems to be a lot worse in this clip, sounds fine apart from the RPM jumping up and down...)

https://youtu.be/ZCE0G6ic5lI

 

[jonela]

Bit lumpy, What year is your's, has it got the 14 or 16 pin diagnostic plug ?

 

[SilasStingy]

It's a 2000 model. Don't know about the diagnostic plug.

 

[jonela]

It sounds like it could be a fuel filter problem ,check this first.
Take a look at this thread it's always worth setting up and it's there if you need it,John:thumbs
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21534

 

[rustic]

Normally cold start running will be one or two glow plugs have failed, there is a down load on how to test them.
They don't last forever, a few years.
:thumb2

 

[SilasStingy]

Normally cold start running will be one or two glow plugs have failed, there is a down load on how to test them.
They don't last forever, a few years.
:thumb2

I will check this in the evening!

The fuel filter is recently changed.

 

[Banshee]

Plugs without doubt!!!

Get the jump leads on it and see if they glow, if they don't they are goosed!!!

This is how they should look;

http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showpost.php?p=271563&postcount=27

 

[rustic]

I will check this in the evening!

The fuel filter is recently changed.

Was it running rough before the fuel filter change?
If so.... glow plugs...
If not... then you have introduced an air leak at the filter, often caused by low cost fuel filters.

 

[SilasStingy]

Was it running rough before the fuel filter change?
If so.... glow plugs...
If not... then you have introduced an air leak at the filter, often caused by low cost fuel filters.

I changed the filter in July and everything has been working fine. Just now the past week it's been starting to do this, along with the colder weather.

 

[rustic]

I changed the filter in July and everything has been working fine. Just now the past week it's been starting to do this, along with the colder weather.

Yes most likely glow plugs.
Be aware, there are two types of glow plugs, one for the earlier Td's and one for the later Tdi's .
Make sure you get the right one. Soak the thread in a suitable release oil, plusgas or WD40 etc
Use a "T" bar to undo them, a standard wrench can put a side force on them, and they can snap...

 

[briggie]

if I remember correctly ( I doubt it lol ) solarman 216 ( rick ) said avoid ceramic tipped glow plugs ...... but I could be wrong

 

[rustic]

if I remember correctly ( I doubt it lol ) solarman 216 ( rick ) said avoid ceramic tipped glow plugs ...... but I could be wrong

I think you are right.:thumb2
I use NGK.
If you buy from Milners, I'm not sure which brand they will offer you... and neither are they lol
:lol
I guess you could ask.

 

[Madmark]

Doubt full in my experience it's glow plugs I bought my truck 18months ago and with in a few days I wanted to service it, when I came accross a snapped glow plug, its snapped level with head so cant remove it. Its still like it now and starts every morning perfect. I have spare head standing by as it will at some point fail and will have to bite the bullet and have a go at removing it as if ain't broke don't fix is the theory at moment

 

[SilasStingy]

Okey, so been testing the plugs and here are the results:
1, 0.8
2, 0.7
3, 0.7
4, 0.9

Cleaned the electric plugs and checked the cables. Problem is still there...
There is a noticeable different when I place the gearbox in N. (auto) it gets better. In P or any other gear it will be worse.

Can it have something to do with the MAF?

 

[solarman216]

Okey, so been testing the plugs and here are the results:
1, 0.8
2, 0.7
3, 0.7
4, 0.9

Cleaned the electric plugs and checked the cables. Problem is still there...
There is a noticeable different when I place the gearbox in N. (auto) it gets better. In P or any other gear it will be worse.

Can it have something to do with the MAF?

yes it could but iirc yours is Bosch, all you can do with that is use a non contact switch cleaner and let it dry naturally for a couple of hours before re fitting, or substitution from say a mates motor, Rick

 

[SilasStingy]

yes it could but iirc yours is Bosch, all you can do with that is use a non contact switch cleaner and let it dry naturally for a couple of hours before re fitting, or substitution from say a mates motor, Rick

I've got the hitachi system. I will try to clean it and see. To few around here with a Terrano, seen one or two but unfortunately not any I know.

 

[solarman216]

I've got the hitachi system. I will try to clean it and see. To few around here with a Terrano, seen one or two but unfortunately not any I know.

OK cotton bud dipped in spirit very gently wipe the two wires, they are spiral wound on a ceramic core, on the inlet side it will probably be black with debris, Rick

 

[Madmark]

Have you checked gear box oil level?

 

[SilasStingy]

Have you checked gear box oil level?

The level it self is as far as my knowledge goes ok (which isn't far with gearboxes). The gearbox in general is a bit unpredictable and I wouldn't be surprised if it has something to do with this problem.

This night I plugged in the engine heater so it was warm in the morning, the problem was still there even though.
Maybe the gearbox oil is bad? =
The engine has trouble turning the gearbox when idling because it's cold. Maybe that's why it get better when putting it in N?

I'm puzzled

 

[jims-terrano]

Sorry this may be a long shot but it's not the starter motor getting lazy is it? (Wearing out).