intermitent fault?

[terranobreakershropshire]

hi folks,

a friend has a 1996 tdi with a problem. normally it starts and runs like clockwork. very rarely it just wont start, doesnt even fire just turns over and over. glow plugs are working. it will be ok for up to a couple of months then does it again. anyone seen this before? any ideas? has about 160k on it if that makes any odds.

thanks james

 

[4x4onarret]

wont start

Hi,

Might not be connect to your friends issue but last week I had to fit a new battery to my 1998 TDi.
The similarity is I suffered the same 'turned over but wont start fault' after fitting the new battery.
After much swearing and trouble shooting I think I traced it to the Imobiliser' it had cut in and would not reset after the battery swop.
Maybe your friends has a similar intermittent Imobiliser fault.

Just a thought.

Cheers

Steve

 

[solarman216]

This will almost certainly be a poor electrical connection some place related to fuel pump or glow plugs or even a failing engine management relay, (clicks in but contacts dirty) Rick

 

[zippy656]

Battery terminals can play up

See down load

 

[Kamsin]

I had this with mine...Although i was running on cooking oil. i swapped back to diesel as its a bit colder now and all is good again.

My point is, how old is the fuel filter as this could be restricting the diesel getting to the pump.

If i towed the truck or bump started it, it fired up every time as well.