2005 d5 185 glow plug issue

[Tommyzoom85]

My engine has struggled to start from cold since i have bought it around 5 months ago. I assumed it was probably a glow plug issue. So i changed them all (bosch brand new from europarts) its made no difference whatsoever. Now today i checked under the bonnet for the relay plug. It turns out there isn't one in the place where the diagram tells me its meant to be? Theres an empty space for a relay plug to be plugged in. I removed one from another space and tried inserting it in the glow plug one. It turns out that theres no metal inside where the relay plugs in so there's no actual connection. Ive also had a bulb meter into the glow plug cap that pushes onto the glow plug and turned the ignition on and it doesn't light up? Could someone please tell me why theres no relay in place and how i can resolve this issue? Thanks

[Tommyzoom85]

I must add, it starts fine when its hit and been running

[XC70Bob]

Hi

A bit research on the wiring diagrams shows 2005/2006 diesel should use a relay to control the glow plugs located in the engine bay fuse box
but in 2007 it was changed and the relay was replaced with the GCU ( glow plug control unit ? )

So its a bit odd that you don't have the relay wiring are you sure the connections are not in the fuse box may be pushed down out of sight ?

[Tommyzoom85]

Originally Posted by XC70Bob

Hi

A bit research on the wiring diagrams shows 2005/2006 diesel should use a relay to control the glow plugs located in the engine bay fuse box
but in 2007 it was changed and the relay was replaced with the GCU ( glow plug control unit ? )

So its a bit odd that you don't have the relay wiring are you sure the connections are not in the fuse box may be pushed down out of sight ?

Hi, im 100% certain that the relay box doesn't exist where its shown its meant to be. The terminal connections where the box plugs into arent there. The relay box just drops into the socket

[davebb]

HI when you tested the power for the glow pugs,
what was the engine / outside temperature , the glow plugs will only be switched on at about 7c I am not to shore on the temp ,
so that my be why you have now power reading
get some one with vida to activate it for you or do the test when it is about 5c
Dave

[Tommyzoom85]

Hi, regardless of the temperature outside, there is no relay for the glowplugs. There is a socket for which to be a relay to inserted, however, when a relay is inserted in the space specified for the glowplugs, there is no connection . Its metal onto plastic. This is what is baffling me

[AndyB06]

Originally Posted by Tommyzoom85

My engine has struggled to start from cold since i have bought it around 5 months ago. I assumed it was probably a glow plug issue

Glow plugs are only used when the ambient temperature is 7 degrees or below, so are unlikely to be the source of your cold starting issues. Poor cold starting has many possible causes.

You need to gather some data from a cold start - rpm, maf, fuel rail pressure and battery voltage are a good place to start. You can use an ELM327 reader device and connect this to an app, on a tablet or phone, to log data.

[Willow place]

My glow plugs are activating NOW, i changed the Coolant Temperature Sensor,and that is above 5-7c , but I have found my starting problem was the Fuel filter !! So much for a Volvo service !! They told me they did not change it because it was still within the mileage limit ! ?

[cumbrianvolvo]

I have a similar issue, I have a Volvo V70 D5 2003. It has done only 270K and is very smooth. I had the glow plugs changed and battery last year. My car fails to start when cold I think it is the relay. But I cannot find it. In the fuse box (engine bay) there are numerous relays (not sure if this is the right place to look).

Can someone please tell me where it is , I have scoured the net for months and you guys are my last hope

Thank you Martin

[XC70Bob]

As requested