Technical Glow plug warning light
- Thread starter zerominor
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Technical Glow plug warning light
Others with this model will be able to advise better, however I suspect your Ducato 2.8 has only a basic diagnostic 3 pin? connector not OBD .
So it may be worth speaking to Gendan online who supply MES type Diagnostics along with the correct 3 pin? connector, which many on Forum can advise you with the use of.
I had similar age Iveco Daily's with that engine and no available diagnostics at the time and on those the injector light would flash as a warning of errors.
One time I saw it flashing and realised the ignition key had fallen out of the worn switch, meaning the immobiliser chip couldn't be read, fortunately they were designed not to stop the engine when actually running as this could be dangerous, so I just reinserted it..
However some on Forum have advised that the immobiliser signal connections can benefit from cleaning etc. so it may be worth checking that side or ensuring you have a spare key that works.
Until the error code is read using a suitable diagnostic tool I would only be guessing though.
Communicator
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I am sorry but a 1999 2.8 Ducato will be either a 2.8D, or a 2.8idTD. I would not expect either of these to have an OBD port as they do not have an engine electronic control unit (ECU). As an exception to that, I have read that when EGR was fitted, a basic ECU was fitted to manage the EGR function.
Further the 2.8idTD, and probably the 2.8D did not use glowplugs in the normal fashion. A flame or thermal starter was used instead. My guess is that the controller for the flame starter could be a simple timer to apply current to the single glowplug which is mounted on the inlet manifold, and operate the associated diesel solenoid valve. The timer would be initiated with ignition on, and cancelled on starting, with perhaps a small delay? It ia also conceivable that the timer was able to sense ambient or engine temperature. I think that I have seen a photo of the device on forum, but where?
For more info on the flame starter follow this link to Motor Roam website.
As regards the reported problem, I can only speculate that the flame starter control unit has either developed a fault, or there is a faulty connection to it.
Further the 2.8idTD, and probably the 2.8D did not use glowplugs in the normal fashion. A flame or thermal starter was used instead. My guess is that the controller for the flame starter could be a simple timer to apply current to the single glowplug which is mounted on the inlet manifold, and operate the associated diesel solenoid valve. The timer would be initiated with ignition on, and cancelled on starting, with perhaps a small delay? It ia also conceivable that the timer was able to sense ambient or engine temperature. I think that I have seen a photo of the device on forum, but where?
For more info on the flame starter follow this link to Motor Roam website.
As regards the reported problem, I can only speculate that the flame starter control unit has either developed a fault, or there is a faulty connection to it.
Thanks for your advice @Communicator, do you have any thoughts on the 3 pin? port for error reading and whether it would be of use in this circumstance?
I know on my Iveco's there was some use but as it was a long time ago there were few cheaper ways of reading them until OBD and EOBD came along, especially as van builders were not legally obliged to offer OBD support as early as the cars builders.
Communicator
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If there is no ECU, then no conventional OBD port to read codes from. Having said that, the x230 2.0jtd, 2.3jtd, and 2.8jtd will have the 3pin OBD port, which should allow reading of all applicable engine codes. I have also seen mention of the x230 having a separate 3 pin port hidden in the dashboard, but I cannot remember whether this was for the airbag system, or ABS.Thanks for your advice @Communicator, do you have any thoughts on the 3 pin? port for error reading and whether it would be of use in this circumstance?
I know on my Iveco's there was some use but as it was a long time ago there were few cheaper ways of reading them until OBD and EOBD came along, especially as van builders were not legally obliged to offer OBD support as early as the cars builders.
Do you think it is the basic immobiliser system warning light?
Communicator
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I doubt that it would be, but I am not familiar with the x230 warning lights.
Thank you guys for your help
My engine is the 2.8 tdi . I like the idea of a obd fitment. It’s not the immobiliser as I’ve deleted it. Unfortunately the camper is in storage at the moment so I can’t investigate the fault. I’ll post with any cure.
My engine is the 2.8 tdi . I like the idea of a obd fitment. It’s not the immobiliser as I’ve deleted it. Unfortunately the camper is in storage at the moment so I can’t investigate the fault. I’ll post with any cure.
Any update on this?Thank you guys for your help
My engine is the 2.8 tdi . I like the idea of a obd fitment. It’s not the immobiliser as I’ve deleted it. Unfortunately the camper is in storage at the moment so I can’t investigate the fault. I’ll post with any cure.
I've got a 2.8 idtd 1999 with flickering of the glowplug light and clicking of the relay. Previous owner said it had been happening since the reversing camera was fitted which is what the owner prior to him had passed on. It's been running fine for the past year since I've had it, but it's rather annoying so would like to try and fix it if possible.
I would disconnect the reversing camera as a test, live and earthing points and if it is the answer then rewire the camera better than previous owner
