Glowplug relay buzzing when ignition switched on - car won't start
1997 Peugeot 306 1.9 D Turbo
Car: Peugeot 306
Year: 1997
Variant: 1.9 D Turbo
Year: 1997
Variant: 1.9 D Turbo
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hi all,
Car was a little hesitant to start (as in, I could hear the relays clicking once or twice as the engine turned over.) After running about 2 miles and filling with diesel, the car refused to start - just clicking the starter relay when I turned the key, and the dash lights dimmed. Fitted a new battery and car still won't start - sometimes hear the solenoid click, sometimes not... but when I turn the ignition on, there's a black box bolted to the rear panel of the battery box that starts buzzing like crazy. I believe this is the preheat/glowplug controller - and looking on the dash, I don't get the glowplug light coming on...
Things I can think of:
(1) New battery is dodgy? I'm getting 12v off it, but haven't yet done a proper load test - however, it works the lights and electic windows fine...
(2) Immobiliser has cut in when the battery was changed? I'm not sure whay symptoms this would have, as this is my 1st ever Pug - when I turn the key to start, the dash lights dim slightly, and sometimes (not always) I can hear the solenoid click...
(3)Bad earth(s) disturbed when changing the battery - as far as I can see, everyhing's secure and making good contact - I'll check tonight with a multimeter.
Any other thoughts and suggestions please?
Thanks
Fester
Car was a little hesitant to start (as in, I could hear the relays clicking once or twice as the engine turned over.) After running about 2 miles and filling with diesel, the car refused to start - just clicking the starter relay when I turned the key, and the dash lights dimmed. Fitted a new battery and car still won't start - sometimes hear the solenoid click, sometimes not... but when I turn the ignition on, there's a black box bolted to the rear panel of the battery box that starts buzzing like crazy. I believe this is the preheat/glowplug controller - and looking on the dash, I don't get the glowplug light coming on...
Things I can think of:
(1) New battery is dodgy? I'm getting 12v off it, but haven't yet done a proper load test - however, it works the lights and electic windows fine...
(2) Immobiliser has cut in when the battery was changed? I'm not sure whay symptoms this would have, as this is my 1st ever Pug - when I turn the key to start, the dash lights dim slightly, and sometimes (not always) I can hear the solenoid click...
(3)Bad earth(s) disturbed when changing the battery - as far as I can see, everyhing's secure and making good contact - I'll check tonight with a multimeter.
Any other thoughts and suggestions please?
Thanks
Fester
Problem added: Sep 13, 2011 (12 years ago)
does the glowplug light come on when ignition turned on?
is it the starter motor or the started motor relay that clicks when trying to start?
does the engine turn over?
when a relay buzzes it usually means that there is a high resistance in the circuit before the power gets to the relay. this causes not enough power to get to the relay therefore the relay cant stay on. therefore the buzzing is produced by the relay going on and off very quickly because when it gets activated it cant stay on because of power restriction so turns off but it will still be getting power so it tries to turn on again and will keep doing this. i would check the voltage going to the relay from the ignition live and the constant live. i dont know the terminal numbers as all cars are different. but i would only do this if the engine does turn over and the glow plug light does come on. found someone else with a glowplug fault as well. http://www.peugeotcentral.co.uk/ftopicp-3545.html
usually diesels can start without the glowplugs but take a little extra time. the glowplugs are only there to initially heat the fuel at start up but with enough compression the fuel should heat up enough to start.
is it the starter motor or the started motor relay that clicks when trying to start?
does the engine turn over?
when a relay buzzes it usually means that there is a high resistance in the circuit before the power gets to the relay. this causes not enough power to get to the relay therefore the relay cant stay on. therefore the buzzing is produced by the relay going on and off very quickly because when it gets activated it cant stay on because of power restriction so turns off but it will still be getting power so it tries to turn on again and will keep doing this. i would check the voltage going to the relay from the ignition live and the constant live. i dont know the terminal numbers as all cars are different. but i would only do this if the engine does turn over and the glow plug light does come on. found someone else with a glowplug fault as well. http://www.peugeotcentral.co.uk/ftopicp-3545.html
usually diesels can start without the glowplugs but take a little extra time. the glowplugs are only there to initially heat the fuel at start up but with enough compression the fuel should heat up enough to start.
Answered Sep 14, 2011 (12 years ago)
Delboy was on the right track - turned out that the earth lead from the battery to the gearbox was internally corroded (electrolytic corrosion affects the negative side more)
Strangely, this wasn't apparent with a multimeter until you try the starter - with the increased current, the problem becomes evident!
So, one new earth lead later, in parallel with the existing one for its run between -ve terminal and gearbox, an the starter can now pss enough current to turn. I didn't yet replace the origina learth lead, as it's a "two branch" affair, supplying the car body and the engine/gearbox - but I'm back on the road, and will replace the remainder of the earthing at the weekend.
Cheers,
Fester
Strangely, this wasn't apparent with a multimeter until you try the starter - with the increased current, the problem becomes evident!
So, one new earth lead later, in parallel with the existing one for its run between -ve terminal and gearbox, an the starter can now pss enough current to turn. I didn't yet replace the origina learth lead, as it's a "two branch" affair, supplying the car body and the engine/gearbox - but I'm back on the road, and will replace the remainder of the earthing at the weekend.
Cheers,
Fester
Answered Sep 28, 2011 (12 years ago)
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