Nissan X-Trail (2001 - 2007) - 2003 2.2 Diesel struggles to start in cold weather

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Thu 8 Jan 2009 12:47
2003 2.2 Diesel struggles to start in cold weather - dja1
My 2003 2.2 X Trail Diesel struggles to start in cold weather even though the engine cranks over well. The glow plug light is indicating normally. It starts OK when the weather is above freezing. A friend suggests that the glow plugs may need changing. Any thoughts from anyone?

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 08/01/2009 at 13:02

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 8 Jan 2009 12:50
2003 2.2 X Trail Diesel struggling to start in col - Falkirk Bairn
If the battery charge state is low this could be an issue - check the level of the battery - add distilled water.

Give the car a good run - you may find that the lack of electrolyte is a simple solution.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 8 Jan 2009 13:18
2003 2.2 X Trail Diesel struggling to start in col - adverse camber
I agree with your friend.

If it cranks well then the battery is prob OK. Glow plugs are a likely issue.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 8 Jan 2009 13:46
2003 2.2 X Trail Diesel struggling to start in col - oldnotbold
In the short term, activate the glow plugs on more than one cycle, by turning on the key, wait til the lights go out, turn off, repeat. Even if the plugs are on their way out, three or four tuns should make it a much better starter.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 23 Feb 2009 06:24
2003 2.2 X Trail Diesel struggling to start in col - Kalmer
I have found that in cold weather, if you slowly pump the accelerator pedal fully and slowly for two or three times after the glow plug light has gone out and then turn the key, the engines fires up immediately. Once started you need to gently press the accelerator down to keep the engine going. Otherwise it usually stops and you have to re-start, which it will, but only after cranking for three or 4 seconds. Have found out by trial and error, but no idea why it works that way!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 4 Feb 2011 10:33
2003 2.2 Diesel struggles to start in cold weather - bourney

Have you replaced the fuel filter? on the diesel models they can suffer from moisture in the filter, which freezes, then restrics the flow of diesel. Had the same on my 2004 2.2 but if i could start it, it would run really "lumpy" when accelerating. Try a new filter and fill the filter first with a good diesel injector cleaner...worked wonders on mine!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link