Engine Cuts Out

[Snowflame]

I have just purchased a Mondeo TDCi 130bhp - 2002 model.  On several occasions after starting the engine from cold it has cut out after just going a few yards.  This happened twice today - again after starting from cold.  When the engine warms up it is OK.  I have had 2 diesels in the past and this has never happened.  Any ideas what's causing this?

[KebabMeister]

It could be a couple of reasons.  Since the engine is okay when it's warm and that it is a diesel I would look at possible problems with either the glow plugs or the injection pump timing.  The latter I think is mechanical still and I wouldn't imagine that going wrong so soon - it basically advances the timing to give the engine a bit more power when it's cold.  Once warm timing is put back to normal.  I can't remember what actually controls this, it could be a temperature sender of some kind.  Check to see if there are any loose wires around the injection pump.  If you don't know what an injection pump looks like then it looks like a large mechanical distributor and normally at the front of the engine.  They'll be a lot of pipes coming out of it.

The other thing it might be is the glow plugs.  However the engine is starting, so it's unusual that it could be this.  You can still check though.  They're basically little plugs, they look like tiny spark plugs, and they go into the engine to heat the combustion chamber/incoming cold air.  They're usually connected to each other by a large heavy gauge wire.  Only thing you can do is check that the wire is okay.  Have a look in the owners manual and see if there are any fuses or relays that operate this circuit.  There may even be a heavy duty fuse under the bonnet.

 

Let me know if you find anything!

[KebabMeister]

I forgot to mention, when switching the ignition on, ensure the glow plug lamp illuminates and then goes out.  If it's not illuminating then there may be a fault on the circuit.

Also when the engine is HOT give it a really good thrashing.  As long as there are no oil leaks/coolant leaks onto the cambelt it is safe to thrash since there is a governor on the injection pump to prevent the engine from over revving.  By thrashing the engine it will help clean out all the soot inside the engine and exhaust. Just blip the throttle to full a few times. This will help if you've only been using it for short runs.

 

Only try this if you know your engine is in perfectly running order!

[Snowflame]

Thanks KebabMeister.

It happened again this AM but more concerning it was after I had done about 8 miles when excellerating off a roundabout. Also I noticed for the second time that the glow plug indicater continued to flash up until I restarted the car. 

[v64paul]

 not good news i'm afraid. hopefully your car is covered by some form of warranty. its a known issue with the tdci and it is connected with the engine management system. the glow plug light seems to be the key factor here as they all seem to follow the same pattern. contact your dealer as there is a modification avaialable. what i will say is that if the engine is running ok then you may well get off with a small bill if any. try this site

www.fordmondeo.org     its the mondeo enthuiasts group and has a good technical information section long answer but hope it helps

[jodygeorge]

I have a TDCi 115bhp 2002 estate, at startup it doesn't cut out but keeps revving erraticly until it warms up. Is this the same problem?