P38A P38 2.5 DT FIP

Hi guys had hot fix box replaced today glow plug light on dash working as it should when cold but when the engine gets warm glow plug lights not coming on (which the hot fix box is supposed to cure or was the case with the old one) anyway went to pick the RR up from garage and guy seems to think the FIP is knackered it's a Bosch unit, 158,000 miles on clock still drives well would appreciate any advise on what my next step should be it's a T Reg 1999 thanks in anticipation

Glow plug activation is temperature dependent. Engine ECU switches glow circuit on subject to temp reading from ECU temp sensor. When engine is cold glows come on when it's hot they don't. Hot fix tricks engine ECU into thinking engine is cold when it is hot, and ECU puts glows on. Have the static timing checked. If a new hot fix has been fitted and glows do not come on when hot, it has not been fitted correctly or is faulty.

Many thanks wammers I will get them both things checked please forgive my ignorance but what is static timing also would it be advisable to have the temp sensor checked out? The guy in the garage seems to think there is electronics connected with the FIP that may not be working

Peter Logan said:

Many thanks wammers I will get them both things checked please forgive my ignorance but what is static timing also would it be advisable to have the temp sensor checked out? The guy in the garage seems to think there is electronics connected with the FIP that may not be working

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If hot start is disconnected and glows come on with engine cold but will not come on with engine hot i would think the sensor is fine. Static timing is the initial injection pump timing. Your mechanic will need to know what he is doing and use special tools to check it. Static can become retarded as timing chains stretch and cause starting problems when engine is hot. The hot fix overcomes this by tricking the ECU into setting cold start fuel and switching on glow plugs.

Many thanks I'll make sure the hot fix has been fitted correctly think I need to find a mechanic more familiar with the p38 Diesel engine I'm in Liverpool there is an independent LR garage close by but they won't go near the p38s said they are too much trouble?? It' becomes a bit of an obsession once you've owned one though

Would a good BMW indie not be OK for setting static timing? I assume that it's the same setup on the BMW cars.

When I fitted hot start fix kit to mine other year it came with clear instructions what wire went where, pretty easy to remove 2 screws take top off engine ecu box and check it out.

Many thanks for your reply's some great advice will follow all suggestions up and repost results as soon as

When he gets back from warmer climates @tomcat59alan may well be able to recommend a good indie round that area.

Maghull 4x4 section lane, only did a search and have no idea if they'll do the bus. I remember years ago there was an indy Landover workshop there. Back in the 90's... Maybe it's the same business but now bigger? Worth a shot..?

brianp38dse said:

When he gets back from warmer climates @tomcat59alan may well be able to recommend a good indie round that area.

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Thanks Brian where about does he live ?

Mark Piercy said:

Maghull 4x4 section lane, only did a search and have no idea if they'll do the bus. I remember years ago there was an indy Landover workshop there. Back in the 90's... Maybe it's the same business but now bigger? Worth a shot..?

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Thanks Mark will have a look

Peter Logan said:

Thanks Brian where about does he live ?

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His location says the Wirrol

johnnycrash lives near St. Helens and used to have a Nanocom for the P38 diesel. He could easily give an idea if the static is massively out. He's had his FIP out a few times too so could probably time it or will know someone decent if he is too busy. Not seen on here in ages but @The Mad Hat Man probably knows how to get hold of him, or @blue beasty perhaps.

brianp38dse said:

His location says the Wirrol

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Cheers brian

Grrrrrr said:

johnnycrash lives near St. Helens and used to have a Nanocom for the P38 diesel. He could easily give an idea if the static is massively out. He's had his FIP out a few times too so could probably time it or will know someone decent if he is too busy. Not seen on here in ages but @The Mad Hat Man probably knows how to get hold of him, or @blue beasty perhaps.

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Thanks Grrrrrr will look him up

Further update to my hot starting issue used the truck yesterday and today glow plug light working as it should when cold and when warm no glow plug light but truck starting now when warm still going to have the static timing checked over any thoughts on this ???

Peter Logan said:

Further update to my hot starting issue used the truck yesterday and today glow plug light working as it should when cold and when warm no glow plug light but truck starting now when warm still going to have the static timing checked over any thoughts on this ???

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Don't call it a truck... Run and hide!!!